Filled With Compassion

This week, I have spent the majority of it asleep, recovering from the flu. I haven't been able to do a lot for myself, and I have been so grateful for my husband and boys who have kept everything going until I have been able to wake up and get on with life. During those brief moments of alertness, I have been trying to get in my scripture study. It was interesting the verses that jumped out to me while I was sick, which I probably would have skipped over otherwise without much thought. Like this verse in Third Nephi 26:15 when Jesus re-appeared to the Nephites.

 And it came to pass that after he had ascended into heaven—the second time that he showed himself unto them, and had gone unto the Father, after having healed all their sick, and their lame, and opened the eyes of their blind and unstopped the ears of the deaf, and even had done all manner of cures among them, and raised a man from the dead, and had shown forth his power unto them, and had ascended unto the Father— 

Reading that verse made me think about what I had read earlier in Third Nephi 11. When Jesus first appeared to the Nephites, we learn that he allowed each person to come and thrust their hands into his side, and to feel the nail prints in his hands and feet. Why? Why would Jesus take the time to do this for the Nephites? He had come their to teach them of his doctrine, and settle any disputations that they had. But first, He wanted the people to know that he was the God of Israel, and their Savior who had been slain for the sins of the world. I can't imagine how that would feel, to have a multitude of people thrust their hands at you, and feel your scars and wound marks. It must have taken hours for each of them to walk one by one and to have this experience. The atonement became personal to each of these people who participated in this  event. The atonement was no longer a generic term that the people referenced, but it became a personal, sacred event that had meaning to each individual. Jesus Christ had died for their sins. Once this relationship was built, Jesus was able to go on and teach them, but Christ knew that they were not able to understand all things yet. They needed to go home and ponder on what he taught them, and ask Heavenly Father for understanding. This understanding comes by being taught truth through the power of the Holy Ghost. 3 Nephi 17:

2 I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time.

3 Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again.

I really like what it says in verse 5: 

And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.

The Nephites knew that Jesus had spent so much time with them already, but they were not ready yet for him to go. Jesus understood what the Nephites wanted and responded directly to their needs. 

6 And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.

7 Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.

8 For I perceive that ye desire that I should show unto you what I have done unto your brethren at Jerusalem, for I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you.

9 And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto him.

Which brings me full circle to where I began in Third Nephi 26: 15.

And it came to pass that after he had ascended into heaven—the second time that he showed himself unto them, and had gone unto the Father, after having healed all their sick, and their lame, and opened the eyes of their blind and unstopped the ears of the deaf, and even had done all manner of cures among them, and raised a man from the dead, and had shown forth his power unto them, and had ascended unto the Father—

This weeks journey into the scriptures, has really helped me to see how compassionate our Savior truly is. He knows what we have need of. He suffered for our sins. The Atonement is a very sacred, and very personal experience where our Savior knows how to help us individually. His bowels are filled with compassion for us, and wants to heal us from our afflictions, strengthen us through our trials, as many times as we need him. His ultimate purpose is to help us return back home to our Heavenly Father.

Real Intent

This week has been an interesting one for me spiritually. Last week, I had a really great week, and felt that I had really grown spiritually. I felt that I had been working really hard at living the gospel and showing gratitude for the things that I have received. I really worked on understanding what I was reading in the Book of Mormon and trying to apply it into my own life. This week, although I finished my reading assignment for school, I haven't felt like I really applied myself, or gave it my best effort. And although I have been working on trying to live the gospel and showing gratitude, I feel like I am lacking, and wasn't really putting forth my best efforts. I have felt a difference. But perhaps this is what this week's learning has been about for me. There is a difference between living the gospel with real intent, and just living the gospel.

I think this is what Christ was trying to teach his disciples in 3 Nephi 18, when he talks to them about doing more or less than keeping the commandments.

12 And I give unto you a commandment that ye shall do these things. And if ye shall always do these things blessed are ye, for ye are built upon my ^arock.13 But whoso among you shall do ^amore or less than these are not built upon my rock, but are built upon a sandy foundation; and when the rain descends, and the floods come, and the winds blow, and beat upon them, they shall ^bfall, and the ^cgates of hell are ready open to receive them.
14 Therefore blessed are ye if ye shall keep my commandments, which the Father hath commanded me that I should give unto you.
15 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and ^apray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him.

More to me is trying to be seen as important in man's eyes- the people who put emphasis on how "important" your calling is in the ward or stake; less is living the gospel half heartedly, like I have done this week. I have done all that has been required, and that was enough. I didn't apply myself or try to make myself better, I just did what was required. This is building on a shaky foundation, and if I don't watch myself and pray always, I give my power over to Satan to be tempted and led away. Moroni counsels us in  Moroni 7:9 And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such.

