Question: “What is the spiritual gift of faith?”

Answer: The spiritual gift of faith is found in the list of the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12. Verse 9 says that some people are given the gift of faith, but the gift is not specifically explained. All believers have been given saving faith by God as the only means of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), but not all believers are given the spiritual gift of faith. Like all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual gift of faith was given for the “common good,” which means the edifying of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7).

The gift of faith may be defined as the special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God’s promises, power, and presence so they can take heroic stands for the future of God’s work in the church. The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, and His promises. Examples of people with the gift of faith are those listed in Hebrews chapter 11. This chapter, often called “the hall of faith,” describes those whose faith was extraordinary, enabling them to do extraordinary, superhuman things. Here we see Noah spending 120 years building a huge boat when, up to that time, rain was non-existent and Abraham believing he would father a child when his wife’s natural ability to do so had ended. Without the special gift of faith from God, such things would have been impossible.

As with all spiritual gifts, the gift of faith is given to some Christians who then use it to edify others in the body of Christ. Those with the gift of faith are an inspiration to their fellow believers, exhibiting a simple confidence in God that shows in all they say and do. Extraordinarily faithful people show a humble godliness and reliance on God’s promises, often so much so that they are known to be quietly fearless and zealous. They are so convinced that all obstacles to the gospel and to God’s purposes will be overcome and so confident that God will secure the advancement of His cause, that they will often do far more in the promotion of His kingdom than the most talented and erudite preachers and teachers.

To sum it up, God gives all Christians saving faith. The spiritual gift of faith is given to some, who exhibit extraordinary amounts of faith in their Christian walk and who, by their faith, are a joy and an encouragement to others.

Studies show that affirmations contribute to our well-being in tangible ways. Dig in to a year’s worth of positive self-talk from Louise Hay, Caroline Myss, Eckhart Tolle, Shakti Gawain, Marianne Williamson, S&H readers, and more.

PURPOSE: Affirmations to call forth your highest self.

By being calm and aware, I know intuitively the right thing to do, moment to moment.

The more I focus my mind upon the good, the more good comes to me.—Louise Hay

My inner guidance is there for me to call on anytime I need or want extra clarity, wisdom, knowledge, support, creative inspiration, love, or companionship.—Shakti Gawain

Don’t ask to understand the secrets of the universe but simply to know what this moment means.—Caroline Myss and Peter Occhiogrosso

If you have found your truth within yourself there is nothing more in this whole existence to find.—Osho Zen

When the compulsive striving away from The Now ceases, the joy of being flows into everything you do.—Eckhart Tolle

Now is the time to envision your life the way you want it to be and to take action in that direction.—Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine

Your spiritual unfoldment is occurring at all times whether or not you are aware of it.—Steven D. Farmer

Every moment there is a possibility to be total. Whatsoever you are doing, be absorbed in it so utterly that the mind thinks nothing, is just there, is just a presence.—Osho Zen

Be at peace as you enter the waters of deep change and initiation.—Isha Lerner and Mark Lerner

I am creating financial security through the use of my talents.—Marianne Mitchell

I am open and receptive to blissful, knock-my-socks off miracles in every area of my life.—Emmanuel Dagher, reader

Luminous and productive energy flows through me.—Marianne Mitchell

I open my heart to receive the highest power available to me. I trust I am being led to where I need to be.—Pat Tovo, reader

Your life is perfect as it is, if you live it with your heart wide open.—Marianne Williamson

I am the person I was meant to become.

The world is a better place because of what I create.

Everything I do is an opportunity to be completely present.

The smallest action can make a difference. My life is important. I can change the world just by being here, right now.

I am relaxed. I feel the energy and current of the universe. I don’t need to ask questions, because I know what I am meant to do.

Feeling will get you closer to the truth of who are you than thinking.—Eckhart Tolle

I use my intuition and intelligence to guide me at all times. — Pamela Wells

When I allow myself to be guided, it doesn’t mean that I won’t make mistakes or have failures. I am willing to let things go that aren’t working and pursue what is working.—Shakti Gawain

I am neither too little nor too much, and I do not have to prove myself to anyone. I am okay as I am.—Louise Hay

I change my life by transforming myself.—Amy Zerner and Monte Faber

HEALTH: Positive self-talk for your mind and body.

Perfect health is my divine right, and I claim it now.—Louise Hay

Before you can heal others, you first have to heal yourself.—Caroline Myss and Peter Occhiogrosso

I listen to my body and pay attention to what it is telling me.

I create my own beauty. I take care of my body, outside and in. I feel and look my best.

