What I Learned from the New Testament in 2023

As I studied and applied principles from the New Testament last year, I learned a lot about balance, adaptability, relationships, growth, and joyful worship. Here are some of the insights I gained:

Balance (the Gospels)

• The Savior found time for solitude, and He was responsive to the people around Him.
• He taught us to let some things go and to prioritize other things which might seem small and unimportant.
• He didn’t come to condemn us, but He will help us change We therefore shouldn’t be excessively hard on ourselves, but we should recognize opportunities for improvement.

What I Learned from the Gospels, January-June 2023

Adaptability (Acts of the Apostles)

• Like Paul and like full-time missionaries, we need to be prepared to go wherever we are called and to adapt quickly when our assignments change.
• We need to receive correction with humility and not ignore or reject uncomfortable messages. In particular, there is safety in following counsel from inspired leaders.
• God can help us share the gospel regardless of our constraints. In particular, our homes can be centers of gospel learning for our families and for our guests.

What I Learned from The Acts of the Apostles, July 2023

Relationships (the Epistles of Paul)

• Relationship with God: Understanding Grace – God blesses us because He loves us, and we don’t have to earn that love. Historical patterns of apostasy and restoration and the doctrine of to resurrection from the dead both symbolize the renewal and rescue that God can provide for us in our daily lives. Many of the gifts God offers us don’t come into our lives until we choose to receive them. We don’t earn them, but we may qualify for them by following the instructions God has given. God’s grace toward us is not only “sufficient” but “abounding.” This gives us the privilege of sharing that grace with other people.
• Relationships with Others: Seeking Charity and Unity – The Atonement of Jesus Christ breaks down the partitions that separate us. When we have the gift of charity, we don’t dwell on other people’s faults. We recognize that we are all “earthen vessels,” imperfect instruments in God’s hands. We give people a break. We make requests humbly and respectfully, “beseeching” instead of attempting to “enjoin” them.
• Relationship with Self: Becoming Settled – Paul told the Philippians that we can choose to rejoice, even in difficult circumstances. He counseled Timothy to overcome his fears and share the light of the gospel. And he encouraged the Ephesians and the Colossians to be rooted and grounded. Clearly, managing our emotions is critical to our discipleship. Christlike attributes can help us achieve greater stability. Gratitude can alleviate despair. Hope can overcome anxiety. Patience can empower us to endure.

What I Learned from the Epistles of Paul, August-November 2023

Growth (the General Epistles)

• Parenting – We need to create an environment of security and love in our homes, so that our children can flourish. “There is no fear in love.” We also need to be ready to teach when they are ready to learn and remember that our greatest joy comes from the spiritual well-being of our children.
• Adversity – When you experience something difficult, don’t give up. “Let patience have her perfect work.” There is a reason you’re going through this, and when that purpose is accomplished, the trial will end. Let the trial do its job.
• Divine Nature – God is willing to share His nature with us. In fact, because we are His children, we already have a divine nature, albeit in embryonic form, and He will help us develop Christlike attributes and realize our full potential.

What I Learned from the General Epistles, November 2023

Joyful Worship (the Book of Revelation)

The book of Revelation contains a joyous message, as represented by the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah (Revelation 19:6, Revelation 11:15, Revelation 19:16), by the piece “Worthy Is the Lamb” from that same oratorio (Revelation 5:12-14), and by the piece “He Is the Root and the Offspring of David” from The Redeemer by Robert Cundick (Revelation 22:16-17, 20).

John paints a vivid picture of the joy associated with the Savior’s Second Coming, similar to the joyful welcome He received as He entered Jerusalem during the final week of His life. Like those people who welcomed Him with palm branches, we will be overjoyed to be with Him. Like John, we can say with hope and anticipation, “Even so, come Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20; see also Alma 13:25).

What I Learned from the Book of Revelation, December 2023