Spiritual Gifts

Each faithful member of the Church has at least one spiritual gift, and the Lord encourages His children to "seek . . . earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given" (D&C 46:8). The scriptures teach of many gifts of the Spirit:

Knowledge "that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world" (D&C 46:13).

The capacity to believe the words of those who testify of Jesus Christ (see D&C 46:14).

Knowledge of "the differences of administration" (D&C 46:15; see also 1 Corinthians 12:5). This gift is used in administering and leading the Church.

Knowledge of "the diversities of operations," which helps individuals discern whether a teaching or influence comes from God or from some other source (D&C 46:16; see also 1 Corinthians 12:6–7).

The gift of "the word of wisdom" (1 Corinthians 12:8; D&C 46:17). This does not refer to the law known as the Word of Wisdom (see D&C 89). Rather, it is the gift of wisdom—the ability to use knowledge in righteous ways.

The gift of "the word of knowledge" (1 Corinthians 12:8; D&C 46:18).

The ability to teach by the power of the Holy Ghost (see Moroni 10:9–10; see also D&C 46:18).

The gift of faith (see 1 Corinthians 12:9; Moroni 10:11).

The gift "to have faith to be healed" (D&C 46:19).

The gift "to have faith to heal" (D&C 46:20; see also 1 Corinthians 12:9; Moroni 10:11).

"The working of miracles" (1 Corinthians 12:10; D&C 46:21; see also Moroni 10:12).

The gift of prophecy (see 1 Corinthians 12:10; Moroni 10:13; D&C 46:22). The Apostle John taught that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10).

"The beholding of angels and ministering spirits" (Moroni 10:14).

"Discerning of spirits" (1 Corinthians 12:10; D&C 46:23).

The gift to speak in different languages, or tongues (see 1 Corinthians 12:10; Moroni 10:15; D&C 46:24).

The gift of "the interpretation of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:10; D&C 46:25; see also Moroni 10:16).

These spiritual gifts and others listed in the scriptures are only some examples of the many gifts of the Spirit. The Lord blesses His children in many ways according to their faithfulness and their needs and the needs of those they serve.

See also Holy Ghost; Revelation

See True to the Faith (2004), 165–67

• "Messages from the Doctrine and Covenants: Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts"

  Mervyn B. Arnold, Ensign, Mar. 2005, 64–67
  What are the "best gifts," and why should we seek them? How can we obtain them? And how do we discern between true and false spiritual gifts?

• "There Are Many Gifts"

  Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20–23
  It is up to each of us to search for and build upon the gifts which God has given.

• "Spiritual Gifts"

  Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Sept. 1986, 68–72
  It is important to understand the relationship between spiritual gifts and the Spirit of Christ, manifestations of the Holy Ghost, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

• "How to Receive Spiritual Gifts"

  Lane Johnson, Ensign, Dec. 1975, 46–47
  Spiritual gifts are blessings reserved to the faithful—not signs to the unbelieving.

• "Gifts of the Spirit"

  James A. Cullimore, Ensign, Nov. 1974, 27–28
  Among the sure signs of the true church of Christ are the accompanying spiritual gifts.

• "Gifts of the Spirit"

  Robert D. Hales, Ensign, Feb. 2002, 12–20
  Spiritual gifts are given as a blessing and benefit for those who love God and keep His commandments.

• "Seeking the Best Gifts"

  Liahona, Feb. 1997, 24; or Ensign, Jan. 1997, 55
  The gifts of the Spirit will come by the Holy Ghost. May [we] open [our] hearts to these gifts, seek them earnestly, live worthily to receive them, and use them for the benefit of all.

• "I Have a Question"

  Arthur R. Bassett, Ensign, Mar. 1994, 52–53
  How does one acquire specific spiritual gifts?

Search Church magazines for content related to this topic.

• "Gifts of the Spirit"

  Guide to the Scriptures

• "The Gifts of the Spirit"

  Gospel Principles, Chapter 22

• "Gifts of the Spirit"

  The Latter-day Saint Woman: Part B, Lesson 3

• "Spiritual Gifts"

  Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part B, Lesson 34

• "Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts"

  Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 15

Search additional Church materials for content related to this topic.

Search additional lesson manuals for content related to this topic.