Gifts of the Spirit

Principle Scriptures
  1. What They Are
    1. They are many (Moroni 10:8; Doctrine and Covenants 46:11; 1 Corinthians 12:4; )
    2. Teach the word of wisdom (Moroni 10:9; Doctrine and Covenants 46:17; 1 Corinthians 12:8)
    3. Teach the word of knowledge: Moroni 10:10; Doctrine and Covenants 46:18; 1 Corinthians 12:8
    4. Exceedingly great faith Moroni 10:11; 1 Corinthians 12:9
    5. The gift of healing Moroni 10:11; Doctrine and Covenants 46:20; 1 Corinthians 12:9
    6. Faith to be healed: Doctrine and Covenants 46:19
    7. Working of Miracles: Moroni 10:12; Doctrine and Covenants 46:21; 1 Corinthians 12:10
    8. Gift of prophecy: Jacob 4:6,13; Moroni 10:13; Doctrine and Covenants 46:22; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 14: 1 (a preferred gift according to Paul); 1 Corinthians 14: 39; Num. 11:29 (Moses wanted all to be prophets);
    9. Discerning of spirits/administering spirits: Moroni 10:14; Doctrine and Covenants 46:23; 1 Corinthians 12:10
    10. Speak tongues: Moroni 10:15; Doctrine and Covenants 46:24; 1 Corinthians 12:10
    11. Interpret tongues: Moroni 10:16; Doctrine and Covenants 46:25; 1 Corinthians 12:10
    12. To know of Jesus’ Divine Mission: Doctrine and Covenants 46:13
    13. To believe the testimonies of others: Doctrine and Covenants 46:14
    14. Differences of Administration: Doctrine and Covenants 46:15; 1 Corinthians 12:5;
    15. Diversities of Operations: Doctrine and Covenants 46:16; 1 Corinthians 12:6;
    16. They are from God: Doctrine and Covenants 46: 26
    17. They are of Christ: Moroni 10:18
    18. They are given by the spirit of God (spirit of Christ) unto Men: Moroni 10:8; Moroni 10:17;
    19. Will never be done away (except by unbelief); practiced by believers: Moroni 10:19; Moroni 10:24-25; Mormon 9:19-20; Mormon 9:24
    20. Every man has at least one gift; All have manifestation of the Spirit: Doctrine and Covenants 46:11; 1 Corinthians 12:7
  2. Conditions for Possessing Them
    1. Not for a sign (consuming upon lusts): Doctrine and Covenants 46:9; Mormon 9:28
    2. Bishops discern all gifts: Doctrine and Covenants 46:27
    3. Ask in spirit: Doctrine and Covenants 46:28; Doctrine and Covenants 46:30
    4. Must give thanks to God: Doctrine and Covenants 46:32
    5. Must practice virtue, holiness, and charity continually: Doctrine and Covenants 46:33; 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3; 1 Corinthians 14: 1
    6. Warning given to those who deny the power of God. He worketh by faith of men: Moroni 10: 7-8; Moroni 10:32-33; Mormon 9:7-8; Mormon 9:26; Jacob 4:8
  3. What They Are For
    1. To profit men (to benefit them): Moroni 10:8; Doctrine and Covenants 46:9; Doctrine and Covenants 46:12; Doctrine and Covenants 46:16; Doctrine and Covenants 46: 26; Doctrine and Covenants 46:29
    2. Prevents deception: Doctrine and Covenants 46:8
    3. The body analogy likened to unity among church members: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
    4. Primarily for edification (Paul’s sermon highlights the importance of edification that comes from prophecy, as well as tongues when interpretation is given) 1 Corinthians 14: 1-28
    5. To serve God: Mormon 9:28
    6. To help eradicate spiritual weaknesses: President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901) stated: “If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. … 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 strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them.” 3
  4. They Should Be Sought After (covet them, ask for)
    1. Moroni 10:30. 1 Corinthians 12:31
    2. Doctrine and Covenants 46:8
    3. 1 Corinthians 12:31
    4. Mormon 9:21
    5. Mormon 9:27
    6. The prophet David O. McKay (1873–1970) quoted Charles Jefferson, who wrote: “The only thing which places a man above the beasts of the field is his possession of the spiritual gifts. … Man’s earthly existence is but a test as to whether he will concentrate his efforts, his mind, and his soul upon the things which contribute to the comfort and gratification of his physical instincts and passions, or whether he will make as his life’s end and purpose the acquisition of spiritual qualities.” 1(Talk by Elder Arnold)

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