When your mind is busy with fearful or negative thoughts, say directly to those thoughts, “You are not invited to my party!”—Nancy Balestrini, reader

My inner dialogue is kind and loving. My thoughts create only good experiences.—Louise Hay

Sleep is sacred. I show my love for my body by giving it the rest it needs. I sleep deeply.

The divine dwells within you and desires that you heal.—Caroline Myss and Peter Occhiogrosso

My home is a clean, warm, and happy place that supports my well-being.

Observe how the mind labels an unpleasant moment and how this labeling process, this continuous sitting in judgment, creates pain and unhappiness.—Eckhart Tolle

I know my truth. I can speak from my heart. I feel my center and can move through my daily life with ease.—Jordan Hoffman

If you feel a void in your life fill it in healthy ways.—Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine

The moment you start seeing life as nonserious, a playfulness, all the burden on your heart disappears.—Osho Zen

I am happy and grateful that my body is healthy and whole and strong.—Mary Sheehan Larrick, reader

A time for rest or more tranquil surroundings may enhance the quality of your life.— Isha Lerner and Mark Lerner

I surrender my ego and no longer let fear rule my life. I have love, faith, and hope.—Pamela Wells

A golden aura of divine protection surrounds you.—Isha Lerner and Mark Lerner

Thank you, Mother Earth, for unconditionally holding me up through my bones, so that I can fully relax all of my muscles when I’m at rest.—Sharon McCarthy, reader

I love my scars. They tell my life story and remind me of what I have survived. They show my resiliency.

I honor my body by making healthy choices. I nourish it with wholesome, natural food. I choose to be healthy and feel good.

I pay attention to my food and think about how it will make me feel. I stop when I am full. I eat mindfully.

It feels good to move my body. Every muscle and cell works in harmony. I am graceful and strong.

I live my life free of fear. I am adventurous and engage with the world.

I am organized. I am mindful of where I put my possessions. I let go of things I don’t need.

The mind is very powerful.  You must infuse it with kind and loving thoughts.— Isha Lerner and Mark Lerner

RELATIONSHIPS: Affirmations for a sense of peace—with your loved ones, and within yourself.

I have always been worth loving; I just did not know it before. I love and accept myself now.—Louise Hay

Peace: within our world, within our country, within our community, within our family, and within ourselves.—Melinda Faecke Crocker, reader

I am in charge of my own happiness and responsible for filling my own needs.

I make myself vulnerable and share my stories with those who have earned my trust.

God knows me better than I know myself, and he still loves me unconditionally.—Brenda Brassington Driggs, reader

I visualize myself feeling, trusting, and following my own energy. I am completely true to myself, alive and empowered, fully and freely creative. —Shakti Gawain

That which I create in the world returns to me.—Pamela Wells

My child is her own being. I am a good parent who has raised a unique, capable person.

I do not take things personally.—Amy Zerner and Monte Faber

I am a generous lover. I honor my body and connect with my partner through touch. I am worthy of having great sex.

I choose to have trustworthy people in my life. I’m not afraid to set boundaries to protect myself.

I am grown-up and comfortable enough to ask for what I want in positive ways.—Louise Hay

Forgiveness is a powerful healer. Don’t hold on to the energy of past disappointments  or conflict.—Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine

Every circumstance is a chance for you to practice being the person you truly want to be.—Marianne Williamson

I love and approve of myself.—Caroline Campbell Mistry, reader

True compassion requires not only the feeling of warmth that emanates when you are in touch with your heart center but acts of kindness, even if this simply means being a fully attentive listener.—Steven D. Farmer

Everyone has an interesting story. If you cultivate the habit of asking about it, your life will be much richer.—Marianne Williamson

I am calm. I keep my stability even when the people around me are out of control. I am balanced, and so my relationships are balanced.

I let go of hurt and anger.—Amy Zerner and Monte Farber

Being alone feels comfortable. I am happy in my own company. I use my time alone to reflect and recharge.

My spouse and I know each other better than anyone. We take care of each other to make a strong family. Our marriage is something worth celebrating.

I choose to be with someone who loves me for who I am.

 I am surrounded by people who love and support me, and I love and support myself.

I respect myself and know that my opinion and voice matter. I communicate my feelings and needs in healthy, respectful ways.

The people close to me know I care about them. My love is enough. I trust them to manage their own lives.

