Some principles for dealing with conflict from the Book of Mormon: 1. Disciples of Christ promote peace. 2. We have a duty as citizens to uphold the law. 3. Some things are worth fighting for. 4. Comfort and bless those who are harmed by conflict.
After the Holy Order of God
Alma and his sons preached "after the holy order of God." This conveys a sense of joint action, of collective effort. Jesus wants His disciples to be one because some needful things can only be accomplished through organized, collective effort.
“He Caused That His Sons Should Be Gathered”
When Alma saw that his people were hardening their hearts, he gathered his sons to "give unto them every one his charge." Sometimes, instead of focusing on the people who need help, we need to recruit and train helpers, to magnify our efforts.
Testimony of Jesus = Spirit of Prophecy
An angel told John that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. The only way we can be sure that Jesus is our Savior is by direct, personal revelation from God. Therefore, the people who have that testimony are the people who receive revelation.
Passing Through the Midst of Them
What makes people respond to offenses with physical violence? How can we avoid overreacting when we feel attacked in some way? (1) Never instigate or escalate. (2) Be aware of your natural self. (3) Step away from the mob.
“Open His Eyes”
When Elisha's young servant arose early one morning, he was alarmed to see the city Dothan surrounded by horses and chariots. Syria was at war with Israel, and the king of Syria had heard that Elisha was helping the king of Israel, much like Alma would later help Nephite military leaders (2 Kings 6:8-12; see... Continue Reading →
Joshua and the Book of Mormon
This week, I reviewed the book of Joshua, summarizing the content of each chapter and identifying related Book of Mormon passages. The book can be divided into four parts: The children of Israel prepare to enter the promised land (chapters 1-5)With divine intervention, they conquer various cities in the land of Canaan (chapters 6-12)Land is... Continue Reading →
A Better Cause
The first time that we hear about Captain Moroni is when he leads the Nephite armies to victory against Zerahemnah's Lamanite army. As the narrator, Mormon makes it a point to contrast the motivations of these two armies: [Zerahemnah's] designs were to stir up the Lamanites to anger against the Nephites; this he did that he might usurp great... Continue Reading →
The Raven, the Dove, and the Olive Leaf, or How Did Noah Know?
After being confined to the ark for many months, Noah and his family must have been anxious for freedom. About five months after they entered the ark, it rested on a mountaintop (Genesis 8:4). A little more than two months later, the tops of some nearby mountains became visible (Genesis 8:5). Noah now faced a... Continue Reading →
“None Shall Slumber”
In 1837, Thomas B. Marsh was concerned about the state of the Church. In Missouri, church members had been driven from their homes. In Ohio, many members and even church leaders were becoming disaffected. As president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Thomas must have felt a deep desire to help curb the chaos... Continue Reading →