Contributed by Caroline
“But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally…”
D&C 46:7
God’s Gifts
Section 46 was given to new converts in Ohio. Filled with zeal but lacking experienced leadership, they soon introduced elements of “enthusiastic worship”—such as shaking, falling unconscious, and sliding on the floor—claiming these to be gifts of the spirit. (Revelations in Context, 107-108). Though these practices were questioned by some, it was a complicated question. As one writer notes, “If the Book of Mormon promised the presence of spiritual gifts in the Church, what was wrong with these practices?…and what of the Book of Mormon stories of Apma and Lamoni, who fell, apparently unconscious, while the spirit spoke to them? Just how was one to distinguish the gifts of God from human inventions or the influence of evil?” (Revelations in Context, 108). It was within this context that Joseph Smith came to visit these Saints and received section 46, clarifying the gifts of God and the manifestation of His Spirit.
I love these early converts because they were just trying to figure it out, as I am. They had a context, and so do I. Their practices and how they expected the Spirit to show itself were influenced by the practices around them, as mine are. We are imperfect and fumbling, and God always meets us there.
Because God is a giver of gifts.
And he gives liberally.
“…to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby” (D&C 46:11-12).
Here, again, we see God inviting everyone to the feast. Everyone is given something to help out the whole. Within our fumbling ways and our sometimes fumbling Church, we are all given gifts that all may be done “in the name of Christ” (D&C 46:31).
And what kind of gifts are given?
Healing. Knowledge. Belief. Wisdom. Miracles. Prophesy. Discernment. Interpretation.
These are expansive gifts, aren’t they? They expand the soul. They expand the feast of God into a true festival.
And God gives them liberally, to all who ask, because God is a giving God. I want my children to remember that—-God is not tight-fisted, he is open-handed. He accepts our clumsy efforts at being “spiritual” and always gives us something greater. He gives us Himself.
Ideas for Play
Contributed by Caroline
- Read Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett. Discuss how God’s gifts are always full.
- Read Stone Soup by Jon J. Muth. How can our gifts contribute to the whole?
- Give a gift to someone! How does it make you feel?
- Make a list of gifts you feel God has given you. How can you use those gifts to help others?
Artwork
Compiled by Caroline
Poetry
Compiled by Caroline
Two Questions
by Wendell Berry
If you provided a marriage feast
and the thankless guests crowded
at the table, gobbling the food
without tasting it, and shoving
one another away, so that some ate
too much and some ate nothing,
would you not be offended?
Or if, seated at your bountiful table,
your guests picked and finicked
over the food, eating only a little,
refusing the wine and the dessert,
claiming that to fill their bellies
and rejoice would impair their souls,
would you not be offended?
Music
Compiled by Caroline
Give Good Gifts, Seraphic Fire
Give good gifts one to another,
Peace, joy, and comfort gladly bestow;
Harbor no ill ’gainst sister or brother,
Smooth life’s journey as you onward go.Broad as the sunshine, free as the showers,
So shed an influence, blessing to prove;
Give for the noblest of efforts your pow’rs;
Blest and be blest, is the law of love.
milk & honey mamas 
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