If Ye Believe Not

How do you interact with people who believe differently from you?

Near the end of Nephi’s writings, he speaks directly to people who do not believe that that his words come from God:

Hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ,

2 Nephi 33:10

I like the patient confidence Nephi demonstrates in this passage. His detractors are not his enemies. They don’t oppose everything he believes in. He can find common ground with them. So he encourages them, if they aren’t ready to accept the Book of Mormon as the word of God, to have faith in the Savior. He then expresses optimism that they will come to appreciate his words over time.

I think the word “will” is important in this passage. Nephi doesn’t say that if you believe in Christ, then you must believe his words. He says you will. Our beliefs and desires evolve and mature as we pass through the experiences of life. Sincere truth-seekers gain knowledge gradually, from a variety of sources. But it takes time.

So just because you don’t believe in the Book of Mormon today doesn’t mean you’ll never believe it. Or if a friend or family member doesn’t believe it now, don’t assume they never will. Have some faith and patience, and be optimistic. Trust the goodness of their hearts, and give them time to grow.

Today, I will have confidence in my own spiritual growth and in the spiritual growth of the people around me. I will recognize that we are all in different places on our faith journey and that God is willing to help us move forward from where we are today. Rather than wish my friends were in a different place, I will encourage them as they take their next step from where they are to where the Lord is leading them.