All three places in the scriptures where spiritual gifts are listed, we are encouraged to cultivate a desire to receive them. Paul says, “Covet earnestly the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31). In modern revelation, the Lord says, “Seek ye earnestly the best gifts” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:8).
And Moroni exhorts us, “Deny not the gifts of God” (Moroni 10:8), which might simply mean, “Acknowledge their existence,” but which might be interpreted more broadly as: “Be willing to accept and receive the gifts God is trying to give you. Don’t turn His gifts away.”
Many of the invitations President Russell M. Nelson has extended in recent years are essentially encouraging us to receive spiritual gifts. Here are some examples:
| Invitation | Spiritual Gift |
|---|---|
| “I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” General Conference, April 2018) | “To some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom. “To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12:8, Moroni 10:9-10). |
| “My call to you … is to start today to increase your faith” (“Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” General Conference, April 2021). | “To another, exceedingly great faith … “And again, to another, that he may work mighty miracles” (Moroni 10:11-12; Doctrine and Covenants 46:21; 1 Corinthians 12:9-10) |
| “I urge you to devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ” (“The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again,” General Conference, October 2024) | “To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:13). |
Moroni reminds us that “every good gift comes of Christ” (Moroni 10:18).
Today, I will receive spiritual gifts from God. I will open my heart to accept and use the gifts God is willing to give me.
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