After describing the characteristics of charity, including suffering long and enduring all things, Mormon followed up in the same way that the apostle Paul did in his first epistle to the Corinthians. He said, "Charity never faileth" (Moroni 7:46). (See 1 Corinthians 13:8.) Paul contrasted charity with several gifts of the Spirit— prophecies, tongues, and... Continue Reading →
Faith, Hope, Meekness, and Love: Interdependent Virtues – Moroni 7:39-44
Christlike virtues do not exist in a vacuum. We might talk about them in isolation; we might even work on them individually. But as we develop one virtue, others naturally grow. Mormon emphasizes the interdependence of several virtues near the end of his sermon in the synagogue: "I judge that ye have faith in Christ... Continue Reading →
Moroni Wrote to the Lamanites
"I make not myself known to the Lamanites lest they should destroy me" (Moroni 1:1)."I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord" (Moroni 1:4). Jesus said, "Love your enemies" (3 Nephi 12:44, Matthew 5:44). As a... Continue Reading →
“He Called Them by Name” – Moroni 2:2
There is power in a name. When Jesus taught His twelve disciples how to baptize, He instructed them to call each individual by name as part of the baptism (3 Nephi 11:24). When He subsequently authorized His disciples to bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, He laid His hands on each of them and... Continue Reading →
“Lay Down Your Weapons of War” – Mormon 7:4
After describing the final battle in which his people were destroyed, Mormon writes a final testimony and admonition to the descendants of his enemies, the Lamanites. He had led his armies in battle against the Lamanites for nearly 60 years, but he had also spent significant time studying and summarizing the thousand-year history of his... Continue Reading →
“Save It Be for the Sins of the World” – 3 Nephi 28:9
The Savior made an incredible set of promises to the three disciples who wanted to remain on earth until His Second Coming. He told them that they would never taste of death. He promised that they would not feel pain. He even told them that they would not feel sorrow "save it be for the... Continue Reading →
“All Things Common” – 4 Nephi 1:4
The people who interacted with the resurrected Savior on the American continent lived together in unity for the rest of their lives. Their children and grandchildren followed their examples and enjoyed the blessings of a harmonious society. "There were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another." This... Continue Reading →
“He Cast His Eyes Round About Again” – 3 Nephi 17:5
After teaching the people at the temple in Bountiful, the Savior "looked round again on the multitude." He saw that they had reached their limit. They couldn't process any more of His teachings at that time. Consequently, He instructed them to go home, ponder His words, and prepare for His return on the following day.... Continue Reading →
“They Were Beloved” – Alma 53:2
What kind of relationships did Captain Moroni have with the people closest to him? We don't know much about his family, except that his son Moronihah succeeded him as commander of the Nephite armies (Alma 62:43). But we do see him interacting with other military leaders, particularly Lehi and Teancum. The following passage gives us... Continue Reading →
Alma’s Advice to Shiblon
I love the passages in the epistles of Paul where he offers rapid-fire advice: a series of pithy statements, any one of which would be worth a sermon, but which, taken together, describe the character of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Two examples of these passages are Romans 12:9-21 and 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22. Alma's charge to his... Continue Reading →
