Talk Preparation Guide for "Receive His Gift"

In his General Conference talk "Receive His Gift," Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explores the profound concept of gift-giving, both in human relationships and in our divine relationship with Heavenly Father. He shares personal experiences and spiritual insights to illustrate how the act of receiving gifts, especially the gifts from God, can transform our lives. Elder Kearon emphasizes the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ and the eternal truth of our identity as children of God, encouraging us to fully accept and cherish these divine gifts.

Topics

Understand the Significance of Gift Giving

Gift giving is a universal practice that strengthens relationships and expresses love and gratitude. Elder Kearon uses examples from nature and personal experiences to illustrate the joy and deep connections that come from giving and receiving gifts.

Gift giving is a social custom that spans all cultures, civilisations, and millennia.

Penguins are known to give shiny pebbles to their prospective mates.

Key Points:

Gift giving is a way to express love and gratitude.
Both humans and animals engage in gift giving.
The act of giving and receiving gifts can strengthen bonds.

Experiences:

Recall a time when you gave a gift that was deeply appreciated.
Think about a gift you received that had a significant impact on you.
Consider how gift giving has strengthened your relationships.

Reflect on Personal Experiences with Gifts

Elder Kearon shares a childhood memory of receiving a cherished toy car from his father, illustrating the joy and lasting impact of thoughtful gift-giving. This story highlights the emotional connection and gratitude that accompany meaningful gifts.

I was so happy that I cried. I pulled the lever, and the wings popped out, just like the car in the film!

I think my dad loved giving me that car at least as much as I loved receiving it.

Key Points:

Receiving a meaningful gift can create lasting memories.
The joy of giving can be as profound as the joy of receiving.
Thoughtful gifts reflect love and care.

Experiences:

Share a childhood memory of a special gift you received.
Discuss how receiving a thoughtful gift made you feel.
Reflect on a time you gave a gift that was particularly meaningful.

Embrace the Process of Giving and Receiving

Elder Kearon outlines the three-part process of gift giving: giving, accepting and opening, and truly receiving. He emphasizes that receiving a gift involves appreciating and valuing it, which strengthens the relationship between giver and receiver.

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.

Receiving a gift is not passive but an intentional and meaningful process.

Key Points:

Giving involves thoughtful intention.
Accepting and opening a gift involves gratitude and excitement.
Truly receiving a gift means valuing and using it fully.

Experiences:

Consider how you can more fully receive gifts in your life.
Think about the difference between accepting and truly receiving a gift.
Reflect on how you can show gratitude to those who give you gifts.

Recognize Our Heavenly Father's Gifts

Our Heavenly Father is the ultimate giver of gifts, bestowing countless blessings upon us. Elder Kearon emphasizes that every good and perfect gift comes from God, and our relationship with Him is one of a humble recipient.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.

Key Points:

God is the source of all good and perfect gifts.
Our relationship with God involves receiving His gifts with humility.
Recognizing God's gifts deepens our spiritual connection with Him.

Experiences:

Reflect on the gifts you have received from Heavenly Father.
Consider how acknowledging God's gifts has impacted your faith.
Think about ways you can express gratitude for God's blessings.

Accept the Greatest Gift: Jesus Christ

Elder Kearon teaches that the greatest gift from Heavenly Father is His Son, Jesus Christ. Through Christ's Atonement and Resurrection, all other blessings flow. Accepting this gift transforms our lives and strengthens our covenant relationship with God.

All of our Father’s gifts flow from and are activated by the Saviour’s willing offering in Gethsemane and on the cross and His triumphant Resurrection.

In the gift of his Son hath God prepared [for us] a more excellent way.

Key Points:

Jesus Christ is the supreme gift from Heavenly Father.
Through Christ, we receive all other divine blessings.
Accepting Christ's gift transforms our lives and strengthens our faith.

Experiences:

Share how accepting Christ's Atonement has changed your life.
Discuss the impact of Jesus Christ as the ultimate gift in your spiritual journey.
Reflect on how you can more fully embrace Christ's gift in your daily life.

Internalize the Truth of Being God's Child

The knowledge that we are truly God's children is a transformative gift. Elder Kearon urges us to receive this truth deeply, allowing it to redefine our self-perception and our relationship with God, bringing peace and hope.

You really are His cherished daughter. You really are His precious son.

The question is not whether this gift of truth is real but whether we will discover and receive it.

Key Points:

Understanding our divine identity as God's children is a powerful gift.
This truth brings peace, hope, and a new perspective on life.
Receiving this truth requires openness and humility.

Experiences:

Reflect on how knowing you are a child of God has influenced your life.
Consider how this truth can help you through challenges.
Share a moment when you felt God's love as His child.