Elder Bednar's talk on becoming Converted Unto the Lord says,

"Seeking for and obtaining a testimony of spiritual truth requires asking, seeking, and knocking (see Matthew 7:7; 3 Nephi 14:7) with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in the Savior (see Moroni 10:4). Fundamental components of a testimony are knowing that Heavenly Father lives and loves us, that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that the fulness of the gospel has been restored to the earth in these latter days."

 He continues on to say:

 Conversion is an enlarging, a deepening, and a broadening of the undergirding base of testimony. It is the result of revelation from God, accompanied by individual repentance, obedience, and diligence. Any honest seeker of truth can become converted by experiencing the mighty change of heart and being spiritually born of God (see Alma 5:12–14). As we honor the ordinances and covenants of salvation and exaltation (see D&C 20:25), “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ” (2 Nephi 31:20), and endure in faith to the end (see D&C 14:7), we become new creatures in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Conversion is an offering of self, of love, and of loyalty we give to God in gratitude for the gift of testimony.

For many of us, conversion is an ongoing process and not a onetime event that results from a powerful or dramatic experience. Line upon line and precept upon precept, gradually and almost imperceptibly, our motives, our thoughts, our words, and our deeds become aligned with the will of God. Conversion unto the Lord requires both persistence and patience.

Samuel the Lamanite identified five basic elements in becoming converted unto the Lord: (1) believing in the teachings and prophecies of the holy prophets as they are recorded in the scriptures, (2) exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, (3) repenting, (4) experiencing a mighty change of heart, and (5) becoming “firm and steadfast in the faith” (see Helaman 15:7–8). This is the pattern that leads to conversion.

I am grateful for the many ways I am taught by the Lord, and for the many reminders that conversion and perfection doesn't happen all at once. It is a lifelong process. I need to continually repent from my sins and weaknesses, and strive daily to do my best with sincerity of heart and real intent.

Balancing Truth and Tolerance

In my Book of Mormon class this week, we have been discussing how to balance eternal truths with tolerance for others and their differences of opinions and beliefs. Elder Dallin H Oaks wrote an article on these subjects in the February 2013 Ensign.

Three quotes from the article really stand out for me. The first one is given by President Gordon B Hinckley: 

“Each of us [from various religious denominations] believes in the fatherhood of God, although we may differ in our interpretations of Him. Each of us is part of a great family, the human family, sons and daughters of God, and therefore brothers and sisters. We must work harder to build mutual respect, an attitude of forbearance, with tolerance one for another regardless of the doctrines and philosophies which we may espouse.”

The second one is by Elder Oaks:

"Our tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs does not cause us to abandon our commitment to the truths we understand and the covenants we have made. We are cast as combatants in the war between truth and error. There is no middle ground. We must stand up for truth, even while we practice tolerance and respect for beliefs and ideas different from our own and for the people who hold them.

And the last one is by President Thomas S Monson:

“The face of sin today often wears the mask of tolerance. Do not be deceived; behind that facade is heartache, unhappiness, and pain. …"

 This talk has really helped me to understand the balance between tolerance and respect for others beliefs, but also making sure that I remain committed to the truths we know, and covenants we make, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

All Things Had Become New...

In my Book of Mormon class this week, I have been studying Christ's visit to the Nephites found in 3 Nephi 11-17. I have been impressed by the many things I have been learning and the commentary that has been discussed in the Book of Mormon student manual, especially in the chapters 15-17.

In the time of Moses the children of Israel were stiffnecked and hard of heart. As a result, they lost the privilege of living the fulness of the higher law. Instead, along with portions of the higher law that they were still allowed to live, the law of Moses (the lesser law) was added to help them come to Christ.  In Doctrine and Covenants Section 84 we read:

 18 And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God.

 19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.

 20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

 21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

 22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.

 23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;

 24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.

 25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;

 26 And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;

 27 Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel...

After His Resurrection, Jesus Christ taught the Nephites that the law of Moses was fulfilled in Him (see 3 Nephi 12:17–18). He taught that “old things had passed away” and that He is “the law, and the light” to follow.

Notice the difference between the unbelieving Jews and the teachable Nephites.

By the time of the Savior’s mortal ministry, the law of Moses had been at the foundation of Israelite religious and social life for over a thousand years. The Nephites possessed written records of the law on the brass plates, and Nephite prophets taught and observed the law. Earlier Book of Mormon prophets taught that the law of Moses would eventually be fulfilled. Nephi, Jacob, and Abinadi all prepared their people to eventually accept the ending of the law of Moses. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles identified the reasons the Nephites were able to give up the old law and embrace the new:

“Clearly the Nephite congregation understood this more readily than did the Jewish world, partly because the Nephite prophets had been so careful to teach the transitional nature of the law. Abinadi had said, ‘It is expedient that ye should keep the law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to keep the law of Moses.’ [Mosiah 13:27.] In that same spirit Nephi emphasized, ‘We speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.’ [2 Nephi 25:27]

“That kind of teaching—a caution against hardening one’s heart against Christ in ignorant defense of the law of Moses—could have served (and saved) so many living in the Old World then and living throughout the world now” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 156–57).

