Receive the Testimony of Jesus and His Divine Gifts — D&C 76

I love presents, but if I’m honest, I don’t love all the presents I’ve been given. While appreciating the thought, some are accepted and opened, but not really received. Elder Kearon described what “receive” means, “To receive a gift sincerely given is so much more than accepting and then opening it. It is more, even, than recognizing the worth of the gift and expressing gratitude to the giver. To truly receive a gift, we come to value it for ourselves, put it to full use in our lives, and then remember with thankfulness the giver.”

There are so many gifts Heavenly Father and the Savior want us to receive. There is no need to wait or make a wish list for these priceless treasures. Their gifts are ready to be accepted and opened at this very moment, but are we ready to receive them?

Celestial living is for those “who received the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:51) which must include putting all His gifts to full use in our lives. Oh, how I could receive better the gift of repentance, having the Holy Ghost always be with me for guidance and comfort, using my talents to make life easier and bless others, while increasing my “confidence in approaching God right now” (President Russell M. Nelson).

+What did I learn about Jesus: The daily challenge of this life is to receive the testimony of Jesus and His divine gifts and not replace them with worldly trinkets.

“Here is the great news of God’s plan: the very things that will make your mortal life the best it can be are exactly the same things that will make your life throughout eternity the best it can be!” –President Russell M. Nelson

“Receiving a gift is not passive but an intentional and meaningful process that goes beyond merely opening a package. To receive is to appreciate and connect with both the gift and the heart of the giver in a way that strengthens the bonds between the giver and the receiver.” –Elder Patrick Kearon