The Gift of Charisms
The Holy Spirit has extraordinary gifts for each of us, known as Charisms. As stated in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
These Charisms are described in Hebrews 6:5 as “the powers of the age to come.” They are the tangible expressions of the Spirit’s power, meant to build up God’s Kingdom and dismantle strongholds.
Divine Weapons
“For the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4a).
The Value of Charisms
Charisms are invaluable, like precious gems. They are given for our collective benefit. Without these gifts, God’s power would not be evident.
Importance of Charisms
Essential Tools
Lacking Charisms is akin to a gardener without tools or an army without weapons, rendering them ineffective. Just as surgical instruments are crucial for a medical surgeon, different Charisms are essential to address the unique challenges each believer faces.
Varieties of Gifts
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
Necessity of Charisms
Unique Solutions
Each problem has its unique solution, much like each lock has its key. When you misplace a key, you try different ones until you find the right fit. Similarly, the Charisms are a collection of keys that unlock various aspects of life.
Do We Need Charisms?
Demonstrations of God’s Power
The demonstrations of God’s power bring back those who have strayed. Repeated displays of God’s power lead to the deliverance and freedom of His people.
Example of Moses
Looking at the life of Prophet Moses, it was the powerful demonstrations of God’s power that defeated Pharaoh and his army.
Charisms in Jesus Christ’s Ministry
Drawing People to Him
In Jesus Christ’s ministry, signs and wonders drew people to Him. “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23-25).
Impact of Charisms
Day of Pentecost
On Pentecost, 3000 people converted not because of St. Peter’s eloquence, but because of the Charisms that manifested during his preaching.
Transforming Towns
Philip in Samaria
Entire towns were transformed by Charisms! “Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them” (Acts 8:4-8).
Recognizing God’s Presence
Unbelievers and Charisms
When Charisms are active within us and visible to others, unbelievers will recognize God’s presence among us.
Historical Impact of Charisms
Saints and Renewal
The history of the Church is filled with dramatic stories of saints who brought many to Christ, revived the Church, and renewed faith through the Charisms given to them.
