Firm as the Mountains by Lauren Bush

While a declining society beckons us to be weak and self-indulgent, the growing gospel cries out for every soul to be firm. Firmness in mind and spirit allows us to be securely fixed on a proper course through life. Being solid and unyielding can be beneficial, but on the other hand, a rigid and hardened heart is the kind of firmness to be avoided at all costs. Furthermore, as a true seeker longs for spiritual firmness, the Savior is the rock in which to draw that strength from. As we continue to apply correct principles in our life, we derive a firmness that enables us to be valiant disciples of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual firmness means to be strong, immovable, secure, steadfast, and solid in the gospel. “Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction” (1). Firmness of mind and spirit enables individuals to live courageously. The prophet Abinidai had great firmness of mind when it came to dealing with Kind Noah. He was so immovable in his spiritual strength that he never wavered, and faced death with extreme courage. Latter-Day Saints can have the same kind of strength and firmness when they experience persecution or difficulties. “Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them” (2). Recently, my home state of Arizona voted on, and passed, Proposition 102 that amends the Constitution citing marriage as being between one man and one woman. The same proposal was passed with Proposition 108 in the state of California. After the voting process was over, Latter-Day Saints were singled out and persecuted and people I know personally have been threatened physically and emotionally. Aside from a little diss here and there throughout High School about my religion, I had never seen this kind of persecution or hatred. It is pleasing, and comforting, to realize that this does not scare me or affect me, because I am firm and steadfast in my faith.

Unfortunately, there are other forms of firmness that are dangerous and crippling to our spiritual well-being. “Ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they” (3). I admit to being caught up in this unflattering kind of stiffness in High School. Expensive jeans and name-brand clothing were a temptation I often indulged in. I rarely found something to my liking on the sales rack or discount table. I am sure there were times my neck was stiff as a board! Now I am a poor college student and have changed my ways! As awful as this is, there is another form of firmness even more undesirable; a hard heart. “Now the eyes of the people were blinded; therefore they hardened their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and they sought from that time forward to take him. And king Noah hardened his heart against the word of the Lord, and he did not repent of his evil doings” (4). It is difficult to soften a hard heart. Stiffness and hardness pull us away from Christ. They lack the foundation of firmness that enables us to live with true happiness.

There is but one firm foundation on which to base our lives. It is a rock upon which we can always rely on for strength - it is our Savior Jesus Christ. “Wherefore, the people of Nephi did fortify against them with their arms, and with all their might, trusting in the God and rock of their salvation; wherefore, they became as yet, conquerors of their enemies” (5). When one is firm it means one is not likely to change. The Savior will never change. “Change and decay in all around I see; O thou who changest not, abide with me!” (6) When we rely on Jesus Christ we are able to stand firm in our convictions. David O Mckay once said, “If you have a testimony of Christ on your side, you can pass through the dark valley of slander, misrepresentation, and abuse, undaunted as though you wore a magic suit of mail, that no bullet could enter, no arrow could pierce. You can hold your head high, toss it fearlessly and defiantly, look every man calmly and unflinchingly in the eye, as though you rode, a victorious king returning at the head of your legions, with banners waving and lances glistening and bugles filling the air with music” (7).

As the world grows increasingly more wicked, it is more important than ever to have a firm spiritual backbone. Spiritual firmness enables us to stay on the path of righteousness and provides the greatest degree of happiness. When we allow ourselves to get stiff, or harden our hearts to the teachings of the gospel, we become spiritually weakened. The one true way to find the necessary strength we need is to believe in Christ. He is our rock. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “May you and I build our lives upon the foundation of Christ. May we apply correct principles to become steadfast and immovable - solid, firm, resolute, firmly secured, and incapable of being diverted from the path of righteousness - keeping and honoring our covenants and commitments, living worthy and pure lives, and becoming valiant disciples of the Savior” (8). I too testify of the importance of being steadfast and immovable. It is a pleasure each day to stand on campus and look upon the beautiful Wasatch mountains. They represent firmness to me and are a daily reminder to be strong in my faith. “Firm as the mountains around us, stalwart and brave we stand. On the rock our fathers planted for us in this goodly land” (9). I further testify that to have a hard heart, or to be firm in opposition to the gospel plan, is dangerous and can even cause spiritual death. If we believe in Christ, and take his name upon us, we will find the courage we need to fight temptation and overlook persecution and difficulty.

