We are all different, and after we become disciples of Jesus Christ, we continue to have different strengths and abilities. When we receive the Spirit of the Lord, God gives us new spiritual capabilities, which we call spiritual gifts or gifts of the Spirit. But we don’t all receive the same gifts.
These gifts help us to progress and give us opportunities to serve others. The prophet Moroni explained to us that, even though there are many such gifts, “they come from the same God.” “There are different ways that these gifts are administered,” he said, “but it is the same God who worketh all in all” (Moroni 10:8). This echoes the apostle Paul’s teaching that “there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” and “differences of administration, but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:4-5).
Some of these spiritual gifts are:
- The ability to impart wisdom to others
- The ability to provide knowledge
- Great faith
- The ability to heal
- The ability to work mighty miracles
- Prophecy
- The ability to see angels and ministering spirits
- The ability to communicate in multiple languages and to translate between languages
(See Moroni 10:9-16, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Doctrine & Covenants 46:17-25.)
Years ago, Elder Marvin J. Ashton added some additional gifts he had encountered:
- 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 a mighty testimony
- The gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.
(“There Are Many Gifts,” General Conference, October 1987).
Why do we all receive different gifts? I can think of a few reasons:
- We learn to support one another and to accept help from one another as we recognize the different gifts we each have.
- The gifts we lack help us stay humble and remind us of our reliance upon God.
- We can each find a sense of belonging as we discover the unique contributions we can make.
Elder Ashton provided the following counsel:
It is up to each of us to search for and build upon the gifts which God has given. We must remember that each of us is made in the image of God, that there are no unimportant persons. Everyone matters to God and to his fellowmen (“There Are Many Gifts,” General Conference, October 1987).
Today, I will strive to better understand the gifts I have been given by God. I will also strive to recognize and celebrate the gifts He has given to other people. I will be grateful that there are “diversities of gifts,” and I will strive for unity with other people, so that we can all benefit from one another’s gifts.
I love it Paul. Whenever I think of Gifts, I always try to remember that I have to live worthy of the Spirit to have them…for me, that’s a bag motivator to remain vigilant of my actions so I can qualify for His Spirit and accompanying gifts. Thanks for the post!
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That’s a great thought. In order to receive gifts of the Spirit, you have to receive the Spirit. So we need to live in a way that enables us to be receptive to His influence, including repenting regularly. Thanks for the thought.