Three lessons about our homes from the Book of Mormon: 1. We need a place of peace and security for ourselves and for our families. 2. We ought to invite other people into our homes. 3. Sometimes, we need to leave our homes and serve people where they are
Helaman 5 and 3 Nephi
The miracle experienced by Nephi and Lehi in the Lamanite prison mirrors the experience of the Nephites and the Lamanites when the Savior visited. Both experiences teach us that we have access to divine power and help when we open our hearts to God.
Exquisite
Alma described his pain and his joy using the same word: exquisite, which means "in the highest degree." Lehi taught that we cannot feel joy if we feel no misery. Maybe our sorrows expand our hearts, making room for us to feel more joy.
How the Savior Succors Us
The author of Hebrews and Alma both emphasized that Jesus lived as a normal human, subject to all of our afflictions and temptations so that He would know how to succor us. To "succor" is to run to help someone in distress.
Mercy
1. God is merciful. 2. He extends "arms of mercy" toward us. 3. The Savior's bowels are filled with mercy because of what He suffered. 4. He earned the right to offer us mercy. We claim that mercy by repenting. 5. Mercy is central to God's plan for us.
“A Little Child Shall Lead Them”
In the middle of a prophecy about the Millenium, Isaiah inserted a fascinating phrase: "and a little child shall lead them." Elder Boyd K. Packer said that this phrase has meaning for us today. We can learn much from children, if we are willing to listen.
Unto You / Unto Us
The angel told the shepherds that he had good news for everyone, but then he made it personal: "Unto you is born...a Saviour." The Atonement of Jesus Christ is both universal and personal. It is for everyone, but we receive His power one by one.
Wisdom and Foolishness
Our perception of wisdom is not very reliable. We may overestimate other people's understanding and our own. The key is humility. Jacob and Paul counseled us to become fools before God. We need to recognize what we lack and be willing to learn from Him.
With One Accord
The phrase "with one accord" appears 11 times in the book of Acts. It means to be united by a common purpose. As we strive to follow the Savior and to prepare for His return, we can find unity in our shared goals and desires.
Behold Thy Son! Behold Thy Mother!
As He hung on the cross, Jesus told His mother and the apostle John to "behold" one another. Later, He told a group of Nephites and Lamanites to "behold" their children. When we behold someone, we understand them better and can serve and support them.