I selected a few verses from Genesis 49 to show the unique personalities which came from Jacob:
9 Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
19 Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:
Judah, Gad, and Joseph all had unique roles to play in their family. God revealed those roles to them through a blessing from their father.
Before our kids go back to school, they are given a blessing from their father. It was fascinating to me to listen to these blessings because they were so distinct and perfectly suited to each child.
We believe that when a person is baptized and receives the gift of the Holy Ghost, they are given spiritual gifts. It says in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 46:
11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.
16 And
again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of
operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.
18 To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.
These gifts are real. I have seen them manifested in the people I know and love. And now to see them come forth in my children is so beautiful to me.
The apostle Paul writes of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, where he compares the church to the body. He explains that our bodies need every part to function properly and that one part of the body should not say we have no need of another part. Each member of the body is essential. As people, we need each other. We need to learn from one another. The gifts we are given can help bless the world.
Paul tells us in the end of that chapter: "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." In other words, we are to seek to acquire precious spiritual gifts!
One of my children is blessed with a sense of discernment. She can tell when someone is hurting inside or needs help or encouragement. Another child is blessed with incredible obedience. He hearkens well to the voice of his leaders (parents, teachers, prophets) and strives to carry out their designs to the letter.
Just as Jacob's sons were unique, our children each have a different mission to carry out.
These gifts did not come from me or my husband. They are direct gifts from God. It will be exciting to see what they do with these gifts.
Often when talking with other parents about our children, we speak of their outwardly visible talents (soccer, math, dance, etc.) Why not speak of spiritual gifts?
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