The spiritual gift of helps – What is it?

Quick answer

All believers are called to help or assist those in need. Those with the gift of helping are eager to quietly and humbly come alongside to help those in need, whether it be physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The gift of helping is found only in 1 Corinthians 12:28. Some connect it as identical to the gift of mercy mentioned earlier in the same chapter. The gift of helping is not defined in this particular verse and different interpretations of how the gift is manifested exist. Clearly, though, it speaks of a person gifted in assisting others with needs. The needs may be practical, provide assistance to enable another to accomplish a ministry task, or spiritual. A helper would provide others with encouragement or discernment.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Old Testament highlights the importance of helping others and includes many examples of people who served faithfully and supported God's work. Aaron and Hur helped Moses by holding up his arms during battle (Exodus 17:10-13).

Ruth helped and cared for Naomi (Ruth 2:11-12).

People worked together to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, each helping in their part of the task (Nehemiah 4:6). These examples reflect a heart of service, but the formal identification of "the gift of helps" as a spiritual gift comes from New Testament teaching.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

First Corinthians 12:28 is the only verse that mentions the gift of helps: “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues” (NKJV).

Paul appreciated the help he received from believers at Philippi: "And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again" (Philippians 4:15-16).

In Acts 9:36, a woman named Tabitha was known as gifted in helping others: "Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity."

In Romans 16:3-4, we find a married couple gifted in helping Paul: "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well."

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

A basketball team usually has one or two star players who score many points. But these players need “assists”---other players who pass the ball to the star players so they can score. Those with the gift of helps are like the “assists.” They aren’t the star players, but their vital work quietly assists those in need, building up the church in service to Christ.

All Christians are called to help others in need (Luke 10:25-37), yet some are clearly more gifted in this role than others. Tabitha certainly exhibited the ability to help in a way that stood out to others. The efforts of the church at Philippi and the ministry of Prisca and Aquila in helping Paul became so well known that he wrote about them to the early Christians. Still today, we read about their helpful actions to God's people.

Do you have the gift of helps? Even if helping isn’t your specific spiritual gift, as believers, we’re all to manifest the fruits of the spirit. One of those is “kindness” (Galatians 5:22). Helping others is a powerful witness for Christ.

UNDERSTAND

The gift of helps is a New Testament spiritual gift mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:28, referring to a special ability to assist others in practical or spiritual ways.

The gift of helps is marked by humble, faithful support that strengthens others’ ministries.

Though all believers are called to help, those with this gift are especially eager and effective in quietly serving others, often behind the scenes but with lasting impact.

REFLECT

When have you felt most fulfilled while quietly helping someone else—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?

What do you notice about the way you come alongside others in support, even when it goes unseen?

How could you grow in humility and consistency as you serve others behind the scenes?

ENGAGE

How can a church or small group better recognize and value those with the gift of helps?

What are some real-life examples of how the gift of helps has strengthened or enabled someone’s ministry or mission?

How do we avoid overlooking or underestimating spiritual gifts that are less visible or celebrated, like the gift of helps?