Spiritual Gifts

Close your eyes and bring your attention to your body. Whether you are sitting, standing, or laying down, make sure your body feels relaxed and supported. Relax the muscles in your face, jaw, neck, and shoulders. 

Take a few deep breaths. In this state of calm and receptiveness, take a moment to say a brief prayer that your mind will be guided to any revelation the Lord has for you today as you ponder. 

As your breathing returns to normal, turn your thoughts and attention to spiritual gifts. As I share teachings about these gifts allow your thoughts and the Spirit to guide you. Allow your heart to notice any scriptures or quotes I read that feel personal, timely, or quietly meaningful. Don’t worry about focusing on every quote or question I share.

Do you have any questions about spiritual gifts that you could seek answers to as you ponder?

What are Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gifts are, as Tad R. Callister has explained, “attributes of godliness.” They are attributes that come from God (James 1:17 (“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”)) and are given to us through the spirit (Moroni 10:8 (“Given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men”); Moroni 10:9 (“by the Spirit of God”)). 

And because these gifts are attributes of godliness, “each time we acquire a gift of the Spirit, we become more like God.” Tad R. Callister “The Atonement of Jesus Christ,” General Conference, April 2019.

The most often-discussed spiritual gifts are the ones listed in scripture, such as the Holy Ghost, faith, a testimony of Christ, language learning and translating, discernment, wisdom, knowledge, teaching, prophesying, beholding angels, working miracles, healing, being healed, and believing on the testimonies of others, but there are many gifts (Moroni 10:8), and these lists are not exhaustive.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety. Those listed in the revealed word are simply illustrations of the boundless outpouring of divine grace that a gracious God gives those who love and serve him” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 371).

Elder John C. Pingree Jr. said that some gifts “might include having compassion, expressing hope, relating well with people, organizing effectively, speaking or writing persuasively, teaching clearly, and working hard.” (Elder John C. Pingree Jr., “⁠I Have a Work for Thee.” ⁠Ensign or Liahona⁠, Nov. 2017, 32–35.) 

Marvin J. Ashton taught a similar message in 1987, listing “a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important.” He said:

“Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: 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 to calm; the gift to care;]and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.” Marvin J. Ashton, “There Are Many Gifts,” General Conference, October 1987. 

Think about your own attributes and gifts. What spiritual gifts have you been given? What attributes do you have that allow you to love, serve, minister to, and bless others? Have you ever thought of these attributes as spiritual gifts? What attributes or gifts have you observed in others that have blessed your life? 

If you had a hard time identifying your gifts, I challenge you to take Elder Pingree’s advice to search your patriarchal blessing, ask those who know you best, or, best of all, ask Heavenly Father. “He knows our gifts, since He gave them to us.” (John C. Pingree Jr., “⁠I Have a Work for Thee.” ⁠Ensign or Liahona⁠, Nov. 2017, 32–35.)

In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord said that we “should always remember, and always retain in [our] minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.” D&C 46:10

Why do you think it’s important to remember and keep the gifts in the front of our minds? How often do you think about spiritual gifts, especially your own? 

What are they for?

The scriptures teach that spiritual gifts are given “to profit [mankind]” (Moroni 10:8). Christ taught that “they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me,” (D&C 46:9). “And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.” (D&C 46:26). Christ also warned “Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;” (D&C 46:8).

What does it mean for you to “always remember” the purpose of the gifts that are given to you? Why is it important? How often do you think about your gifts in terms of the purpose for which they were given to you? What connection is there between the purpose of spiritual gifts and covenant promises?

Elder Pingree taught that “Heavenly Father gave us these gifts to help us identify, perform, and enjoy the work He has for us.” Elder John C. Pingree Jr., “⁠I Have a Work for Thee⁠,” Ensign or Liahona⁠, Nov. 2017, 32–35.)

How do your spiritual gifts help you identify and perform the work the Lord has for you? How do they help you enjoy the work? 

How can we develop them and gain more?

We all have spiritual gifts, and we have the capacity to obtain many more if we are willing to work and ask for them (Moroni 10:17 (“all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally, according as he will.”) Moroni 10:30 (“again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing.”); (D&C 46:11-12) “For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.”)).  

President George Q. Cannon taught: “No man ought to say, ‘Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.’ He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to … give gifts that will eradicate [our weaknesses]. … If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect.” (George Q. Cannon, “Seeking Spiritual Gifts,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2016, 80.)

In the new testament, Paul tells us to “covet earnestly the best gifts:” (1 Corinthians 12:31) and to “[f]ollow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts”(1 Corinthians 14:1). How do we do this?

