charisms

Charisms, from the Greek word charismata meaning “divine grace freely given,” are gifts of the Holy Spirit granted to individuals for the service and edification of the Church and its mission. In Christian theology, charisms differ from sanctifying grace in that they are special abilities or empowerments to serve others, not permanent states of grace.

These gifts are described in the New Testament, notably in Paul’s letters (especially 1 Corinthians 12–14, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4), where various gifts are listed or implied, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Charisms may be understood as part of formal Church ministries (such as apostles, prophets, and teachers) or as more spontaneous gifts used within local Christian communities.

Catholic teaching holds that charisms are given by the Holy Spirit for the common good and should be discerned, regulated, and integrated within the life of the Church. The Catechism emphasizes that charisms must be used in love and in harmony with Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium. While many charisms are celebrated in Catholic devotion, the Church cautions against pride, false prophecy, or interpretations that diverge from established teaching.

In Protestant and especially Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, charisms are often emphasized as ongoing, operative today, with attention to gifts such as tongues, healing, and prophecy, exercised in personal faith communities and revival contexts. The term is also used more broadly to denote any extraordinary spiritual empowerment granted for ministry.