Peaceable Things

In December of 1830, the Lord promised Edward Partridge that he would receive the Holy Ghost, which would teach him “the peaceable things of the kingdom” (Doctrine and Covenants 36:2). The following month, He made the same promise to James Covill (Doctrine and Covenants 39:6), and a month after that, He extended the promise to all members of the Church:

If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.

Doctrine and Covenants 42:61

The word peaceable can mean free from conflict or “quiet; undisturbed; not agitated with passion” (See “peaceable,” Websters Dictionary 1828.)

Mormon spoke to a group of people he called “peaceable followers of Christ” and praised their “peaceable walk with the children of men” (Moroni 7:3-4). And the Savior offered His disciples the following reassurance shortly before His death:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:26

So it’s not surprising that the insights and guidance we receive from Him through the Spirit are described as “peaceable.” They help us to find peace, and we can receive them by reducing the noise and conflict in our lives. As President Russell M. Nelson has recently counseled us, we should be intentional about creating quiet spaces and times to facilitate this process:

For a time, the pandemic has canceled activities that would normally fill our lives. Soon we may be able to choose to fill that time again with the noise and commotion of the world. Or we can use our time to hear the voice of the Lord whispering His guidance, comfort, and peace. Quiet time is sacred time—time that will facilitate personal revelation and instill peace.

“What We Are Learning and Will Never Forget,” General Conference, April 2021

Today, I will open my heart to the Spirit of the Lord, so that I can learn the “peaceable things” the Savior would like to teach me. I will find ways to reduce the commotion in my life and to create quiet times which will enable me to receive His peace.