MOTIVATIONAL GIFT DEFINITIONS

 

4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:4-8 NKJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

// MERCY GIFT //

 

STRENGTHS:

• Special sensitivity to emotional needs.

• Sensitivity for the feelings of people which expresses tenderness, kindness, and compassion.

• Generally likes to avoid actions which will hurt the feelings of others, including discipline and administrative decisions.

 

WEAKNESSES:

• May become too emotionally involved and lose objectivity in helping others.

• Can become closed in spirit to those who are not sensitive to others.

• Tends to avoid stress-producing situations and firmness, unless absolutely convinced it is necessary.

• There is a danger of emotional involvement in helping those of the opposite sex.

 

// TEACHING  //

 

STRENGTHS:

• Likes to present the truth in a systematic fashion.

• Enjoys the world of books and ideas

 

WEAKNESSES:

• May become more interested in factual details than the practical application of truth.

• May enjoy personal research more than teaching others.

• May become proud of their learning and knowledge

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//  PROPHECY  //

 

STRENGTHS:

• The gift of “sanctified criticism.”

• Great ability to verbalize truth and to feel what God feels and see things from God’s viewpoint.

• Quick to discern dishonest character and motives.

• Speaks frankly, even to friends, without considering the consequences.

 

WEAKNESSES:

• May have little sensitivity to the feelings of others

• May appear judgmental.

• Is more concerned with righteousness than with people.

 

//  GIVING  //

 

STRENGTHS:

• Usually desires to give anonymously and at the Lord’s prompting.

• Usually thrifty and a good financial manager thus has more to give away than others

 

WEAKNESSES:

• May become cause-oriented rather than people oriented.

• Tends to judge those who are poor financial managers.

• Sometimes forgets to confirm giving with a spouse.

 

//  EXHORTING  //

 

STRENGTHS:
•    Seeks to teach the practical applications of scripture often in a person to person setting.
•    Serves as “God’s cheerleader” in the church.
•    Desires to create harmony in the church.

 

 

WEAKNESSES:
•    Maybe success-oriented and thus neglect people with deeper, more complex needs.
•    May tend to oversimplify complex issues. 
 

// SERVING  //

 

 

STRENGTHS:

• Ability to recall personal likes and dislikes of others.

• Likes to give things made with their own hands.

• Enjoys short-range “now” projects.

• Volunteers readily for even menial tasks.

 

WEAKNESSES:

• May disregard personal needs, stamina, family and personal fund in serving others.

• Finds it difficult to say no.

• May prefer to work alone rather than with others.

 

// ADMINISTRATION //

 

STRENGTHS:

• Ability to see over-all goals and objectives and the steps needed to reach those goals..

• Enjoys seeing all the parts in the project come together.

• Enjoys delegating responsibility and taking leadership when none exists

 

WEAKNESSES:

• Maybe task-oriented rather than people-oriented.

• Willingness to endure reaction in meeting the goal may appear as insensitivity.

• May appear to use people.

• Maybe weak in listening skill.