“What I Say Unto One I Say Unto All”

The scriptures are full of universal truths. The Lord may teach them to an individual or to a small group, but they are applicable to all of us.

After prophesying of the events that would precede His Second Coming, the Savior gave His disciples some concise counsel:

Watch ye therefore …

And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Mark 13:35, 37

Many subsequent generations of people would be blessed by that guidance, and the Savior made it clear that His message was not limited to His immediate audience.

Alma gave similar counsel to Zeezrom, making clear that his words were intended for a much larger group. “I would that ye should remember that what I say unto thee I say unto all” (Alma 12:5).

Although many of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants are addressed to individuals or small groups, we can study them as though they were directed to us. In several of the revelations, the Lord uses the phrase “What I say unto one I say unto all” to emphasize that we should:

• Keep God’s commandments (Doctrine and Covenants 25:15-16).
• Be of good cheer (Doctrine and Covenants 61:36).
• Be vigilant (Doctrine and Covenants 82:5).
• Be inclusive (Doctrine and Covenants 92:1).
• Pray always (Doctrine and Covenants 93:49).

Referencing these passages, Elder Richard G. Scott testified: “All doctrine in scripture can benefit us, even though it be given to a specific individual. … This doctrine is confirmed by Nephi, who recorded, ‘I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning'” (“He Lives,” General Conference, October 1999).

Today, I will look for universal truths in the scriptures and in the words of prophets. I will remember that even when the Lord is speaking to an individual or a small group, the truths He is teaching may apply to me as well.