Gifts of the Spirit

August 5 Relief Society Lesson
Taught by Terry S.

Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, " One of the great tragedies of life, it seems to me, is when a person classifies himself as someone who has no talents or gifts. When, in disgust or discouragement, we allow ourselves to reach depressive levels of despair because of our demeaning self-appraisal, it is a sad day for us and a sad day in the eyes of God. For us to conclude that we have no gifts, when we judge ourselves by stature, intelligence, grade-point average, wealth, power, position, or external appearance is not only unfair but unreasonable."

There are many gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your 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 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 avoiding contention.
• The gift of being able to ponder.
• The gift of offering prayer.
• The gift of bearing a mighty testimony.
• The gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.
• The gift of forgiving.

We must remember that to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them. We are taught that in order to receive any spiritual gift we must be worthy of it.Doctrine & Covenants 46:9- "For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments..."
To find the gifts we have been given we must pray and fast. Often patriarchal blessings tell us the gifts we have received and declare the promise of gifts we can receive if we seek after them.