The seeds represent our God-given gifts and abilities. These seeds carry the DNA and potential to grow into virtues, but they are not virtues themselves. Just as a seed must be nurtured to bear fruit, our gifts and abilities must be cultivated over time to blossom into Christlike character.

In our society, we often celebrate talent and gifts—and rightly so. We admire gifted speakers, talented leaders, and brilliant thinkers. But talent does not equal character. How many times have we seen gifted individuals elevated into leadership roles, only to falter because they lacked virtue? A gifted speaker might inspire crowds, but without humility, their words become self-serving. A talented leader might achieve great things, but without integrity, their success can crumble.

Virtues are different. They’re not something we’re born with; they’re cultivated over time. The seeds in our garden are precious, but they’re just the beginning. They need to be nurtured, pruned, and watered to become fruits of Christlike character.

As we explore these seeds, remember: these gifts are given to all of us in varying degrees. They reflect the image of our Maker and are to be celebrated. 

We’re going to describe nine areas of gifts and abilities, corresponding with the Enneagram numbers. You can follow along in the handout we provided you: ECV - Gifts and Abilities. Listen with an open heart, notice any thoughts or feelings that surface. Do you possess strength in this area? Do you feel freedom to express these gifts for the good of others? Feel free to jot down notes as we go. Let’s approach this exercise with humility, praying, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening. Amen.’

1: Prophecy, Truth-Telling, Seeing What’s Wrong, Conviction

As God’s image-bearers, we possess the ability to distinguish right from wrong and to live with integrity. ONE seeds reflect the gift of prophecy—the ability to see what’s wrong in the world (or what could be better) and to speak truth in transformative ways. Those with strong ONE gifts often desire to live lives of goodness and justice. They’re drawn to roles where they can be change agents, calling out injustice and inspiring others to live with integrity. Do you feel drawn to truth-telling or advocating for justice? How might God be inviting you to use this gift for His kingdom?

2: Caregiving, Serving, Shepherding, Generosity

We were created with the capacity to love and be loved. TWO seeds reflect the ability to express love through active service and care for others. Those with strong TWO gifts are often sensitive to people’s needs and feel motivated to meet them. They’re the ones who notice when someone is struggling and step in to help without being asked. Do you feel drawn to serving others? How might God be inviting you to use this gift to reflect His love?

3: Leadership, Effectiveness, Productivity, Vision

‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10). THREE seeds reflect the ability to lead, inspire, and achieve results.

Those with strong THREE gifts are often visionary leaders who enjoy motivating others to reach goals. They’re drawn to roles where they can make a tangible impact. Do you feel drawn to leadership or productivity? How might God be inviting you to use this gift for His purposes?

4: Empathy, Expression, Creative Arts, Zeal

Being made in God’s image means we have the capacity to feel deeply and create beautifully. FOUR seeds reflect artistic and emotional gifts—the ability to express emotions, create art, and empathize with others. Those with strong FOUR gifts often feel things intensely and are drawn to creative expression. They’re the ones who can ‘rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn’ (Romans 12:15). Do you feel drawn to creativity or empathy? How might God be inviting you to use this gift to bring beauty and healing to the world?

5: Intellect, Teaching, Discernment, Problem-Solving

As God’s image-bearers, we were created with the ability to reason, learn, and grow in wisdom. FIVE seeds reflect intellectual and analytical gifts—the ability to gather knowledge, solve problems, and teach others. Those with strong FIVE gifts are often deep thinkers who enjoy learning and sharing their insights. They’re drawn to roles where they can analyze, strategize, and educate. Do you feel drawn to teaching or problem-solving? How might God be inviting you to use this gift to bring clarity and understanding?

6: Attentiveness, Administration, Organization, Predicting Problems

We were created with the ability to observe, anticipate, and prepare. SIX seeds reflect the gifts of attentiveness, administration, and organization. Those with strong SIX gifts are often alert to potential problems and skilled at planning ahead. They’re drawn to roles where they can create order and ensure things run smoothly. Do you feel drawn to administration or planning? How might God be inviting you to use this gift to bring stability and foresight?

7: Faith, Encouragement, Enthusiasm, Seeing Possibilities

Made in God’s image, we were created with the capacity for joy and hope. SEVEN seeds reflect the ability to see possibilities, encourage others, and live with enthusiasm. Those with strong SEVEN gifts often bring energy and optimism to their communities. They’re drawn to roles where they can inspire others and spread joy. Do you feel drawn to encouragement or seeing possibilities? How might God be inviting you to use this gift to bring hope and joy?

8: Strength, Leadership, Courage, Tenacity

Made in God’s image, we were created with the capacity to exercise strength and fight for justice. EIGHT seeds reflect the gifts of courage, leadership, and perseverance. Those with strong EIGHT gifts are often bold and resilient, unafraid to stand up for what’s right. They’re drawn to roles where they can protect and empower others. Do you feel drawn to leadership or advocacy? How might God be inviting you to use this gift to bring justice and strength?

9: Calm Presence, Peacemaking, Diplomacy, Conciliation

Made in God’s image, we were created with the capacity for peace and harmony. NINE seeds reflect the gifts of calmness, peacemaking, and diplomacy. Those with strong NINE gifts often bring a calming presence to stressful situations. They’re drawn to roles where they can mediate conflicts and foster unity. Do you feel drawn to peacemaking or diplomacy? How might God be inviting you to use this gift to bring shalom to your relationships and communities?

Take a moment to survey your areas of greatest gifting. Imagine God joyfully planting these seeds in you as you were being formed in your mother’s womb, ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14). Celebrate these gifts, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how He’s inviting you to use them for His glory.