The early Church didn’t have manuals or study guides—they didn’t even have enough copies of the Book of Mormon to go around. But what they did have was ongoing revelation. Doctrine and Covenants 42–56 deal with organizing the Church better, resolving disputes between members, and combating deception. You could almost say these sections are like the earliest General Handbook for the Church. Sections 46–48 contain doctrine so vital to the organization of Christ’s Church that we still rely on it today.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
D&C 46:9 (Gifts to benefit)
D&C 46:3-6 (Include all)
D&C 46:7 (Commanded to ask God)
CR: James 1:5
Definitions:
Liberally - freely, bountifully, without motive (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
D&C 46:3-6 (An example of welcoming)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
D&C 46:7-10 (Spiritual gifts from God)
D&C 52:14-19 (The pattern to recognize God)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
D&C 46:12,26 (Many gifts to help people)
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (Body of Christ)
Words of the General Authorities:
Let us review some of these less-conspicuous 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. (Marvin J. Ashton, “There Are Many Gifts”, October 1987 General Conference)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
D&C 46:13-25 (Spiritual Gifts)
CR: 1 Corinthians 12:1-10
CR: Moroni 10:9-18
Segment 6
Scriptures:
D&C 47:1-4 (Inspiration in John Whitmer’s calling)
D&C 46:33 (Practice)
D&C 46:30 (Ask and it will be done)
Words of the General Authorities:
It is more likely that [Heavenly Father] will give us opportunities to develop those [spiritual] gifts rather than just granting them to us without spiritual and physical effort. If we are in tune with His Spirit, we will learn to identify those opportunities and then act upon them. (Juan Pablo Villar, “Exercising Our Spiritual Muscles”, April 2019 General Conference)
View transcript here.