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Faithful Study Resources for Come, Follow Me

FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 20: May 12 - 18: "Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts”

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 46 – 48

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading
  • In Doctrine and Covenants 46:1–7, the Lord makes it clear that no one should be turned away from worshiping Him. This includes those who may feel unworthy or different, as He extends His love and acceptance to all. The principle of inclusion reflects Christ’s teachings in the New Testament, where He ministered to those who were marginalized or outcast.

The Lord instructs that Church meetings should be conducted by the Spirit, allowing individuals to feel His presence and peace. Creating an atmosphere of warmth and belonging encourages members and visitors to return, knowing that they are accepted and valued in the Lord’s house.

In Doctrine and Covenants 46:7–33, the Lord lists various spiritual gifts and teaches that they are given not for personal glory, but to uplift and bless others. These gifts, such as the gift of healing, prophecy, and faith, are manifestations of God’s love and serve to strengthen the Church and its members.

The early Saints struggled to recognize true manifestations of the Spirit. Through Joseph Smith, the Lord taught that spiritual gifts are real and should be sought after and used to bless others. Developing these gifts through prayer, faith, and righteous living strengthens the Church community and helps individuals fulfill their divine potential.

  • In Doctrine and Covenants 47, the Lord called John Whitmer to serve as a Church historian, emphasizing the importance of recording sacred events. This instruction follows a long tradition in scripture, where prophets and leaders recorded revelations and events to preserve God’s word for future generations.

Recording personal spiritual experiences helps individuals recognize God’s hand in their lives and strengthens their testimony. Through journaling or sharing stories, individuals preserve faith-building experiences for themselves and their posterity, allowing future generations to learn from their spiritual journeys.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study

In early 1831, the Church was still in its infancy, with newly baptized members in Kirtland, Ohio, eager to live the restored gospel but lacking experience and guidance. Many converts had come from diverse religious backgrounds, bringing varying expectations about spiritual manifestations.

  • After the first missionaries (Parley P. Pratt, Oliver Cowdery, Ziba Peterson, and Peter Whitmer Jr.) left Kirtland, they left behind over 100 new members. Without leadership handbooks, sufficient copies of the Book of Mormon, or structured guidance, the Saints were confused about recognizing true manifestations of the Spirit. This led Joseph Smith to seek revelation, resulting in the instruction given in Doctrine and Covenants 46–48.
  • The Lord’s counsel clarified that spiritual gifts are real but should be sought and used to build the Church and bless others. It also established order in worship services and Church gatherings, ensuring they were guided by the Spirit and inclusive to all.
  • Even today, understanding spiritual gifts and creating welcoming Church environments remain vital. The Lord’s instruction reminds us to seek spiritual gifts humbly and use them to serve others rather than seeking personal recognition.
  • Many early converts were drawn to the Church because of the promise of spiritual gifts like those described in the New Testament. However, without clear guidance, they often misunderstood or misused these gifts. The Lord’s revelation through Joseph Smith established that spiritual gifts are real but must be sought with faith and used according to God’s will.
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    • The Lord taught that gifts are “given for the benefit of those who love [Him]” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:9). This means that spiritual gifts should not be used for self-promotion or spectacle but to uplift and strengthen the Church.
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    •  The counsel also helped avoid spiritual confusion and disorder. By instructing that all things should be done by the Spirit and in order, the Lord ensured that spiritual manifestations would edify and unite the Saints rather than divide them.
  • When John Whitmer was called to keep a record of the Church’s history (Doctrine and Covenants 47), it was part of a broader scriptural tradition. Prophets throughout history, including Moses, Nephi, and Mormon, were commanded to record God’s dealings with His people. Whitmer initially hesitated but accepted the calling when reassured by the Lord.
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    • The importance of record-keeping is emphasized in scriptures such as Moses 6:5 and 2 Nephi 29:11–12, where the Lord promises that sacred records will bless future generations.
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    • Personal record-keeping remains a valuable spiritual practice. Keeping journals, recording spiritual impressions, and documenting personal faith experiences help individuals recognize God’s hand in their lives and strengthen their testimony.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “The early Saints’ experiences with spiritual gifts were exaggerated or imagined.”
  2.  
  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: Doctrine and Covenants 46 confirms that the Lord gave specific spiritual gifts, such as healing, faith, and prophecy, to the early Saints. These gifts were consistent with those described in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12).
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  6. Eyewitness Support: Early Church members, including Joseph Smith and other leaders, documented instances of healing, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. Such experiences were recorded in personal journals and official Church history.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: Modern Church members continue to experience spiritual gifts, such as discernment and revelation, which align with the Lord’s promise that these gifts are for the benefit of His children.
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  10. Logical Analysis: If spiritual gifts were purely psychological, they would likely produce inconsistent or chaotic results. However, documented experiences show that spiritual gifts in the Church have strengthened faith and provided guidance, consistent with divine origin.
  • Claim: “Joseph Smith used spiritual gifts as a way to manipulate his followers.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The concept of spiritual gifts was not new or exclusive to Joseph Smith’s teachings. The New Testament speaks extensively about gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12), showing that this doctrine is rooted in ancient scripture.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Early Church leaders, including Parley P. Pratt and Oliver Cowdery, testified of spiritual manifestations independent of Joseph Smith’s influence, indicating that these experiences were not manipulated.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Church members today report feeling the presence of the Spirit and receiving spiritual gifts without coercion or manipulation, confirming that these experiences are consistent with God’s promises.
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  • Logical Analysis: If Joseph Smith’s teachings about spiritual gifts were fabricated for control, inconsistencies and contradictions would likely appear over time. However, the doctrine of spiritual gifts has remained consistent for nearly two centuries. 
  • Claim: “Spiritual gifts are not divine but rather emotional responses to religious enthusiasm.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence:  Doctrine and Covenants 46 aligns with New Testament teachings on spiritual gifts, demonstrating consistency with biblical doctrine. Early Christian leaders also recorded experiences with healing, prophecy, and faith.
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  • Eyewitness Support:  Numerous early Church members testified of experiences with spiritual gifts that produced tangible results, such as miraculous healings and inspired guidance.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Modern-day Church members continue to experience spiritual gifts, confirming that these manifestations are not limited to emotional states but reflect divine influence.
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  • Logical Analysis: Emotional reactions are typically fleeting and inconsistent. Spiritual gifts, however, produce long-term faith, guidance, and healing—outcomes consistent with divine influence rather than emotional highs.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Identify one spiritual gift you feel you have (or would like to develop) and seek guidance on how to use it to bless others.

