1. What principles are taught in section 46 that govern the gifts of the Spirit?
In this section we have many different principles that govern the gifts of the Spirit. We learn just how to use these gifts and then also what we need to do in order to make sure that we can use these gifts. The most important thing that we learn is that we must ask God for these gifts. It is a simple principle that we need to make sure that we are always doing. Another principle that we learn is that we need to be careful as to not be deceived by the evil spirits. Satan has made good things become evil if we do not treat them right. We then also need to make sure that we remember what these gifts are and to constantly seek after them.
2. Briefly explain in your words four of the gifts of the Spirit as you understand them.
The first gift that I would like to explain entails knowing Jesus Christ and that He is the Son of God. I believe that this gift includes knowing without a doubt that Jesus Christ came down to the earth to atone for our sins. Many people have some doubt in their minds but there are others that truly believe that He lives. The second gift that I understand entails having faith to heal. This means to know that if the Lord is willing to heal someone or be healed themselves that it will happen. They believe in the true power that blessings can have. The third gift is doing miracles. I think that this is a very interesting gift because many times we think that something is not a miracle unless it was something that Christ did like making a blind man see. This is not true. A miracle can be something small. Some people can make these happen and know when it is necessary to have this happen. The last gift I want to discuss is to speak with tongues. I understand this through my missionary work. So many times we see that we struggle to find the words that we need to teach the gospel but the Lord gives us those words because we are striving to preach the gospel every day.
3. What would a manifestation of that gift look like in your life?
I think that if I was able to receive those gifts that I talked about and to have a manifestation of that gift it would help bless my life greatly. I think that the Lord would just send a feeling and let the doubt leave my mind. It would help me to be able to understand the gospel more and to help me progress greatly. I also think that through the teaching of others that I will be able to see these gifts be manifested to me.
4. What questions are you still pondering about concerning the gifts of the Spirit?
I am always curious when it comes to learning about the gifts of the Spirit. So many times in my life I have seen the ways that a gift can bless someone and I am curious to know just how the Lord is able to make that manifest to them and to know that they need that blessing. I am amazed that He has that power. I also would like to know more about each gift. There are still so many gifts that I do not understand completely. I hope that I can be able to understand them more.
Then write a paragraph explaining both your own thoughts and the Lord’s teachings in section 46 as they relate to each of the following three quotes:a) “If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections … No man out 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 strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them … He wants His Saints to be perfected in truth. For this purpose He gives these gifts, and bestows them upon those who seek after them, in order that they may be perfect people upon the face of the earth, not withstanding their many weaknesses, because God has promised to give the gifts that are necessary for their perfection.” (George Q. Cannon, Millennial Star, col. 56 [1894], pgs. 260–61)
When I read this quote I thought about the imperfections that I have right now. We sometimes feel that we have so many of them. The Lord teaches in section 46 that we need to ask and pray that we can be perfect. I think that this is the most important thing that we can do. We also learn that we cannot just give up and then be saved by the Lord. If we ask for help and strength to become perfect the Lord will give us the gifts that we need to do just that.
b) “By the grace of God—following devotion, faith, and obedience on man’s part—certain special spiritual blessings called gifts of the Spirit are bestowed upon men. Their receipt is always predicated upon obedience to law, but because they are freely available to all the obedient, they are called gifts. They are signs and miracles reserved for the faithful and for none else … In the fullest sense, they are infinite in number and endless in their manifestations.” (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine)
The manifestations and the gifts that we can receive are infinite and it doesn’t matter how much we get of those gifts the Lord will only give us those things that we need after we show our obedience. When need to do certain things to show that we are obedient, and that we are still doing the things that we need to do be able to use these gifts for good.
c) “Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable.
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 mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.” (Marvin J. Ashton, in CR, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20)
The Lord teaches us that there are many gifts and that each gift that we receive is just as important as the other gifts. We can only receive these gifts through work and obedience. So many times we think that these gifts have to be big and that we do not have some of these gifts. There are still others that believe they do not have gifts. Here Elder Ashton is trying to say that we have many gifts and they can be simple gifts. Not all will be world changing. Our goal is to acquire as many gifts as we can by doing what we need to do.