When the resurrected Savior visited the Nephites, He taught them that the law had been completely fulfilled in Him. Elder Bruce R. McConkie stated: “Jesus came to restore that gospel fulness which men had enjoyed before the day of Moses, before the time of the lesser order. Obviously he did not come to destroy what he himself had revealed to Moses anymore than a college professor destroys arithmetic by revealing the principles of integral calculus to his students. Jesus came to build on the foundation Moses laid. By restoring the fulness of the gospel he fulfilled the need for adherence to the terms and conditions of the preparatory gospel.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:219–20; see also Stephen E. Robinson, “The Law after Christ,” Ensign, Sept. 1983, 68–73).

 Jesus Christ taught the Nephites that not only were they to avoid murder and adultery, but also anger and lust—conditions of the heart that lead to murder and adultery. Thus the gospel of Jesus Christ fulfilled the law in the sense that it expanded the moral aspects of the law of Moses by being a higher law; it included the moral imperatives of the law of Moses and placed them in the context of broader gospel principles that require a change of heart.

The ritual aspects of the law of Moses included commandments about animal sacrifice and burnt offerings—what Abinadi called “performances” and “ordinances". The Nephite prophets understood that these parts of the law of Moses were meant to help people look forward to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Therefore, when the Savior’s mortal mission was completed, these forward-looking ordinances could no longer look ahead to a future event—the event had happened, and the ordinances were fulfilled in the sense that it concluded. Thus the Savior taught the Nephites that animal sacrifices and burnt offerings were to be “done away,” and that His followers were to offer instead the “sacrifice” of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:19–20). In place of ordinances that looked forward to the Atonement, the Savior instituted the sacrament, an ordinance of remembrance, to look back to the Savior’s atoning sacrifice.

Take a moment and compare the words of Christ given in Third Nephi to the Beatitudes found in the New Testament.You will notice subtle changes in the verse that make all the difference. I hope we are able to accept in our own lives this higher law, and offer unto the Lord our broken hearts and contrite spirits.

Communications with God

 “When a man has the manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased. It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even of the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., 5 vols. [1957–66], 2:151).

I have thought a lot lately on the mission of the Holy Ghost. What an important member of the Godhead. I am so grateful for the manifestations of the Holy Ghost in my life; whether it is providing me comfort, giving me fruits of the Spirit, or teaching me what it truth.

I read an article from the 2004 September Ensign entitled Eight Ways God Can Speak to You. In the article, Elder Dallin H Oaks explains eight ways that Heavenly Father speaks to us through his Spirit.

1. The testimony or witness of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ and that the gospel is true is a revelation from God.

2. Prophecy is another purpose or function of revelation.

Speaking under the influence of the Holy Ghost and within the limits of his or her responsibility, a person may be inspired to predict what will come to pass in the future. Prophecy is part of the calling of a patriarch. Each of us is also privileged occasionally to receive prophetic revelation illuminating future events in our lives, like a Church calling we are to receive.

3. A third purpose of revelation is to give comfort.

A revelation of comfort can come in connection with a blessing of the priesthood, either from the words spoken or simply from the feeling communicated in connection with the blessing.Another type of comforting revelation is the assurance received that a sin has been forgiven. This revelation, which comes when a person has completed all the steps of repentance, gives assurance that the price has been paid, that God has heard the repentant sinner, and that his or her sins are forgiven.

4. Closely related to the feeling of comfort is the fourth purpose or function of revelation, to uplift.

At some time in our lives each of us needs to be lifted up from a depression, from a sense of foreboding or inadequacy, or just from a plateau of spiritual mediocrity. Because it raises our spirits and helps us resist evil and seek good, I believe that the feeling of uplift that is communicated by reading the scriptures or by enjoying wholesome music, art, or literature is a distinct purpose of revelation.

5. The fifth purpose of revelation is to inform.

This may consist of inspiration giving a person the words to speak on a particular occasion, such as in the blessings pronounced by a patriarch or in sermons or other words spoken under the influence of the Holy Ghost. In other circumstances, needed information is communicated by the quiet whisperings of the Spirit. A child loses a treasured possession, prays for help, and is inspired to find it; an adult has a problem at work, at home, or in family history research, prays, and is led to the information necessary to resolve it; a Church leader prays to know whom the Lord would have him call to fill a position, and the Spirit whispers a name. In all of these examples, familiar to each of us, the Holy Ghost acts in His office as a teacher and revelator, communicating information and truths for the edification and guidance of the recipient.