We need to 1) be worthy, 2) remember the purpose of the gifts, and 3) be willing to work.

First, we need to be worthy. The Lord said “all things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the Spirit; And ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with. And ye must practice virtue and holiness before me continually.” (D&C 46:31-33.)  

How often do you remember to thank God for your spiritual gifts? Would you describe yourself as practicing virtue and holiness before the Lord continually? Would those closest to you describe you that way? 

Second, Remember the purpose:

Christ said that spiritual gifts “are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.” (D&C 46:9). In other words, our reasons for wanting to develop a spiritual gift need to be in line with the purpose of spiritual gifts—not for any other reasons such as pride, praise, power, or prestige.

Our reasons also need to be in line with God’s will. We can align our will to Gods by seeking revelation through the Spirit as to what gifts to ask for. D&C 46 says “And it shall come to pass that he that asketh in Spirit shall receive in Spirit;” D&C 46:28 “He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh.” (D&C 46:30)

Are you prompted to ask to develop any particular spiritual gift? Have you ever asked for guidance as to what gifts you should seek?

Third, we need to be willing to work.

Elder Pingree taught that “As we discover our gifts, we have a responsibility to develop them (see Matthew 25:14–30). Even Jesus Christ “received not of the fulness at first, but [developed] from grace to grace” (D&C 93:13).” John C. Pingree Jr., “⁠I Have a Work for Thee.” ⁠Ensign or Liahona⁠, Nov. 2017, 32–35) see also 1 Timothy 4:14 (“Neglect not the gift that is in thee”).

Elder Juan Pablo Villar likened spiritual gifts to muscles. He said that spiritual gifts “need to be exercised to grow. The spiritual gift of faith, for example, is not just a feeling or a mood; it is a principle of action that frequently appears in the scriptures linked to the verb exercise. Just as reading and learning about muscles is not enough to build muscle, reading and learning about faith without adding action is insufficient to build faith.”(Elder Juan Pablo Villar, “⁠Exercising Our Spiritual Muscles⁠,” Ensign or Liahona⁠, May 2019, 95). 

“It is more likely that [God] will give us opportunities to develop those gifts rather than just granting them to us without spiritual and physical effort. If we are in tune with His Spirit, we will learn to identify those opportunities and then act upon them.

If we seek more patience, we may find ourselves needing to practice it while waiting for a response. If we want to have more love for our neighbor, we can foster it by sitting next to a new face at church. . . . In this way, we are exercising spiritual muscles and developing them into sources of strength in our lives.” (Elder Juan Pablo Villar, “⁠Exercising Our Spiritual Muscles⁠,” Ensign or Liahona⁠, May 2019, 95).

“If we want to increase our faith, then let’s do things that require faith.” (Elder Juan Pablo Villar, “⁠Exercising Our Spiritual Muscles⁠,” Ensign or Liahona⁠, May 2019, 95). Put more generally, If we want to obtain or increase a certain spiritual gift, then let’s do things that require that gift. 

Is there a gift you feel drawn to develop? What “exercises” could help you develop that gift?

Elder Pingree warns: “At the same time God helps us fulfill divine assignments, the adversary works to distract and dissuade us from a life of meaning.” (John C. Pingree Jr., “⁠I Have a Work for Thee.” ⁠Ensign or Liahona⁠, Nov. 2017, 32–35)

What tactics of the adversary are you particularly susceptible to? What keeps you from developing your spiritual gifts? How can you protect yourself, your godly attributes, and your divine potential from temptation, distraction, discouragement, and flattery? Some of his favorite tools are distraction, sin, feelings of inadequacy, and pride. (John C. Pingree Jr., “⁠I Have a Work for Thee.” ⁠Ensign or Liahona⁠, Nov. 2017, 32–35)

To end this meditation on spiritual gifts, I want to expand on a quote from Tad R. Calister that I read at the beginning. He identified Spiritual Gifts as a channel for the Savior’s enabling power, also called Grace. Then he said: “[b]ecause of Christ’s Atonement, we are eligible to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and its accompanying spiritual gifts. These gifts are attributes of godliness; therefore, each time we acquire a gift of the Spirit, we become more like God.” Tad R. Callister “The Atonement of Jesus Christ,” General Conference, April 2019.

When you are ready, take a final deep breath and slowly turn your awareness back to your body. As you open your eyes and return to your surroundings, take a moment to jot down any thoughts, promptings, or questions that came to mind while you were pondering. And, if necessary, make a plan to act on those things.