“Having then gifts differing according to the grace given to us . . . (Romans 12:6)
THE HOLY SPIRIT gives the disciples of Jesus gifts of grace that empowers them to obey the commandments of Jesus. Just as God’s love gives grace (John 3:16), God’s love poured into our heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) gives gifts of grace to others. In the Greek New Testament, the word χαρισματα (khar’-is-ma-ta) is translated “gifts” in 1 Corinthians 12:4 and also in Romans 12:6. Χαρισματα (khar’-is-ma-ta) contains the word that is translated “grace,” χαρις (khar’-ece).
Gifts are God’s grace given to the justified by the Holy Spirit to give to others as well as others giving grace to them. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts according to the grace that is given to them (Romans 12:6). There are eleven gifts of grace in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, 28: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, the interpretation of tongues, gift of helps, and gifts of administration. In addition to the gifts of grace in 1 Corinthians 12, other gifts of grace are listed in Romans 12:6-8—ministering, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and showing mercy. 
Not only is χαρις (khar’-ece) translated grace in the New Testament, but it is also translated “thanks” and “thankful” in the following verses:
⦁ “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance” (Romans 6:17 NIV).
⦁ “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25 NIV)
⦁ “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV).
⦁ “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
⦁ “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 NIV).
⦁ “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service” (1Timothy 1:12 NIV).
⦁ “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28 NIV).
Grace comes from God to us as a gift to give to others, and grace goes from us to God as thanks for the gifts we received. We are giving grace to God for the grace we received from him. Giving and receiving gifts of grace is fellowship in the New Testament (1 John1:6-7). And Every Christian is given a gift of grace to minister to others. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10 NKJV). When we see the needs of others and step out in faith to help them, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and given the gifts of grace to meet the need.
Sometimes the need of the neighbor is obvious, and we know what to do. However, there are other times when we do not see the need or know what to do for the neighbor. It is in those circumstances that the Holy Spirit gives us the gift of a word of knowledge to know about the need and a word of wisdom to know what to do for the person in need (1 Corinthians 12:8).
If we receive the gift of a word of knowledge and the gift of a word of wisdom, we will be given the gift of ministry (Romans 12:7). The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are to equip the disciples to do the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13). Just as the gift of ministry follows the gift of a word of knowledge and the gift of a word of wisdom, the gift of giving, showing mercy, encouraging and teaching follow ministry. Seldom does one gift of grace stand alone. It is usually combined with others.
The gifts of grace are not only for the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers but also for every disciple of Jesus Christ to minister to others. Using the gifts of grace is living a life that is right with God—sanctification—after being right with God through faith in Jesus Christ—justification. It is important to keep in mind that what Jesus commanded his first disciples to do was his ministry as recorded in the Gospels. All authority in heaven and earth has been given to him, and he is with his disciples until the end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20).
The fruit of the Spirit is the character of God, and the gifts of the Spirit are the power of God. It is through the character of God, the fruit of the Spirit, and the power of God, the gifts of the Spirit, that the disciples can obey everything Jesus commanded his first disciples. Therefore, teaching others is not in word only but in the character and power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in the disciple (1 Corinthians 2:4).
Excerpted from GRACE & SHALOM by Robert P. Holland
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