6. The sixth type or purpose of revelation is to restrain us from doing something.

The revelation that restrains is one of the most common forms of revelation. It often comes by surprise, when we have not asked for revelation or guidance on a particular subject. But if we are keeping the commandments of God and living in tune with His Spirit, a restraining force will steer us away from things we should not do.

7. A common way to seek revelation is to propose a particular course of action and then to pray for inspiration to confirm it.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stressed our responsibility to do all that we can before we seek a revelation: “We’re expected to use the gifts and talents and abilities, the sense and judgment and agency with which we are endowed. … We’re expected to do everything in our power that we can, and then to seek an answer from the Lord, a confirming seal that we’ve reached the right conclusion.” 

8. The eighth purpose or type of revelation consists of those instances where the Spirit impels a person to action. This is not a case where a person proposes to take a particular action and the Spirit either confirms or restrains. This is a case where revelation comes when it is not being sought and impels some action not proposed. This type of revelation is obviously less common than other types, but its rarity makes it all the more significant.

How many of us  have really contemplated the many ways Heavenly Father communicates with us? Christ has told us in John 14:

 26 But the ^aComforter, which is the ^bHoly Ghost, whom the Father will send in my ^cname, he shall ^dteach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

 27 ^aPeace I leave with you, my ^bpeace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be ^ctroubled, neither let it be afraid.

Liberty

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. ~ Edmund Burke

President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “In that sacred volume of scripture, the Book of Mormon, we note the great and prolonged struggle for liberty. We also note the complacency of the people and their frequent willingness to give up their liberty for the promises of a would-be provider. …
“This is our need today—to plant the standard of liberty among our people throughout the Americas.
“While this incident occurred some seventy years B.C., the struggle went on through one thousand years covered by this sacred Book of Mormon record. In fact, the struggle for liberty is a continuing one—it is with us in a very real sense today” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 14–15).

… Do something meaningful in defense of your God-given freedom and liberty”
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1988, 58; or Ensign, May 1988, 51).

I am grateful for the liberties and freedoms I have, and especially for those men and women who, like Captain Moroni, raise the Standard of Liberty, even unto the lying down of their lives.


“God will be with us. He will watch over us. He will protect us … if we will be true and faithful and obedient and hearken to His word.” President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), “God Will Protect Us in These Perilous Times,” Church News, Feb. 22, 2003, 3.

Quotable Quotes

I am grateful for the chance to be able to listen to the words of the prophet, and other leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Today I thought I would share a few of the quotes that I have found:

May we ever remember that the mantle of leadership is not the cloak of comfort but rather the robe of responsibility. May we reach out to rescue those who need our help and our love.” —President Thomas S. Monson

I love how President Monson says this - may we reach out to rescue those who need our help and our love.

*****

"Conversion is the goal of all gospel learning and teaching. Conversion is not a one-time event. It is a lifelong quest to become more like the Savior." - Elder Russell T. Osguthorpe 

 Conversion is not a one off thing- we should not think that because we have been baptized, that the journey is over. Conversion is a life long process.

*****

 "Dear sisters, our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, know us and love us. They know when we are in pain or suffering in any way. They do not say, “It’s OK that you’re in pain right now because soon everything is going to be all right. You will be healed, or your husband will find a job, or your wandering child will come back.” They feel the depth of our suffering, and we can feel of Their love and compassion in our suffering." - Linda S Reeves

This one is for all the sisters that are out there who are suffering or in pain. Sisters, you are known to Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus. You are never alone. They love you and know what you are going through. This quote gives me such hope and comfort. I am so grateful that I do not have to go through the trials that I face alone.

  

*****

". . . choose your clothing the way you would choose your friends—in both cases choose that which improves you and would give you confidence standing in the presence of God. Good friends would never embarrass you, demean you, or exploit you. Neither should your clothing."  -  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland  

This is a quote I heard in one of my classes at school. As disciples of Christ we need to dress the part, no matter where we are, and what we are doing. I love how Elder Holland says we should wear clothes that would give us confidence standing in the presence of God.

*****

 President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “If you want to get the spirit of your office and calling as a new president of a quorum, a new high [councilor], a new bishop [or, I might say, a Relief Society president]—try fasting for a period. I don’t mean just missing one meal, then eating twice as much the next meal. I mean really fasting, and praying during that period. It will do more to give you the real spirit of your office and calling and permit the Spirit to operate through you than anything I know.” 

I have really contemplated this a lot, especially since I recently became the first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency in my ward. I have felt so inadequate in this calling, and have needed the blessings that come through prayer and fasting.