Spiritual gifts are given for the benefit of others and to strengthen the Church. When you develop and use these gifts, you fulfill your divine potential and draw closer to the Lord.

  1. – Study Doctrine and Covenants 46:7–33 and make a list of the spiritual gifts described.
  2. – Pray to understand which gifts you’ve been given.
  3. – Look for opportunities to use those gifts (e.g., sharing testimony, comforting someone, teaching a class).
  4. – Keep a record of how you see these gifts helping others.

Encouraging Thought:

  • “Heavenly Father will give you the gifts you need to fulfill your mission in life” (Elder John C. Pingree Jr., “I Have a Work for Thee,” Oct. 2017).

Action Step: Introduce yourself to someone new at Church this week and invite them to sit with you or attend a future activity.

People are more likely to return to Church and feel the Spirit when they feel genuinely welcomed and valued. A friendly environment helps others recognize the love of Christ through you.

  1. – Look for someone new or alone at Church.
  2. – Introduce yourself and engage them in conversation.
  3. – Ask them about their background and share something about yourself.
  4. – Invite them to sit with you or join you at a future activity.

Encouraging Thought:

  • Action Step: Start a journal where you record spiritual impressions, answered prayers, and experiences with the Spirit.

Recording spiritual experiences helps you recognize God’s hand in your life and builds your faith. Over time, your journal will become a source of strength and guidance.

  1. – Set aside 5–10 minutes each day to reflect on your day.
  2. – Write down any promptings, spiritual impressions, or answered prayers you received.
  3. – Include thoughts from your scripture study and how they applied to your day.
  4. – Review your journal regularly to see patterns of revelation and growth.

Encouraging Thought:

Keeping a record helps you remember the Lord’s hand in your life.  (Doctrine and Covenants 47:1)

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners identify and understand their spiritual gifts and how to use them to bless others.

  1. – Small slips of paper with different spiritual gifts written on them
  2. – A whiteboard or chalkboard
  3. – Markers or chalk

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Start by asking learners if they’ve ever received a gift that they didn’t know how to use. Discuss how spiritual gifts can sometimes feel that way.
  2.  
  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 46:7–33 and invite learners to identify the spiritual gifts listed. Write them on the board as they’re mentioned.
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  5. Application (5 min): Have each learner randomly draw a slip of paper with a spiritual gift on it. Ask them to think of a way that gift could bless others. Share ideas as a group.

Follow-Up Question: How can recognizing and using your spiritual gifts bring you closer to the Lord?

Objective: Encourage learners to make Church a welcoming place for all.

  1. – Name tags
  2. – A list of icebreaker questions
  3. – A small reward (optional)

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Ask learners to recall a time when they felt welcomed or excluded in a new setting. How did it affect their willingness to return?
  2.  
  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 46:1–7 and discuss why the Lord wants all people to feel welcome at Church.
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  5. Application (5 min): Have learners pair up with someone they don’t know well. Use the icebreaker questions to start a conversation. Discuss how this type of interaction can make a difference at Church.

Follow-Up Question: What can you do next Sunday to help someone feel more comfortable at Church?

Objective: Help learners understand the importance of recording spiritual experiences.

  1. – Blank notebooks or paper
  2. – Pens or pencils
  3. – A short story about a recorded spiritual experience (optional)

 

Activity Steps: 

  1. Introduction (5 min): Ask learners if they’ve ever forgotten something important because they didn’t write it down. Share a personal story (if possible).
  2.  
  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 47:1–3 and discuss why the Lord commanded John Whitmer to keep a record of the Church’s history.
  4.  
  5. Application (5 min): Give each learner a blank notebook or piece of paper. Ask them to write down a recent spiritual experience or an answered prayer. Encourage them to keep adding to their journal during the week.

Follow-Up Question: How can recording your spiritual experiences help strengthen your faith in the future?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • Why trust modern prophets?

     

    • – The calling of prophets follows the scriptural pattern established since Old Testament times (Amos 3:7).
    • – Modern prophets receive revelation that builds upon existing truth and guides the Church according to current needs.
    • – Prophets’ teachings are supported by consistent fulfillment of prophecies and spiritual confirmations.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?

     

    • – Agency is essential to God’s plan; allowing mistakes helps individuals learn and grow.
    • – Even prophets are not perfect (Moses, Peter, and Joseph Smith all experienced challenges), but God’s work is still accomplished.
    • – The Lord compensates for human errors through ongoing revelation and guidance.

Teaching in the Savior’s Way (Guidance for conducting effective Church meetings)

Gospel Topics: Spiritual Gifts (Overview of spiritual gifts)