Gifts of the Gospel
Moroni 10:9–16
9 For behold, to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom;
10 And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
11 And to another, exceedingly great faith; and to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
12 And again, to another, that he may work mighty miracles;
13 And again, to another, that he may prophesy concerning all things;
14 And again, to another, the beholding of angels and ministering spirits;
15 And again, to another, all kinds of tongues;
16 And again, to another, the interpretation of languages and of divers kinds of tongues.
President Stephen L Richards said:
“I believe in the gifts of the gospel. I believe they will come to those who live and strive for them. I believe that the gifts of the gospel comprehend more and wider powers and attributes than those specifically mentioned in our Articles of Faith, namely: ‘. . . the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, [and so forth]’ [Articles of Faith 1:7]. I believe that these listed gifts and others of comparable seemingly supernatural nature have come to men and women of faith, and I believe that they will continue to come from time to time as conditions and circumstances warrant. I place no limitation on the power of the Lord to manifest Himself through His children and His chosen servants, however miraculous many may think the manifestation to be. I do place one limitation on those who exercise such powers—that they be very sure the inspiration is from the right source.
“There are gifts of the gospel which are not usually thought of as being miraculous or supernatural. They would commonly be spoken of as mere attributes of character, but I believe they have spiritual foundation. This conclusion seems to be borne out by the scriptures. The Apostle Paul tells his brethren:
“‘Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
“‘And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
“‘And there are diversities of operations, . . .
“‘But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit dividing to every man severally as he will’ [1 Corinthians 12:4–6, 11].
“Modern revelation emphasizes this diversity:
“‘To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, . . .
“‘To others it is given to believe on their words’ [D&C 46:13–14].
“The Book of Mormon, as usual, brings further clarification:
“‘To one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom;
“‘And to another that he may teach the word of knowledge . . .
“‘And to another, exceeding great faith; and to another, the gifts of healing,
“‘. . . to another, that he may work mighty miracles;
“‘. . . to another, that he may prophesy;
“‘. . . to another, the beholding of angels and ministering spirits;
“‘. . . to another, all kinds of tongues;
“‘. . . to another, the interpretation of languages and of divers kinds of tongues’ [Moroni 10:9–16].
“While this wide diversity of gifts mentioned in the scriptures may bring to our Father’s children greatly varying talents and capacities, I feel sure that there are some highly important gifts of the gospel, which it is intended that all men of faith shall enjoy at least to some extent.”
(In Conference Report, Apr. 1950, 161–62.)
