Mormon said we can't do good without being good. Specifically, he said that we have to do good with real intent. Why? Because insincere good works do not change us. As we wholeheartedly offer gifts and prayers, God transforms us, helping us become good.
Moroni’s Excellent Hope
Moroni had every reason to despair. His people had been destroyed, and he was alone. Yet he wrote extensively about the hope that we receive through the Spirit of the Lord, which helps us endure challenges and which prepares us to return to God's presence
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.
Developing Christlike Attributes
Peter listed a number of attributes that we should strive to develop with God's help: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. The Book of Mormon provides insight into each of these Christlike attributes.
Ask Not Amiss
Jesus promised that our prayers will be answered. James added a caution: we need to pray with the right motives. Bishop Keith B. McMullin taught that the Spirit can help us understand what to ask for, so that our prayers can be aligned with God's will.
Ministering Spirits
The apostle Paul declared that angels are ministering spirits. Mormon added that they continue to minister to us today. Joseph F. Smith testified that we are closer to our departed loved ones than we may realize. "We live in their presence."
Beseeching
In Paul's epistle to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, he uses the word "beseech" instead of "enjoin." This word conveys his depth of feeling about the request while also showing appropriate respect for Philemon's agency.
Increase and Abound in Love
Even as Paul expressed gratitude for the love demonstrated by the Thessalonians, he urged them to "increase and abound in love." The same pattern appears in a sermon by Mormon. We can increase in love both by loving more people and by loving people more.
Giving Cheerfully
When we give or serve grudgingly, we miss out on the enjoyment that is inherent in these activities. The faster we can overcome our initial resistance, the sooner we can experience the joy and growth that come from giving cheerfully!
By the Grace of God
Paul gave credit to God for every good thing he had accomplished or become. Benjamin, Alma, and Mormon likewise expressed gratitude for God's grace. We must not deny nor forget the power by which we are supported, delivered, and sanctified