“Remember That Every Good Gift Cometh of Christ”

D. Kelly Ogden, Andrew C. Skinner

Moroni counseled all of us to actively seek the gifts of the Spirit. It is our duty to plead for gifts that will overcome our specific weaknesses. The best two are the gift of the Holy Ghost and the gift of charity. If the good gifts of God are not present and active in our lives, it is because of unbelief (see also 7:37). (On spiritual gifts, see 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 and D&C 46:8–30.)

Elder Marvin J. Ashton, a great apostle of the twentieth century, noted some possible additions to the wonderful lists of spiritual 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.”14

The gifts mentioned in scripture, along with many other gifts, are, in the righteous sense of the word, to be coveted. “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (Articles of Faith 1:13). We may rigorously pursue these noble gifts. Brigham Young lamented that “we live far beneath our privileges.”15

Verse by Verse: The Book of Mormon: Vol. 2

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