One of the great gifts of spiritual knowledge is that it realigns your sense of self to something you may not have even ever imagined was within you. Spirituality says that even if you think you’re limited and small, it simply isn’t so. You’re greater and more powerful than you have ever imagined. A great and divine light exists inside of you. This same light is also in everyone you know and in everyone you will ever know in the future. You may think you’re limited to just your physical body and state of affairs — including your gender, race, family, job, and status in life — but spirituality comes in and says “there is more than this.”

Notice that spirit sounds similar to words like inspire and expire. This is especially appropriate because when you’re filled with spiritual energy, you feel great inspiration, and when the spiritual life force leaves your body, your time on this earth expires. These are two of the main themes of the spiritual journey:

• Allowing yourself to be filled with inspiration, which also translates into love, joy, wisdom, peacefulness, and service.

• Remembering that an inevitable expiration awaits to take you away from the very circumstances you may think are so very important right now.

The study of spirituality goes deeply into the heart of every matter and extends far beyond the physical world of matter. Spirituality connects you with the profoundly powerful and divine force that’s present in this universe. Whether you’re looking for worldly success, inner peace, or supreme enlightenment, no knowledge can propel you to achieve your goals and provide as effective a plan for living as does spiritual knowledge.

GOING BEYOND THE PHYSICAL WORLD

Perhaps the best way to think about a spiritual approach to the world is to contrast it with a more common materialistic approach.

• The materialistic approach: The materialistic approach relies primarily on empirical evidence provided by the five senses — what can literally be seen, heard, tasted, touched, or smelled. This approach depends on the outer appearances of things to decide how and what to think and feel about them. A materialistic person fixes whatever may be wrong or out of place in his or her world by moving things around and effecting outer changes.

• The spiritual approach: In contrast, the spiritual way is to see beyond mere outer appearances and the five senses to an intuitive perception of the causes behind outer conditions. Someone with a spiritual approach may change and uplift their world by first transforming and improving his or her own vision.

One of the main teachings of spirituality is to look within and find what you seek within yourself. The external world is ephemeral, temporary, and ever changing; in fact, your body will die one day, sweeping all those worldly accoutrements away like a mere pile of dust. Your inner realm, on the other hand, is timeless, eternal, and deeply profound.

KNOWING HOW SPIRITUALITY DIFFERS FROM RELIGION

Although religion and spirituality are sometimes used interchangeably, they really indicate two different aspects of the human experience. You might say that spirituality is the mystical face of religion.

• Spirituality is the wellspring of divinity that pulsates, dances, and flows as the source and essence of every soul. Spirituality relates more to your personal search, to finding greater meaning and purpose in your existence. Some elements of spirituality include the following:

• Looking beyond outer appearances to the deeper significance and soul of everything

• Love and respect for God

• Love and respect for yourself

• Love and respect for everybody

• Religion is most often used to describe an organized group or culture that has generally been sparked by the fire of a spiritual or divine soul. Religions usually act with a mission and intention of presenting specific teachings and doctrines while nurturing and propagating a particular way of life.

RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY CAN BLEND BEAUTIFULLY

Different religions can look quite unlike one another. Some participants bow to colorful statues of deities, others listen to inspired sermons while dressed in their Sunday finery, and yet others set out their prayer rugs five times a day to bow their heads to the ground. Regardless of these different outer manifestations of worship, the kernel of religion is spirituality, and the essence of spirituality is God or the Supreme Being.

Spirituality is:

• Beyond all religions yet containing all religions

• Beyond all science yet containing all science

• Beyond all philosophy yet containing all philosophy

As one becomes more spiritual, animalistic aggressions of fighting and trying to control the beliefs of other people can be cast off like an old set of clothes that no longer fits. In fact, many seekers begin to feel that every image of divinity is just one more face of their own, eternally ever-present God.

Loving and respecting all religions and images of God doesn’t mean that you have to agree with all their doctrines. In fact, you don’t even have to believe and agree with every element and doctrine of your own religion! This goes for any teachings you may encounter along your path. Everybody thinks that what they are doing is right. That’s what’s so fun about the world. Everybody is doing something different, and each one believes deep in his soul that what he believes is right — some with more contemplation and conviction than others.

Nurturing and developing your spirituality may be just as important as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and buildingstrong relationships. Taking the time to reconnect with what you find meaningful in life and returning to life’s big questions can enhance your own sense of connection with something larger than yourself.

Cultivate empathy and compassion

Empathy is the ability and willingness to fully understand another person’s experience and connect it to your own—for example, rather than seeing an irritable coworker as a nuisance, you may recognize that they are reacting to stress in the workplace. Compassion is the practice of responding to this realization with kindness—because you understand why the coworker is in a bad mood, you respond with extra patience and listen deeply when they complain, rather than snapping back.

