.

[Tempura]

My intention wasn't to split hairs or to offend you. I too, don't want anyone to pretend they are better than someone else. Moving on, then.

 

[timewerx]

My intention wasn't to split hairs or to offend you. I too, don't want anyone to pretend they are better than someone else. Moving on, then.

Your heart is in the right place

You are right they are NOT earned!

However, if we seek examples in the Bible, we would realize they not given at "random" too. The beloved disciple John for example. We see hints that John is the smartest of all the disciples.

Moses did not lose his mind in utter amazement when he met with God....He was able to talk to God as another person (conduct a normal conversation). Pretty sure, a lot of us would be unable to do so. This strong ability to control one's emotion is actually a crucial part of discernment as evil spirits can pretend to be as God. That would be impossible to do if emotions overwhelm you anytime you see anything sort of "divine". I have this ability as well. Not exactly a gift as it's likely caused by PTSD in my case, I am unable to express certain emotions so I can uphold reason / logic enough to help me discern spirits no matter how they appear.

Mary Magdalene was able to see/perceive what the others did not and so was given a special place.

Paul had incredible persistence, the brand of a zealot, even before he became a Christian.

None earned it. It's already there. They were simply chosen.