Gifts of the Spirit
Because our Heavenly Father loves us so dearly, He is always seeking ways to bless us. As we strive to do those things that are good and centered on the example of Christ, we often find ourselves drawing closer to Him.
Heavenly Father has additionally promised that He will send very real blessings, gifts of Spirit, that come through the Holy Ghost. He urges us to “seek … earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:13). Often times, as we seek out our personal gifts of the Spirit, we begin to find more, and come to a greater understanding that our Heavenly Father is deeply aware of us. Additionally, we sometimes begin to recognize those gifts in others, and witness the beauty in our diversity.
There are so many different gifts of the Spirit, but here are just a few of them to remind us of the different gifts we have been blessed with.
Gifts Listed in the Scriptures
Knowledge “that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:13).
The capacity to believe the words of those who testify of Jesus Christ (Doctrine and Covenants 46:14).
Knowledge of “the differences of administration” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:15). This gift is in direct connection to administering and leading the Church.
The gift of “the word of wisdom” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:17). This is a gift that means the ability to use knowledge in righteous ways.
The ability to teach by the power of the Holy Ghost (Doctrine and Covenants 46:18).
The gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9).
The gift “to have faith to be healed” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:19).
The gift “to have faith to heal” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:20).
“The working of miracles” (1 Corinthians 12:10).
The gift of prophecy (Doctrine and Covenants 46:22).
“The beholding of angels and ministering spirits” (Moroni 10:14).
“Discerning of spirits” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:23).
The gift to speak in different languages (Doctrine and Covenants 46:24).
The gift of “the interpretation of tongues” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:25).
Additional Gifts of the Spirit We Don’t Think Of
Elder Marvin J. Ashton once gave a wonderful talk concerning his great sadness to hear of so many people feeling they have no talents, or inherent worth. He expressed that our lives are filled with the details of a loving Father in Heaven, and that there are many gifts of the Spirit that perhaps do not receive as much recognition as others. He listed these gifts as follows:
The Gift to Ponder - Elder Ashton defined this gift as one that gives the Spirit “an opportunity to impress and direct.”
The Gift to Look to God for Direction - This gift, Elder Ashton explains, is one that helps us to look unto God in every thought, and will help us even see beyond the difficulties of the day and the beauty within each moment.
The Gift to Hear and Use the Small Voice - In a world full of noise and competing voices, Elder Ashton said that finding the gift to hear and use the small voice is a true blessing in our modern day. Being able to hear the small voice of the Spirit and speak with the small voice that will invite the Spirit is a true gift from God.
The Gift to Calm - In a world that is filled with stress and anxiety, what a gift it is to be able to calm others. So much of our dialogue with each other nowadays seems to be filled with contention and anger, but the gift to be able to calm others and ourselves is a blessing especially in our world today.
The Gift to Care - Elder Ashton stated that “our Savior cares for all of his sheep” and that this gift was a beautiful tribute to the Savior as we seek to care for those around us. We live in an increasingly busy world where our focus can turn inward too often. This gift from the Spirit is one that can be felt by those around us.
The Most Important of All Gifts
Amongst all of these wonderful gifts, there is one gift that is available to all of God’s children, no matter our circumstances, and that is the gift of charity. There are countless moments throughout our day that are opportunities for us to be charitable with those around us. Whether it’s simply sharing a friendly smile, a simple conversation, or just letting our loved ones know how much we care for them, we can invite the gift of charity into our lives each and every day.
Often times in our day to day lives, we feel the need to compare ourselves with others. Especially in spiritual ways, we seem to find all the ways we are “lacking” instead of all the good that we have within us. Our Heavenly Father sends gifts of the Spirit to us in times of need, and when we will be able to use them to help bless the lives of all of His children.
It is important to always remember that the gifts of the Spirit are never an indicator of God’s love is stronger for another one of His children than it is for you. He loves us equally, and each gift we receive is a symbol of that personal love He has for us. As we seek to cultivate and magnify our gifts from the Spirit, Heavenly Father recognizes each effort no matter how big or small. Taking moments to remember and recognize the different gifts of the Spirit that we have received throughout our lives helps us to draw closer to our Father in Heaven, and further understand His guiding hands in our daily lives.