Works Cited
1. Jacob 3:1
2. Alma 1:25
3. Jacob 2:13
4. Mosiah 11:29
5. Jacob 7:25
6. Hymn #166
7. David O. Mckay, CR, Apr. 1958, p. 130
8. David A. Bednar, “steadfast and Immovable, Always Abounding in Good Works,” New Era, Jan 2008, 2-6
9. Hymn #255

“The Truth shall make you free” – by Lindsay Chandler

The scripture that I chose for the title of this blog [1] is one of my favorites, because it is full of hope! I feel hopeful about this scripture because I do have truth, or at least a great deal of truth. I don’t understand everything yet, but I am learning. While I learn more about the gospel, about the world, and about my relationship with Heavenly Father, I am freeing myself from the chains of ignorance and doubt. Heavenly Father wants his children to be free, to have the truth. He has provided so many sources of spiritual and temporal knowledge because if we are to be like Him some day, we must understand truth as well.

One of the greatest sources of truth that has been given to us is the Holy Ghost. The Spirit can bear witness to us of the truth of all things. As Jacob says, “the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not” [2]. We can trust in spiritual promptings because the Holy Ghost cannot lead us astray. He can remind us of the things we’ve studied when we take a test at school, confirm the truth of the Book of Mormon to an investigator, or reassure a struggling member of his or her testimony of the gospel. I am so grateful for the gift of the Spirit, because he has strengthened my testimony of truth countless times in my life. I remember one morning I woke up very early and went outside to write in my journal and study the scriptures as the sun was rising. In those quiet moments, I prayed to have a witness that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, as I had been reading in Joseph Smith History that day. My prayer was answered with a peaceful, firm confirmation of the truth of his mission. I believe that I received that witness because I did as King Benjamin encouraged when he said to “open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view” [3]. When we do the things that invite the Spirit into our lives, we open our minds to receive truth.

The world is full of people who claim to know the truth. But we know that while people of other faiths have some truth, they do not have the full truth. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the full truth. We also know that Christ’s truth may be different than man’s truth, because His truth is complete. The Hebrew word for “truth” is expressed in several different forms, but two variances of the word struck me as particularly meaningful. The first is “’amitt,” which means “Christ’s truth.” It is used to mean “thy truth,” or “His truth.” The other is the word “alethos,” which means “a truth” [4]. The definition “a truth,” seems to have less force and meaning to me, while an expression noting “Christ’s truth” is steadfast and immovable. It is holy. I feel like I can trust what Christ teaches us because His truth is complete and correct. Alma says that “the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father [is] full of grace, equity, and truth” [5]. We worship Christ and reverence His name because his glory is truth.

Not only is the truth of the gospel complete, it is endless. God’s words to His people were as applicable to the children of Israel as they are to us, and the standards that we live by will still be in place in the last days. Even in eternity, the truth will be the same. As Abinadi said, Christ “is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened” [6]. Light and truth are often synonymous in the scriptures, so this scripture is saying that Christ’s truth is endless. I am grateful to have truth that will be applicable in the eternities. It is comforting to know that when I study the scriptures and listen to the words of the prophets today, I am preparing for my future.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we are blessed to have important truths, but we also have a responsibility with those truths. First of all, we have a responsibility to seek out truth. Robert R. Steuer, a member of the seventy, said that “the light and truth we see in all things urges us to obtain knowledge by study and by faith” [7]. We have many ways to obtain this truth, through the scriptures, through prayer and spiritual revelation, and through the words of the living prophets. Second, we have a responsibility to live the values that we know to be correct. Alma remarks that if the people who had been blessed with light and knowledge had transgressed, it would have been worse than if the Lamanites, who did not have the truth, had transgressed [8]. This is because the Lord expects more from the people who understand the truth. Finally, we have a responsibility to share this truth with others. The gospel is spreading rapidly throughout the world because there are countless souls who are seeking for the truth. We must share the truth that we have with them.

I have a testimony of the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that it is endless, eternal truth, and that it brings much hope and joy to the lives of those who follow it. I am so grateful for the gift of the Spirit, and for the truth that the Spirit reveals to us.

