Lecture Notes: Doctrine and Covenants Sections 46-48

Introduction

Difference between wisdom and knowledge:
- Knowledge: Knowing facts (e.g., a tomato is a fruit).
- Wisdom: Knowing how to apply knowledge appropriately (e.g., not putting a tomato in a fruit salad).
Gifts come from God for the benefit of His children.

Faith to be healed/heal
Working of miracles
Prophecy
Discerning of spirits
Speaking in tongues & interpretation
- Not just languages; includes ability to connect with others.
- Joseph Smith: Gifts are for building God’s kingdom, not for personal pride.
Elder Holland’s warning on verbal abuse: Be cautious of how you speak to others and yourself.
Mentorship: Importance of mentors recognizing potential in others, as seen in the story of Amaron and Mormon.
Diversity of gifts: Each person’s unique gifts contribute to the body of Christ.
Avoid criticism; seek to build others up.
- Elder Oaks: Criticism harms the criticizer more.
Practice virtue and holiness.

Everyone belongs; don’t cast anyone out.
Gifts serve to benefit everyone; no place for jealousy or criticism.
Preference vs. Principle: Ensure corrections are based on principle, not personal preference.

John Whitmer’s reluctant calling as church historian.
Importance of keeping a church history.
Record keeping: Various forms are valuable (journals, photos, social media).
Family history: Technological advancements have accelerated the work of indexing and documenting genealogy.

Agency in making decisions (buying land, for example) as seemth good.
Encouragement to use personal intelligence and experience guided by correct principles.

The restoration of the Gospel and the role of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Encouragement to utilize gifts for personal growth and building God's kingdom.
Importance of family history work; modern technology aids greatly in gathering Israel.