Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

D&C 46

As we read the well known gifts of the Spirit, we learn -

"...all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants
Section 46:26)  

And that -  

"...unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 46:29)  

Suggesting to me that priesthood leaders are given many of these gifts in order to preside.  Even -  

"...unto the bishop of the church, and unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the church and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 46:27)  

Therefore, of the gifts of the Spirit -  

"...that he that asketh in Spirit shall receive in Spirit..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 46:28)  

In my mind, this teaches that we must be worthy of the Spirit and have the promptings of the Spirit to ask.  If we ask in the Spirit, we will receive of the Spirit.  If the Spirit does not prompt us to ask, there is no guarantee that we will receive a gift of the Spirit for -  

"He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 46:30)  

With receiving the gifts of the Spirit there are three conditions that must be satisfied -  

"...[1] all things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the Spirit;
32 And [2] ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with.
33 And [3] ye must practise virtue and holiness before me continually."  (Doctrine and Covenants
Section 46:31 - 33)  

In addition to the typical quoted gifts of the Spirit, I would like to add two quotes -  

"Romans 12:6-13   6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry [the gift of ministering to the needs of others], let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching [the gift of being an effective teacher];
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation [the gift of effectively explaining the urgency of living the gospel]: he that giveth [the gift of generosity], let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth [the gift of leadership], with diligence; he that sheweth mercy [the gift of being merciful], with cheerfulness.
9 Let love [the gift of showing sincere love] be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil [the gift of having a natural aversion to evil]; cleave to that which is good [the gift of wanting to be around goodness].
10 Be kindly affectioned [the gift of being sincerely kind] one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another [the gift of putting the needs of others ahead of one’s own needs];
11 Not slothful in business [the gift of being skilled in business dealings]; fervent in spirit [the gift of being truly spiritual]; serving the Lord [the gift of loving to serve the Lord];
12 Rejoicing in hope [the gift of hope, which in turn brings happiness and optimism]; patient [the gift of patience] in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer [the gift of praying always, continuously in tune with heaven];
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints [the gift of skillfully caring for the needy]; given to hospitality [the gift of hospitality, of being a gracious host]." (Ridges, David J. (2008-05-21). Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 1012-1027). Cedar Fort Inc.)  

And the teachings of Elder Marvin J. Ashton -  

“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; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.” (“‘There Are Many Gifts,’” Ensign, November 1987, 20.)