When I was young, I heard much talk about the gifts given to men from God, and desired to receive a gift also. While visiting in Pennsylvania, my brother had many in-depth scriptural conversations with Grandpap, who had been an elder in our church for many years. 

After one of these discussions, my brother requested that Grandpap bestow or confer a gift on him as men of old did in the Old Testament. While praying, Grandpap was led to ask for two certain gifts for my brother. When my brother came home and told me about it, I was so happy for him and desired for Grandpap to do the same for me. 

The next time I visited my family in Pennsylvania, I asked Grandpap to pray for God to give me a gift just as he had for my brother. I knew that in the old days, the gifts were bestowed upon the men, but I wanted one as well, even though I am a woman. As Grandpap prayed, he felt led to ask for two certain gifts like before with my brother, but these gifts were different from my brother’s. 

As time went on, the gifts that Grandpap had requested for my brother and me became evident in our lives. 

As parents and grandparents, we desire to give our children gifts. Gifts are intended to better a person’s life, whether emotionally, mentally, physically, or, more importantly, spiritually. 

How much more does our heavenly Father desire to give us gifts? 

Each of us has gifts, but we may not recognize them. The gifts may be obvious to others but not so obvious to us. 

How do we realize our gifts? We can ask God, ask others, or use self-examination. In order to keep the gifts, we must use them. If we let them sit in the back of the closet gathering dust, they will deteriorate and disappear. The more that we use our gifts and share them, the greater they become and the more blessings that we—and others—receive.

James 1:17 says that every good and perfect gift is from God.

1 Corinthians 7:7 says that God gives every man his proper gift.

1 Timothy 4:14 tells us not to neglect the gift that is within us.

2 Timothy 1:6 tells us to stir up the gift of God that is within us.

Moroni 10:8-23 tells us not to deny the gifts of God, for they are many.

1 Corinthians chapters 12 to 14 explain in great detail the diversities of gifts, the diversities of administrations, and the diversities of operations, but they all come from the same God

Although the experiences of my brother and me may be different from those of others, God blesses each of us in different ways. I think it’s appropriate to ask God for gifts, but let Him choose what is best for you. Discover and use the gifts that He gives wisely and generously, always giving thanks for what He gives and does.

Remember 1 Corinthians 13:2. It doesn’t matter what great and wonderful gifts we are given—if we have not charity, we are nothing.