Mormon testified that we can “lay hold upon every good thing.” He said that if we do so, and avoid condemning good things, we can become “a child of Christ” (Moroni 7:19-21).
In the final chapter of the Book of Mormon, Mormon’s son Moroni exhorts us to “deny not the gifts of God,” adding, “for they are many; and they come from the same God” (Moroni 10:8).
Elder Patrick Kearon recently explained the difference between accepting and receiving a gift:
To receive a gift sincerely given is so much more than accepting and then opening it. It is more, even, than recognising the worth of the gift and expressing gratitude to the giver. To truly receive a gift, we come to value it for ourselves, put it to full use in our lives, and then remember with thankfulness the giver.
Receiving a gift is not passive but an intentional and meaningful process that goes far beyond merely opening a package. To receive is to appreciate and connect with both the gift and the heart of the giver in a way that strengthens the bonds between the giver and receiver.
“Receive His Gift,” General Conference, April 2025
In an 1832 revelation, the Lord asked, “What doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift?” He warned that a person who refuses to receive “rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:33).
About four months later, Joseph Smith received a revelation (Doctrine and Covenants 93) that described Jesus as a receiver of gifts from His Father:
- The Savior said, “The Father … gave me of his fulness,” and added, “I was in the world and received of my Father” (v. 4-5).
- The apostle John observed that Jesus “received a fulness of the glory of the Father,” but not all at once—He “received grace for grace” (v. 12-16).
- The “fulness” that He received includes “all power, both in heaven and on earth,” as well as “the glory of the Father” and “a fulness of truth” (v. 16-17, 26).
The Savior also testifies in this revelation that we can receive gifts from God in the same way. “You shall receive grace for grace,” He says, “and in due time receive of his fulness” (v. 19-20). “He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things” (v. 28). We can also receive “a fulness of joy” (v. 33-34).
But the Lord added a caution: Receiving these gifts is a choice.
Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.
And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation.
Doctrine and Covenants 93:31-32
Elder Kearon taught that when we truly understand our identity as children of God, we become more confident in receiving gifts from Him.
You can come to Christ with confidence in His loving-kindness and receive all His gifts of joy, peace, hope, light, truth, revelation, knowledge, and wisdom—with your head held high, your arms outstretched, and your hands open, ready to receive. And you can receive these gifts because you are secure and grounded in the knowledge that you are a beloved daughter of God, you are a cherished son of God, and He has gifted you His perfect, holy Son to redeem you, justify you, and sanctify you.
“Receive His Gift,” General Conference, April 2025
Today, I will receive gifts from God, with confidence that I am His child. I will show gratitude by internalizing and using them, knowing that wholeheartedly receiving His gifts strengthens my relationship with Him.