Speak Often One with Another

During the Savior’s ministry in the Americas, He prophesied about the latter-day gathering of Israel. (See 3 Nephi 20:13, 18, 29, 33; 21:1, 24, 28). He also instructed church members to “meet together oft” (3 Nephi 18:22; see also Moroni 6:5-6). Those two concepts are more closely connected than we might realize. The gathering of Israel isn’t merely a relocation; it’s an integration. As God’s children accept His gospel, they aren’t merely assenting to a set of beliefs; they are joining a community of saints.

Sometimes people question the importance of attending church meetings. They may wonder whether their time might be better spent in community service or other worthwhile activities. They may wonder why it is insufficient to worship God alone. They may benefit from learning more about the doctrine of gathering.

Malachi described how people’s faith can falter when they see injustice in the world. “Now we call the proud happy,” they might observe. “Yea, they that work wickedness are set up [prospering]” (Malachi 3:15; 3 Nephi 24:15).

What is the remedy for this erosion of faith?

Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

Malachi 3:16; 3 Nephi 24:16

The resurgence of faith begins with good people speaking to one another—often. The process also includes writing, remembering, and thinking about Him. But it begins with believers gathering and strengthening one another by talking about their faith.

No wonder the Lord echoed this passage in an 1831 revelation about preparing for His Second Coming:

Call your solemn assemblies, and speak often one to another. And let every man call upon the name of the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:6

Today, I will take advantage of opportunities to talk with fellow believers, to strengthen them and to be strengthened by them. I will be grateful to be part of a community of saints that can support one another as we strive to grow ever closer to God and to our Savior, Jesus Christ.