Heinrich Botha from Fire & Fragrance
Building a Community through the Spirit
In Acts 2:42-44, we see the early church living out the prophecy of the Spirit. When the Spirit
comes, a community of believers is built, which is God's end goal. These spiritual gifts are given to uplift the body of believers and bring more people into the community. As Jesus said, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35 ESV).
This love is demonstrated through the use of spiritual gifts for the benefit of one another.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common."
- Acts 2:42-44
The Gift of Word of Knowledge
The word of knowledge is a revelation given by the Holy Spirit, providing a piece of God's knowledge concerning people and situations in the present or past. It is not about predicting the future but rather knowing specific details about current or past events, as seen in the encounters of Jesus with the woman at the well (John 4) and Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5).
"Jesus said to her, 'Go, call your husband, and come here.' The woman answered him, 'I have no husband.' Jesus said to her, 'You are right in saying, "I have no husband"; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.'"
- John 4:16-18
Practising Love through Spiritual Gifts
The ultimate goal of spiritual gifts is to build a loving community that reflects God's love. The gift
of a word of knowledge is used to encourage, uplift, and evangelise. It requires practice and
sometimes we may get it wrong, but the process itself helps us grow in hearing God's voice and
demonstrating His love to others.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
- John 13:35
Growing Together in Faith and Love
Spiritual gifts are tools given by God to build and strengthen the community of believers. By
practising these gifts with love and humility, we fulfil God's purpose for the church. Let us
encourage one another to grow in these gifts and use them to demonstrate God's love, thereby
drawing more people into His kingdom and uplifting those already within the church.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."
- Hebrews 10:24
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