Addition sometimes results in separation. Joseph's unique gifts resulted in being distanced from his family. But ultimately, God led him to Egypt to give him and his family even greater blessings. Separation can stretch us and enable God to bless us and others more abundantly.
Receiving Gifts from God
Elder Patrick Kearon taught that receiving a gift is more than accepting it. It includes valuing it, putting it to use, and strengthening our relationship with the giver. Jesus was a good receiver of gifts from the Father, and we can follow His example, receiving grace for grace until we receive a fulness.
“Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts”
Paul, Moroni, and the Savior encourage us to seek spiritual gifts. Moroni in particular urges us to "deny not the gifts of God," or in other words, "Don't turn away the gifts God is giving you." Many of President Nelson's invitations are essentially encouraging us to accept the gifts God is offering to us.
By the Gift and Power of God
Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. A gift seems permanent, while power sounds more immediate. Both refer to capabilities received from God. Moroni said that when we do good, we work "by the power and gifts of God."
Amaleki and Moroni
Amaleki's admonition to his future readers is echoed by Moroni at the end of the Book of Mormon. Both prophets emphasized the importance of believing in God's gifts, in committing fully to Him, and in coming to Christ in order to receive His saving power.
“Covet Earnestly the Best Gifts”
Paul tells us to appreciate one another's gifts, but he also tells us to "covet" the best gifts. Those gifts represent divine attributes which God wants to help us develop. We seek them by striving to develop them and by accepting the help God offers us.
Discerning of Spirits
The gift of discernment of spirits enables us to identify hidden errors and evil in others and in ourselves. It also helps us to identify the good that may be concealed in others and in ourselves.
“Would God My Lord Were With the Prophet!”
She was a young Israelite woman, who had been captured by the Syrian army and was now a slave in the house of Naaman. She felt empathy toward her master, who was captain of the Syrian army but who was afflicted with leprosy. She said to Naaman's wife, "Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in... Continue Reading →
Wise Hearted
To build the tabernacle, Moses needed all who were "willing hearted" to donate materials. (See Exodus 25:2, Exodus 35:5, 21-22, 29.) He also needed people who were "wise hearted" to donate labor. (See Exodus 28:3, Exodus 31:6, Exodus 35:10, 25, Exodus 36:1, 2, 8.) What does it mean to be wise hearted? You can tell... Continue Reading →
What Is It?
Shortly after passing through the Red Sea on dry ground, the children of Israel became hungry and worried aloud that they would starve to death. In response, God promised Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you" (Exodus 16:4). The following day, as they emerged from their tents, they discovered scattered across the ground "a... Continue Reading →