What does it mean to judge? It means to form an opinion or to make a decision. Mormon said, "I show unto you the way to judge" (Moroni 7:16), and then explained that we ought to make decisions according to what is right and good, which we can know by the light of Christ. "See... Continue Reading →
Burying My Weapons
The Anti-Nephi-Lehies, who were converted to the gospel by the preaching of the sons of Mosiah, decided as a group to renounce violence. Encouraged by their king, they buried their weapons as a symbol of their commitment to live differently (Alma 24:6-19). The buried weapons had a very literal consequence for them shortly afterward. They... Continue Reading →
“Ye Shall Not Slay Him” – Mosiah 20:14
Mosiah 20 can be read as a series of case studies about the importance of trust in relationships. Multiple times, key characters have to make decisions based on limited information. The stories illustrate the danger of jumping to conclusions and the value of giving other people the benefit of the doubt. When a group of... Continue Reading →
Lessons from Sermons to Modern Readers
Some of the chapters in the Book of Mormon are addressed directly to us, the modern readers of the book. Moroni wrote, "I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing" (Mormon 8:35). During the month... Continue Reading →
He That Will Not Believe My Words Will Not Believe Me – Ether 4:12
12 And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe... Continue Reading →
Moroni’s First Message to His Modern Readers – Mormon 8-9
Setting After Mormon's death, his son Moroni appended two chapters to his father's book. He may have believed that these were the concluding chapters in the book. He didn't know how much longer he would live, and there was not much space left on his father's plates (Mormon 8:5). Purpose His father had given him guidance... Continue Reading →
If There Are Faults – Title Page
And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ. (Title Page of the Book of Mormon) It's easy to criticize. Our brains seem to be wired to focus on things that aren't quite right... Continue Reading →
They Laughed Us to Scorn – Alma 26:23-26
23 Now do ye remember, my brethren, that we said unto our brethren in the land of Zarahemla, we go up to the land of Nephi, to preach unto our brethren, the Lamanites, and they laughed us to scorn? 24 For they said unto us: Do ye suppose that ye can bring the Lamanites to... Continue Reading →
According to the Commandment of My Father – Jarom 1:1, 15
1 Now behold, I, Jarom, write a few words according to the commandment of my father, Enos, that our genealogy may be kept.... 15 And I deliver these plates into the hands of my son Omni, that they may be kept according to the commandments of my fathers. (Jarom 1:1, 15) I'll admit that I've... Continue Reading →
How Much Better Are You Than They? – Jacob 3:7
7 Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children; and their unbelief and their hatred towards you is because of the iniquity of their fathers; wherefore, how much better are you than they, in the sight of your great Creator? (Jacob 3:7)... Continue Reading →
