If you or someone you love is autistic, has ADHD, anxiety, OCD, or any number of neurological, developmental, or psychological differences, life can get discouraging pretty darn fast. A quick Google search reveals how the focus is usually on the deficits, negatives, and what can’t be done as well as someone who is more typically developed. There are plenty of lists of milestones missed. Abilities lacking. Problems and challenges to overcome. It’s overwhelming. And certainly no one mentions spiritual gifts.
And in the Church? Too often, it can feel like the spiritual gifts are only passed out to those who are considered able-bodied or able-minded. If you’re too different, then the rest of the Church is meant to use their gifts, talents, and abilities to help you—never the other way around.
But if we really believe 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 is true, then God wants to build His Church out of all of us. And if 1 Peter 4:10-11, Romans 12:6-8, and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 are true, then God has given each of us a gift to use to glorify God! We who are living stones in God’s Church can lead the way in showing every person the worth, dignity, and value God has placed inside them. We must also make sure every person is given the opportunity to use and develop the unique talents, abilities, and gifts God’s given them for His glory. If we don’t, then we’re telling God we don’t care for the gifts He’s given to some of His kids. And we dare not be so foolish!
Before we continue, will you indulge me in one broad, sweeping generalization? Here it is: There are no broad, sweeping generalizations about talents, gifts, personalities, and abilities that are true for every individual. Period. This may be especially true when it comes to making generalizations about people who have various differences, disabilities, and special needs. But, for the sake of giving you something really good to think about, I’m going to make a few generalizations about some of the gifts, talents, and abilities God may have liberally placed in some unique portions of humanity.
For example: Autism is disproportionately present amongst geniuses. But, the vast majority of autistic people are not geniuses. It’s just that if you meet a genius, it’s slightly more likely they may be on the autism spectrum than someone who is not a genius. So, just because I might mention that a lot of people with (fill in the blank) difference are often gifted with or talented in (fill in the blank again) spiritual ability, that does not mean I’m trying to say that all people with that same difference will have the same gifts and abilities! Make sense? Let’s carry on!
We can boldly choose to look at some of the more challenging differences squarely in the eye and say, “I see your challenges. But I also see the gifts God has placed in me [or my child, friend, spouse, etc.] to offer the world.”
Take a look at the list below. Do you recognize any gifts or abilities in yourself or your loved ones that you might have been ignoring? If none of the spiritual gifts mentioned below resonate, that’s no problem at all. Ask God to help you focus on the abilities He wants to use for His glory—and begin to use them!
Talents, Abilities, Spiritual Disciplines, and Spiritual Gifts God May Have Placed in People Who Live With Differences
People who have Autism may be detail-oriented, independent, able to hyperfocus on what takes their attention, and gifted in niche areas. They may be especially able to worship God and serve Him and others through:
- Scripture Reading and Memorization (Psalm 119:111, Proverbs 6:21-22)
- Practicing Silence (Psalm 62:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:11)
- Practicing Solitude (Luke 5:16)
- Musical Skills (Psalm 150:1-5)
- Gifts of Serving, such as helping set up detailed displays, running tech for sound or lighting, etc. (John 13:13-17)
People who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be uninhibited, able to change topics quickly, able to see the big picture, and risk-takers. They may be especially able to worship God and serve Him and others through:
- Leadership Skills (2 Timothy 2:15, Mark 10:42-45)
- Gifts of Teaching (James 3:1, 2 Timothy 4:2-3)
- Evangelism (Mark 16:15)
People who have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may be able to hold a thought in their minds for a long time, truth-seekers, and deeply burdened to alleviate suffering. They may be especially able to worship God and serve Him and others through:
- Prayer and Intercession (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- Gifts of Prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1-3)
- Gifts of Teaching (James 3:1, 2 Timothy 4:2-3)
- Showing Mercy and Compassion (Psalm 86:15, Psalm 145:8-9, Luke 6:36)
People who have visual impairments may be gifted with excellent auditory sensory skills and appreciation for sounds and silence, may be more compassionate, and may especially enjoy listening to and learning from literature. They may be especially able to worship God and serve Him and others through:
- Musical Skills (Psalm 150:1-5)
- Practicing Silence (Psalm 62:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:11)
- Scripture Reading (Braille) or Listening (audio versions) and Memorization (Psalm 119:111, Proverbs 6:21-22)
People who have hearing impairments may be gifted with more compassion for others, may appreciate and enjoy reading more than most, and may be excellent communicators and storytellers. They may be especially able to worship God and serve Him and others through:
- Showing Mercy and Compassion (Psalm 86:15, Psalm 145:8-9, Luke 6:36)
- Scripture Reading and Memorization (Psalm 119:111, Proverbs 6:21-22)
- Gifts of Teaching (James 3:1, 2 Timothy 4:2-3)
People who have Tourette Syndrome may be able to change thoughts or direction more quickly, may have deeper compassion for others through empathy, and may be less inhibited. They may be especially able to worship God and serve Him and others through:
- Evangelism (Mark 16:15)
- Gifts of Prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1-3)
- Showing Mercy and Compassion (Psalm 86:15, Psalm 145:8-9, Luke 6:36)
People who have physical disabilities may be compassionate, driven, and more interested in maximizing the abilities of themselves and others. They may be especially able to worship God and serve Him and others through:
- Leadership Skills (2 Timothy 2:15, Mark 10:42-45)
- Evangelism (Mark 16:15)
- Showing Mercy and Compassion (Psalm 86:15, Psalm 145:8-9, Luke 6:36)
People who live with Depression may be more sensitive to pain, making them quite empathetic, able to sense what is missing or needed, and able to focus through prayer and meditation. They may be especially able to worship God and serve Him and others through:
- Prayer and Intercession (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- Gifts of Serving (John 13:13-17)
- Showing Mercy and Compassion (Psalm 86:15, Psalm 145:8-9, Luke 6:36)
People who live with Anxiety Disorders may be more aware of needs, able to pray frequently, and lovers and finders of truth. They may be especially able to worship God and serve Him and others through:
- Prayer and Intercession (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- Gifts of Prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1-3)
- Gifts of Teaching (James 3:1, 2 Timothy 4:2-3)
- Showing Mercy and Compassion (Psalm 86:15, Psalm 145:8-9, Luke 6:36)
People who live with other mental health disorders may be better at empathizing with others’ suffering more than most, may be gifted intellectually, may especially enjoy and be gifted musically, may be able to think and perceive the world in novel ways. They may be especially able to worship God and serve Him and others through:
- Scripture Reading and Memorization (Psalm 119:111, Proverbs 6:21-22)
- Musical Skills (Psalm 150:1-5)
- Gifts of Teaching (James 3:1, 2 Timothy 4:2-3)
- Showing Mercy and Compassion (Psalm 86:15, Psalm 145:8-9, Luke 6:36)
People who live with various cognitive disabilities may be more sensitive to others’ emotions, have a more childlike and authentic faith, and may enjoy using their skills to help others with a deeper sense of joy than most. They may be especially able to worship God and serve Him and others through:
- Gifts of Faith (Galatians 2:16, Matthew 18:2-4)
- Showing Mercy and Compassion (Psalm 86:15, Psalm 145:8-9, Luke 6:36)
- Gifts of Serving (John 13:13-17)
I hope you’re feeling built up and encouraged. Persevere! The Church needs each and every one of us. If you’re struggling because you need help, reach out and let the Body of Christ serve you. If you’re struggling because you feel undervalued, ask God to help you recognize the spiritual gifts and abilities He’s given you or your loved one. Then, reach out to your church and ask how you can serve!
