In 1841, as church members were beginning to build the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, the Lord commanded the construction of two important buildings: the temple (Doctrine and Covenants 124:28-44) and the Nauvoo House (Doctrine and Covenants 124:22-24, 56-61). The first was a place to perform sacred ordinances in order to bring God’s children closer to Him. The second was a boarding house to show hospitality to visitors.
These two buildings represent twin responsibilities of disciples of Jesus Christ. We ought to boldly declare gospel principles and invite people to receive priesthood ordinances like baptism. (See Matthew 28:19-20.) And we ought to care for those in need, modeling and emulating the actions and teachings of the Savior. (See Matthew 25:31-46.)
The Lord describes the Nauvoo House as a place designed to promote the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of its guests:
Let it be a good house, worthy of all acceptation, that the weary traveler may find health and safety while he shall contemplate the word of the Lord; and the cornerstone I have appointed for Zion.
This house shall be a healthful habitation …
Let it be a delightful habitation for man, and a resting-place for the weary traveler, that he may contemplate the glory of Zion, and the glory of this, the cornerstone thereof.
Doctrine and Covenants 124:23-24, 60
This description has prompted a personal question: Is my home a “healthful habitation”? Is it organized to promote the well-being of family members and guests? Does it foster quiet reflection and rest for “weary travelers”?
Most importantly, are we sharing our blessings with people beyond our household? During the second year of the reign of the judges, Alma’s people were generous with everyone: old and young, male and female, church members and nonmembers alike. Mormon relates that “in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished” (Alma 1:30).
I think we can do more to establish our home as a place of nourishment, healing, and growth and then use that resource to bless people in need, both within and beyond our family.
Today, I will discuss with my family how we can make our home a more healthful habitation. Together, we will list ways we can improve our surroundings, both to promote our own physical, emotional, and spiritual health and to be more hospitable to guests.