Understanding your child’s unique personality and talents is a joy for any parent. Within a faith-based context, these unique attributes can often be seen as spiritual gifts, divinely given talents and inclinations that contribute to a larger purpose. Just as each member of a body has a specific function, children, from a young age, display distinct spiritual gifts that can guide their path and service within their community and beyond. Recognizing and nurturing these Childrens Gifts is a vital part of Christian parenting, helping them to understand their calling and potential in God’s plan.
Drawing from the biblical understanding of spiritual gifts, as outlined in passages like 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4, we can explore how these gifts might manifest in children. While lists of spiritual gifts can vary slightly, the core concepts remain consistent. It’s important to remember that these gifts are not always immediately obvious and can unfold as children grow and mature. However, observing their natural inclinations, passions, and even personality traits can offer valuable clues.
Think of spiritual gifts as seeds planted by God within each child. These seeds sprout and grow in different ways, influenced by personality, experiences, and maturity. While personality and spiritual gifts are distinct, they are intertwined. God, in His wisdom, uses our inherent nature to express His divine gifts. It’s an exciting journey to watch a child blossom and see how God works uniquely within them.
It’s also crucial to remember that God often works through our weaknesses and in spite of our perceived limitations. Spiritual gifts are a starting point, a piece of the puzzle in understanding God’s calling for a child’s life, but they are not the entire picture. They offer a wonderful lens through which to begin to see and affirm God’s hand at work in your children.
Let’s explore some of these spiritual gifts and consider how they might appear in children:
Wisdom
This gift is characterized by insightful understanding, especially in practical situations. Children with the gift of wisdom might:
- Offer insightful solutions to everyday problems.
- Act as peacemakers in sibling conflicts or among friends.
- Apply biblical principles to daily life with surprising clarity.
- Demonstrate exceptional “common sense” beyond their years.
Knowledge
Children gifted with knowledge exhibit a love for learning, particularly about faith and spiritual matters. They may:
- Be studious and enjoy delving into religious teachings.
- Ask detailed questions about scripture and seek comprehensive answers.
- Display an innate understanding of spiritual concepts, sometimes surprising their parents.
Faith
This gift is marked by an unwavering trust in God, even from a young age. Children with the gift of faith often:
- Easily trust in God’s promises and provisions.
- Accept teachings about God without excessive questioning, demonstrating a natural belief.
- Remain calm and composed in challenging circumstances, trusting in God’s plan.
- Pray spontaneously and confidently, without anxiety or doubt.
Healing, Miracles, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues
These gifts are often grouped together and are considered more overtly supernatural. While theological views on their prevalence today vary, if a child possesses these gifts, they are likely to be quite evident.
Prophecy
Children with the gift of prophecy are truth-tellers at heart. They may:
- Have a strong sense of truth and honesty, rarely being dishonest.
- Speak truth directly and frankly, sometimes appearing blunt.
- Possess an uncanny ability to get to the core of a matter.
- Offer insights that are convicting and thought-provoking, even to adults.
Apostleship
This gift involves a pioneering spirit and a passion for spreading the message of faith. Children with apostleship may:
- Be full of new ideas and initiatives.
- Love to start new projects and ventures.
- Be creative and innovative in their approach to things.
- Show concern for those who are unfamiliar with their faith.
- Express interest in diverse cultures and people groups.
- Be eager to share their beliefs with others in practical ways.
Teaching
Children gifted in teaching have a natural ability to impart knowledge and understanding to others, especially their peers or younger siblings. They might:
- Enjoy helping younger siblings learn new skills or concepts.
- Be patient and understanding when explaining things.
- Use different methods and examples to clarify ideas.
- Adapt their communication style to suit their audience.
Helps/Service
This gift manifests in a desire to assist and support others in practical ways. Children with helps/service may:
- Find joy in working behind the scenes and supporting group efforts.
- Love to help with practical tasks around the house, like chores.
- Frequently offer assistance and want to participate in adult tasks.
- Actively seek out opportunities to be helpful.
Administration/Leadership
While distinct, administration and leadership often appear together. Children with these gifts may:
- Naturally organize and direct their peers in play or activities (“You do this, you do that”).
- Be idea generators, inspiring others to join in their plans.
- Feel uncomfortable simply following others and prefer to take initiative.
- Appreciate order and organization in their surroundings.
- Be naturally inspiring and motivating to others.
Encouragement/Exhortation
Children gifted in encouragement are natural cheerleaders and motivators. They often:
- Frequently encourage others with phrases like “You can do it!”.
- Focus on the positive qualities in others, even when others struggle to see them.
Giving
This gift is characterized by generosity and a desire to share resources. Children with giving may:
- Be willing, even eager, to share their possessions with others.
- Enjoy contributing to charitable causes or giving offerings.
- Express a desire to give to those in need, even foregoing personal gifts.
Mercy
Children with the gift of mercy are deeply compassionate and empathetic. They might:
- Be easily moved by the suffering of others, even fictional characters or distant events.
- Be the first to respond with comfort when someone is hurt or upset.
- Express affection through hugs and kind words.
- Show gentle and loving care towards animals and younger children.
Evangelism
This gift is a passion for sharing one’s faith with others, even those outside their immediate community. Children with evangelism may:
- Invite friends to church or religious activities.
- Talk to friends and acquaintances about their beliefs.
- Even share their faith with adults.
- Express a desire to communicate their faith through writing or other means.
Shepherding
Children with the gift of shepherding are natural caregivers and community builders. They often:
- Nurture friendships and create strong bonds.
- Help others feel included and connected within a group.
- Be caring, gentle, and good listeners.
- Show concern for the well-being of others.
- Notice and reach out to those who are excluded or lonely.
- Naturally gather and care for younger children.
As parents, observing and affirming these childrens gifts is a powerful way to guide your children in understanding their unique place in the world and within their faith community. By recognizing and nurturing their spiritual gifts, you empower them to live out their purpose and contribute their unique talents to the world around them. This journey of discovery is not only rewarding for your children but also deepens your understanding of God’s diverse and beautiful creation.
