I Corinthians 12 Spiritual gifts.. God's grace in man.. (Key Word Study Bible)..the indwelling of Christ's grace within every believing Christian.. according to the Father's will and by the power of the Spirit.  This definition is given in this reference - ".. a spiritual gift .. an instantaneous enablement by God in the power of the Holy Spirit to do or say something beyond one's natural ability in order to fulfill a specific purpose of God in the time-frame in which God permits it." 

Paul writes that he wants the brethren to be aware and not ignorant of these gifts.  They are important to the church as a whole. "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries and the same Lord. And there are varieties of effects but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." ( v4-7)

Every grace gift is given by the Spirit.. "the same Spirit works in all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills." 

"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body..  and we were made to drink of one Spirit.." Paul explains. God places the members as He desires.. He composes the body as he chooses.. the weak and the strong.. the "seemly" and the "less honorable"..  And He desires that "the members should have the same care for one another" no matter what.  "Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it." 

God appoints the "apostles.. prophets.. teachers.. miracles.. gifts.. helps.. administrations.. etc" as He chooses. 

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all involved in this area of spiritual gifts as Paul points out to us.   It is important that we understand this.  It is through the Spirit that we can even say "Jesus is Lord".  It is by Him that we are baptized into His body.. it is the drinking of this "living water" given to all who believe in Jesus, that gives us true Life in Christ. This same Spirit gives the spiritual gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith.. healing.. etc.  These gifts are for the "same Lord".. many kinds of ministries but all for Jesus!  And, above all, it is the same Father who "works all things"..  He is active, He is efficient. He is effective.. He shows Himself. .in us.. through these gifts of grace. 

Father in heaven, teach me Your ways.. teach me and help me to understand what this means for me. Let me serve Jesus according to the grace You have given to me.. Show Yourself in me.. as I willingly serve others.  May we each desire to build up the "body" of Christ Jesus... caring for one another according to the ministries You have given us.. to the glory and honor of Your Holy Name. Amen.