Andrew Weil, author of Spontaneous Happiness, describes empathy and compassion as “learnable skills that can bring greater happiness into your life and improve all of your relationships.” They are important to spiritual development, he explains, because they help you get out of self-centered ways of thinking and help you make connections with others. There are many ways to develop your sense of empathy and compassion, including:

• Listening deeply. Let go of assumptions that others feel the way you do, and allow yourself to fully listen to the way they describe their experience. Prioritize what the other person has to say above what you yourself would like to say or gain from a given conversation and just listen.
• Taking others’ perspectives into account. In addition to simply listening to others, open yourself up to imagining what it would be like to be in their shoes. How would you feel if you were in their situation?
• Look for the good. Positivity researcher Barbara Fredrickson recommends boosting compassion by actively considering others’ positive qualities. Encouraging yourself to acknowledge the whole picture of another person will help you see them as a complex, dynamic human who is worthy of kindness and compassion.

Identify (and live by) your beliefs and values

Making a list of your beliefs and values will help you live with intention. This list will be fluid, so recognize that it’s natural to shift and revise your values throughout life. Some of the questions you may ask yourself are:

• What matters most to me?
• What drives my actions?
• What do I believe is right?

If you need help coming up with your values, you might try a value sort activity.

Find a spiritual community and friends

Join a spiritual group, whether that is a church or mosque, meditation center, yoga class, or a local group that meets to discuss spiritual issues. The benefits of social support are well documented, and having a spiritual community to turn to for fellowship can provide a sense of belonging and support.

Practice forgiveness

Letting go of blame is not easy, but the rewards of relinquishing negative feelings are aplenty. To practice forgiveness, Stanford Forgiveness Project director Fred Luskin suggests finding the right perspective—parsing out whether your feelings are coming from the actual experience of someone wronging you, or whether your anger is intensifying as you re-hash the situation. See how those feelings are affecting you, and let go of what is not helpful. Be gentle to yourself as well—you don’t have to re-establish contact with the person who wronged you in order to forgive. As Luskin says, “Forgiveness is for you and no one else.”

Seek transcendence through nature, art, or music

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  Spend time outside. Feeling aconnectedness to nature has been linked to decreased stress, better connections with other people, and a heightened sense ofpurpose and oneness with the world. Take a leisurely walk outside alone or with friends, or work in the garden, soaking in the details: the expansiveness of the sky, the wind moving through the trees.

• Allow yourself to get lost in music you enjoy. Whether it’s listening to an album on your headphones or playing the piano yourself,music can incite feelings of connectedness, purpose, meaning, faith, and hope.  Close your eyes and allow yourself to fully immerse in the listening experience.
• Sit with a piece of art. This could be a painting in a museum, a sculpture in a local park, or even a piece of colorful graffiti—anything that calls out to you. Ask yourself why you are drawn to this particular piece. Do you recognize something about yourself or some universal truth in its colors, shapes, or textures?

Be good to yourself

The nonphysical aspects of spirituality can make it feel as if it is a remote practice, separate from the rest of your life. But this isn’t true—spirituality, just like the other aspects of wellbeing, is profoundly influenced by other factors in your lifestyle.

Exercising regularly and eating a nutrient-rich diet with lots of vegetables and fruits is one way of reminding yourself that you care deeply about this life and this body. Paying attention to what you eat is important, too: according to Jon Kabat Zinn, practicing mindful eating “allows you to drop right into the knowing in ways that are effortless, totally natural, and entirely beyond words and thinking. Such an exercise delivers wakefulness immediately.”

Treating yourself with compassion is just as important as treating others well, says Kristin Neff. “When we experience warm and tender feelings toward ourselves, we are altering our bodies as well as our minds. Rather than feeling worried and anxious, we feel calm, content, trusting, and secure.” The broadening effect of these positive emotions can enhance our sense of curiosity, wonder, and awe—all feelings that contribute to spirituality.

Make contemplative practice a part of your everyday life

The benefits of adopting a contemplative practice—such as meditation, prayer, yoga, or journaling—have widespread effects not just on spirituality, but on physical and emotional health as well.

• Take yoga class or practice chair yoga at work
• Dedicate 15 minutes each day to writing in a journal
• Listen to a guided audio meditation
• Join a spiritual community, such as a church, prayer group, or meditation center to share a contemplative experience with others
• Eat mindfully, savoring and appreciating the food that you have and minimizing distractions during meals
• Set aside time for prayer or reflection each day
• Try a guided body scan
• Watch a nature-guided relaxation video