Works cited:
[1] (Title) John 8:32
[2] Jacob 4:13
[3] Mosiah 2:9
[4] LDS Scripture Concordance Program
[5] Alma 9:26
[6] Mosiah 16:9
[7] Robert R. Steuer, “The Power of Light and Truth,” Liahona, May 2008, 99–101
[8] Alma 9:23

The Holy Bible. King James text: LDS version. Salt Lake: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Book of Mormon. Salt Lake: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Image: http://www.scripturecase.com/quad.asp

Derek Died, but Peace Survived by Amy Symmes

Events in life can be unexpected. Last Monday my good friend Derek Lowry, who was only twenty-one died. He became sick, was taken to the hospital, and died from medical complications in the same day. The day before that he was fine. He had told his family that he was finally at peace with not being able to serve his entire mission because of health issues. Was it because he was finally at peace that he died? His mother said it was his time to go because it all happened so quickly. So when he got sick, God used it as his chance to take him. His family said that now Derek gets to start his real mission in the Kingdom of Heaven. A scripture that has brought me comfort as I remember Derek is St. John 16:33 and it says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” What peace this scripture brought to me. I know that Derek feels peace because he is with God now. I am in this world still and Derek’s death has been an unexpected tribulation but in God I can have peace.

Derek left this world having a peace of mind, just as he told his parents. Since we never really know when it will be our time to leave this world we should live always with a peace of mind. In Mosiah 4:3 it says, “And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come[…].” This scripture tells us that if we are clean and without sin that we can have peace of mind. Derek was the most childlike person I know. He even fainted when he tried to kiss a girl the first time. This boy did not commit huge sins and he was able to tell others that he was at peace with himself because of it. If we try to keep ourselves clean and pure, without sin in front of our Lord daily and forever we can always have peace of conscience and be ready to meet our maker when the time comes. We can meet our maker with peace of conscience like Derek did.

Another thing that adds to peace of mind is being good to others. Mosiah 4:5 states “And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due.” Derek made everyone around him feel like they were worth something. He was the reason I would go to my singles ward activities. Derek made me feel loved. I can liken this unto living with my roommate. My roommate, Sarah, and I get along so well. It is because we are kind to each other and we try to live peaceably. I don’t put my stuff on her side of the room because I have my own side. This solves conflicts that could be started otherwise. We also look out for each other in good ways. We are kind when the other is having a bad day. We serve each other. We do not try to outdo, or be better than the other but we shower each other with love. Our room is a happier place because of it. This makes our lives better and brings a peace into our apartment that would not be there if we did otherwise. Derek also brought peace into the lives of others because he showed them so much love.

If we want to have peace we should turn to God. “The founder of peace, yea, even the Lord” is the only way we will obtain peace in our lives. The devil cannot replicate the feeling of peace. I know that the peace I feel over Derek's passing is from God.

Peace can affect us in positive ways. If we try to “ establish peace” we will gain peace. When I am at peace, I feel a sense of hope. Because the spirit speaks peace to my soul, I can know that Derek is in the right place. He is where God wants him to be. I know that families can be together forever and I can feel peace knowing that Derek’s family and friends will be able to see him again. It was hard for me to let Derek go, but as I turn to God I can feel peace. Peace as I live peaceably with others, peace as I look to God, and peace as I follow Derek’s example of living a Christ-like life. I will miss Derek but I have a peace of mind knowing he is with our Heavenly Father. May this be a tribute to Derek. I know our Heavenly Father lives and that Derek will be doing a great work in his Kingdom. I love you Derek.

