During the Savior’s visit to the American continent, He quoted two chapters from the Book of Malachi. The first passage of these chapters contains a prophecy that, before the Savior’s Second Coming, He will refine and purify His people, so that they can “offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness” (3 Nephi 24:3, Malachi 3:3).
In 1842, less than two years before his death, Joseph Smith wrote a letter to the church in which he referenced this prophecy. Joseph then extended a challenge to the members of the church:
Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness
Doctrine and Covenants 128:24
Last April, President M. Russell Ballard invited each of us to personally take this challenge:
As we listen to the Spirit during this [general conference], consider what offering you will present to the Lord in righteousness in the coming days. Be courageous—share it with someone you trust, and most important, please take the time to do it!
I know that the Savior is pleased when we present Him an offering from our hearts in righteousness…
“Shall We Not Go On in So Great a Cause?” General Conference, April 2020
This week, as I prepare to participate in the October 2020 General Conference, I will consider what I can offer to the Lord. I will remember that He can purify me and prepare me to make those offerings in righteousness.
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