What principles are taught in section 46 that govern the gifts of the Spirit?
In section 46, we see a listing of many of the gifts, granted to us by God, through the Spirit. This essentially means that as we keep the Spirit close to our hearts and remain worthy to receive the Spirit within us, we can have the gifts. It is important to note, though, that gifts are given according to the purpose that God has for each one of us. There are principles that direct who is deserving and worthy to receive such gifts.
In verses 8 and 9, Heavenly Father reminds that he provides the gifts so that the children of men will not be deceived by the devil who is the master of all cunnings. He asks that his children seek after them. This essentially means that we must search within us, and if we discover a weakness, we might ask to receive a gift in order to fend off the devil; that is what the gifts are designed for. Remember that the gifts are to be given to those that love God and keep the commandments. They are designed to be there for the benefit of those that seek for goodness and remember to love God forever.
Briefly explain in your words four of the gifts of the Spirit as you understand them. What would a manifestation of that gift look like in your life?
I. The Gift of the Knowing
a. I understand this gift to be unfailing and never wavering faith and knowledge. The person who possesses this gift knows that Jesus is the Christ, without a shadow of a doubt, and that He died for our sins. This person knows that the church is true. There are no doubts and no fears.
b. A manifestation of that gift in my life would be amazing. I think that I possess a small portion of this gift. I have only doubted the existence of God once, and since I received my knowledge and answer, I have never questioned it. When the winds of trial press down, I know that God will care for me and my family.
II. The Gift of Faith
a. I understand this gift to be the faith of healing. You know that Jesus healed the lame man and made the blind man see, so he can heal you too. If you are the one receiving the blessings, than you have no doubt that you will be healed should it be God’s will. If you are the one giving the blessing, God will take you faith and grant that person supplication.
b. I have used a portion of this gift as well. I know that there have been times I have received a blessing and doubted, even for just a minute, and my healing process took longer than it could have. But there have been other times when I refused to doubt, and I felt better almost instantaneously. The power of the priesthood is amazing, but it requires faith in order to be truly effective.
III. The Gift of Prophesy
a. This gift, I always think, refers to prophets-at least that is the obvious assumption. But I also think that this can apply to families and personal revelation. If a family or person is unsure of God’s path for them, they can request for insight. God will grant those answers if those who request are deserving of the revelation.
b. I have received small revelations and I know that God will answer prayers. He will give us the answers we need, when we need them.
IV. The Gift of Tongues
a. This gift, as I understand it, is a knack for learning and understanding languages. It also might refer to people who need to share a message, and God allows the communication barrier to be dropped for a time. I could see that missionaries would need this gift everyday of their mission.
b. As I mentioned above, missionaries would utilize this gift. I pray that God will grant this gift to my brother, who is serving a mission for the Church in El Salvador.
What questions are you still pondering about concerning the gifts of the Spirit?
Ø I wonder how God determines who receives what gifts? How is need determined?
Ø Do the gifts of the Spirit refer to talents?
Ø Do our talents reflect our purpose for God?
Ø Can I receive a gift even though it may not be something I am good at?
Then, here are a few quotes that are great at explaining principles of the gifts of the Spirit:
“If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections … No man out to say, ‘Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.’ He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them … He wants His Saints to be perfected in truth. For this purpose He gives these gifts, and bestows them upon those who seek after them, in order that they may be perfect people upon the face of the earth, not withstanding their many weaknesses, because God has promised to give the gifts that are necessary for their perfection.” (George Q. Cannon, Millennial Star, col. 56 [1894], pgs. 260–61)
“By the grace of God—following devotion, faith, and obedience on man’s part—certain special spiritual blessings called gifts of the Spirit are bestowed upon men. Their receipt is always predicated upon obedience to law, but because they are freely available to all the obedient, they are called gifts. They are signs and miracles reserved for the faithful and for none else … In the fullest sense, they are infinite in number and endless in their manifestations.” (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine)
“Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable. Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.” (Marvin J. Ashton, in CR, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20)
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