Malachi indicated that talking with other believers frequently can strengthen our faith and help us maintain our perspective. One of the purposes of regular church attendance is to build that kind of relationship with fellow believers.
“Like the Dog to His Vomit”
In describing the Nephites' rapid fall from righteousness to sin, the narrator paraphrases a metaphor from the book of Proverbs about dogs and vomit. Progress isn't linear, and we all experience setbacks, but God is always willing to forgive when we repent
The Remnant Shall Return
Isaiah's prophecy about the remnant of Israel returning to God assures that no matter how far they are from home, they are not out of God's sight. Book of Mormon authors echo this sentiment: God is mindful of you, wherever you are, and you can come home.
“The Middle Wall of Partition”
The Atonement of Jesus Christ not only breaks down barriers between us and God, it also breaks down barriers between people. Paul said that Jesus "hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." He can help us become unified.
“Love Is the Fulfilling of the Law”
1. All of the commandments are built on a foundation of love. 2. The commandments help us learn to love better. 3. The commandment to love God and the commandment to love our neighbor are not in conflict. When we love God, we will also love His children.
A Great Division
Jesus wants us to have peace, but there were divisions among the people who saw and heard Him. Sometimes our words provoke division. Sometimes winning an argument is more important to us than the topic. We should heal divisions, not exacerbate them.
How to Love a Samaritan
We tend to develop rivalries with people similar to us. The Jews and the Samaritans, like the Nephites and the Lamanites, had much more in common than the things which divided them. Here are some ways to build bridges with our "Samaritans."
How Did Jesus Fulfill the Law?
Jesus fulfilled the law in three ways: (1) by completing His mission, rendering the religious observances of the law of Moses obsolete, (2) by fulfilling scriptural prophecies, and (3) by clarifying the meaning and purpose of God's commandments.
He Will Teach Us of His Ways
The following passage appears in the books of both Micah and Isaiah: In the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let... Continue Reading →
Your Brother
Obadiah was unhappy with the Edomites. They stood by and watched as their neighbors in the kingdom of Judah were conquered and carried away captive. "On the day that you stood aloof," he said, "on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were... Continue Reading →