Around 2002 or 2003 I was having some questions. I actually don’t even remember what my issue was but I do remember a couple of conversations I had with a man who I had grown to love as a good friend. His name is Bob Quinn and during this time he was serving in the stake presidency of the Ann Arbor Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. At that time I was serving in the Stake Young Women Presidency.
As I said I don’t remember what my issue was but twe were at a Youth Conference or activity and I was sitting under a tree and President Quinn approached and asked what was wrong. We talked for a minute and then he requested that I go home and prayerfully read Doctrine and Covenants chapter 46 and focus on the spiritual gifts that are described there and come back to him in a few days and let him know which spiritual gift(s) I had been given.
8 Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived aseek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;
9 For verily I say unto you, 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, that ask and not for a asign that they may bconsume it upon their lusts.
10 And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your aminds what those bgifts are, that are given unto the church.
11 For all have not every agift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
13 To some it is given by the aHoly Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to abelieve on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the adifferences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his bmercies according to the conditions of the children of men.
16 And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the aSpirit may be given to every man to profit withal.
17 And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of awisdom.
18 To another is given the word of aknowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.
19 And again, to some it is given to have afaith to be healed;
20 And to others it is given to have faith to aheal.
21 And again, to some is given the working of amiracles;
22 And to others it is given to aprophesy;
23 And to others the adiscerning of spirits.
24 And again, it is given to some to speak with atongues;
25 And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.
26 And all these agifts come from God, for the benefit of the bchildren of God.
(You can also read abouit spritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 and Moroni 10)
Now let me be fully honest with you. I read the passage over and over and the gift that I was sure was mine – and I’m still sure of it is the gift of believing others when they testify. Now, 20 years later, I am grateful for this gift but at that time I was a little annoyed. I wanted one of the cool gifts like prophecy, miracles, faith to be healed. I couldn’t believe that my only gift was the worst one. The least important one.
Now here’s what I want to say about that today. That gift is an amazing gift to have.
When I was 17 and met the missionaries for the first time and had just one lesson with them I knew it was all true and I was ready to be baptized. When I listen to General Conference or talks on Sunday I have no hesitation knowing what is being taught is true. I can see the reasoning for certain commandments and principles and policies. I have never had a doubt about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. This has been such a blessing in my life as I have grown in my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and improved my relationship with Him.
I wonder what gifts from the passages above you can see in yourself. Have you gained new gifts over the course of your life?
Always Choose Charity 