Question
Gramps,
Doctrine & Covenants 46 talks about spiritual gifts. My instructor said that you have to be a member of our church to have spiritual gifts. Is that true?
Ramona
Answer
Ramona,
The doctrine of spiritual gifts resides at the heart of the restored gospel. The prophet Joseph Smith summarized this belief in the 7th Article of Faith, affirming the Church’s acceptance of such gifts as prophecy, healing, and others. References to these gifts appear throughout scripture, notably in 1 Corinthians 12, Moroni 10, and Doctrine & Covenants 46—each listing various gifts that God bestows upon His children.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 lists various gifts, including the word of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, the discerning of spirits, and tongues.
Moroni 10:8-18 in The Book of Mormon offers a similar enumeration, emphasizing that ‘every good gift cometh of Christ.’
Doctrine & Covenants 46 not only recounts familiar gifts but emphasizes their universal accessibility: “To every [person] is given a gift by the Spirit of God.”
Church leaders have long taught that while certain gifts might be dramatic—such as performing miracles or speaking in tongues—others appear quiet or even commonplace. For example, Marvin J. Ashton pointed out that gifts can include listening, avoiding contention, or showing charity. Elder Bruce R. McConkie emphasized, “Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety.”
A Partial List of Spiritual Gifts Includes:
- Faith to heal and be healed
- Tongues and interpretation of tongues
- Prophesy
- Discernment of spirits
- Wisdom and knowledge
- Charity, empathy, listening, and asking
- Avoiding contention and showing righteous judgment
- Personal revelation and curiosity
All people can feel promptings from the Spirit of Christ (sometimes referred to as the Light of Christ). Still, those who are baptized and confirmed members of the Church, having received the gift of the Holy Ghost, can continually develop and utilize spiritual gifts. As the Prophet Joseph Smith clarified, “the gifts of the Spirit are obtained through that medium [the Holy Ghost] and cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
However, this doesn’t mean sincere seekers or people of other faith traditions cannot experience spiritual gifts. The Spirit of Christ invites and testifies to all; before baptism, a person may occasionally feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost, but only after receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost does one enjoy His constant companionship, assuming worthiness.
Why does God give spiritual gifts? According to scriptural and modern apostolic teaching, their purpose is neither self-glorification nor spectacle. Gifts are given for the benefit of all: to bless lives, fortify faith, and strengthen the Church as a whole.
Doctrine & Covenants 46 makes clear that spiritual gifts are intended “for the benefit of those who love [Me] and keep all [My] commandments, and him that seeketh so to do.” These gifts are not for selfish use or personal status, but for serving others. Not all Saints have every gift, but all have at least one gift…by sharing, everyone gains access to all the gifts of the Spirit.”
This interconnected spiritual economy means that the Church thrives as each member contributes their spiritual gifts, whether dramatic or subtle.
Church leaders and scripture both teach that gifts are received and cultivated through:
Faith: Believing God will grant gifts as needed.
Righteousness: Striving to keep covenants and commandments.
Asking: The Lord commands, “he that asketh receiveth” (see Doctrine & Covenants 46:7). The “gift of asking” is itself a powerful spiritual attribute, requiring humility, faith, and vulnerability.
Obedience and Service: As individuals turn outward in love, they discover, develop, and magnify their unique gifts.
Joseph Smith taught that spiritual gifts come through the Holy Ghost, and that “each of us may receive many spiritual gifts as we diligently seek them through faith and are worthy to receive them. They are not bestowed permanently but can increase, diminish, or shift based on growth, needs, and God’s will.
Consider gifts such as empathy or leadership that foster peace. One member noted being “closer to the veil,” experiencing spiritual impressions related to birth or death among loved ones. Such spiritual sensitivity is but one example of a personalized gift, meant for the uplift and guidance of those around the recipient.
Other, less obvious gifts—such as listening, asking, calming others, and discernment—play crucial roles in strengthening homes and congregations.
With so much discussion of spiritual power, how can one distinguish between true spiritual gifts and false or counterfeit phenomena?
From scriptural times to the present, Satan has presented counterfeits to God’s authentic gifts. Pharaoh’s magicians duplicated Moses’ miracles through deception, and Paul taught of “false apostles, deceitful workers” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Modern instances—mediums, psychics, even so-called faith healers—may appear convincing but often lead away from faith in Christ and obedience to His gospel.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks warned, “Satan-inspired and man-made counterfeits of spiritual gifts have been present throughout our religious history.” In Church history, individuals like Hiram Page were deceived by spirits masquerading as divine, until leaders discerned the difference.
Citing Old Testament passages, Church teaching strongly cautions against involvement with psychics, fortune tellers, astrologers, and mediums. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns, “For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord….” We are warned that “Satan can imitate the gifts of tongues, prophecy, visions, healings, and other miracles.” The only sure safeguard is to seek the gift of discernment, which is itself a spiritual gift.
True spiritual power is always tethered to the Holy Ghost and leads one toward Christ, righteousness, humility, and love. The discerning guidance of the Spirit (the “gift of discernment”) is the primary means for individuals and congregations to avoid counterfeits and remain anchored in God’s truth.
Discernment is also essential in another context: understanding that some spiritual manifestations—such as impressions, healings, or miracles—can affect those outside the church. While priesthood authority to administer ordinances is unique to the Church, God is not limited in His love and can heal, inspire, and guide all according to their faith. The Church does not claim a monopoly on God’s goodness or gifts, but teaches the importance of recognizing proper authority and seeking guidance through correct channels.
A frequent question arises: Can non-members of the Church receive spiritual gifts? The doctrine is nuanced: all humans are influenced by the Light of Christ, which “is given to all men and women that they may know good from evil.” The Holy Ghost can temporarily manifest to non-members—providing testimony or guidance necessary for their progress—but cannot remain as a constant companion until after baptism and confirmation by those with priesthood authority.
Thus, moments of inspiration, witness, or even healing among non-members are real, orchestrated by a loving God who works according to His will and in preparation for greater covenants. Priesthood holders are often guided to offer blessings to non-members when faith and a desire for the Lord’s help are present, reflecting the Savior’s inclusive approach during His mortal ministry.
Gramps