Works Cited

1. John 16:33 (cross reference)

2. Mosiah 4:3

3. Mosiah 4:13

4. Mosiah 15:18

5. Mosiah 29:14

Peace is Possible- McKenna Weir

Among the Savior's many titles He is called, The Prince of Peace. Christ, through his sacrifice for peace, broke the barrier between the fallen man and Heavenly Father. Paul taught this principle beautifully in Ephesians. He wrote: “Without Christ (we are) aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the World: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us... so making peace... For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” 1 This doctrine is full of hope. I love imagery of the title Prince of Peace. As a Prince or government ruler, Christ provides for His people. He makes sure their needs are met. The way Christ assures us of this is through the feeling of peace. Peace is the language of the Spirit; the medium of prayer.
During times of trial we rely on and seek this assurance. The people of Limhi were in bondage to the Lamanites, but they had a righteous king who “began to establish peace among his people.” 2 Although, peace did not last in the land because of wars and contention, the people of Limhi were taught to rely on the Lord. They knew the pattern that would bring them prosperity. We learn from their experience that trials are not an absence of peace, but a time in which we often learn most about peace. I have noticed through my own experience that I learn the most about how to establish peace in my times of trials. In the summer before my junior year I went to a month long Governor's School program at Virginia Tech. I was one of only two members of the church in the whole program. I felt that during my time at governors school I had to defend my standards constantly. I felt outnumbered and I did not have the strength of my family or even my ward to rely on. I took President Monson's counsel wise words, “The passport to peace is the practice of prayer” to heart and took my concerns to the Lord. 3 Through the power of God's peace, felt assured that I was not alone in my time of trial.
The Atonement brings peace of conscience- an assurance of our standing before the Lord. King Benjamin taught his people of the redeeming power of the Atonement and admonished them to repent. The people felt the truth of these words. “The Spirit of the Lord came upon them and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ.”4 When our conscience is free from the burden of sins we can become close to our Father in Heaven in a new way. I've noticed this in my own prayers. When I am not burdened by my own mistakes I can focus on building my relationship with my Father in Heaven through counseling. I don't mean that repentance does not bring us closer to Heavenly Father, but it is a step in our eternal progression that allows us to further understand the nature of God.
The work of missionaries is to offer the peace of the gospel through testifying and inviting the Spirit. The words of Isaiah are quoted in Mosiah 12:21. Isaiah exclaims, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth.”5 Mosiah 27: 37 makes a similar exclamation, “How blessed are they! For they did publish peace.”6 I love the phrase “publisheth peace”. In French the word publish is similar to share. We share the message of peace because it is offered to all of God's children. There is an endless supply of God's love and we share that with our fellowmen by teaching the restored word of God. The word publish implies sureness. Those that publish peace are sure of their knowledge in Christ and are unashamed. Missionaries truly become Saviors as they offer the rich blessing of peace in the gospel.
During times of trial we seek the Lord's peace and come before Him in prayer. We are humbled by His mercy and the peace offered through the Atonement. Our gratitude inspires us to share this message that God lives. We can be assured of eternal things and be strengthened in our lives now. I have the same prayer as Alma. “May the peace of God rest upon you”. 7 May we all strive to be peacemakers in our homes and communities. As Russel. M. Nelson said, “Peace is possible.” 8 All things are possible when we turn to the Lord.
I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives and I know that because of Him we can return to our Heavenly home. I'm grateful for the peace I've felt in this knowledge. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

1. Ephesians 2: 12-19
2. Mosiah 19:28
3. Thomas S. Monson, “Gifts,” Ensign, May 1993, 59
4. Mosiah 4:3
5. Mosiah 12:21
6. Mosiah 27:37
7. Alma 7:27
8. Russell M. Nelson, “‘Blessed Are the Peacemakers’,” Liahona, Nov 2002, 39–42

Katie Bourne "How to Change Your Heart"

The scripture that had a large impact on changing my heart, and should have the same effect on yours, is Alma 5:16. "I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear he voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: come unto me ye blessed , for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?"

When I received my acceptance letter to BYU I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I always knew that BYU had a wonderful education and exquisite students, but it never felt right for me. I always listened to the rumors and trash talk that everyone around me kept saying. I admit, I wasn't excited to be joining my 3 siblings here in Provo. I really needed a change of heart. It wasn't until about a month and a half into school that I realized how my life would be changed. My heart began to soften and now I couldn't be happier to be attending BYU.

My heart felt restricted by the Church, I knew in my head the church set us free but my heart didn't feel it. President Boyde K. Packar said, "One of Satan's most frequently used deceptions is the notion that the commandments of God are meant to restrict freedom and limit happiness. Young people especially, sometimes feel that the standards of the Lord are like fences and chains, blocking them from those activities that seem most enjoyable in life. But exacly the opposite is true. The gospel plan is the plan by which men are brought to a fulness of joy. This is the first concept I wish to stress: The gospel principles are the steps and guidelines that will help us find true happiness and joy." Until you soften your heart, you can not see all the blessings that are pouring down upon you. 

 Alma 5:26 reads: "And now behold, I say unto you my beloved bretheren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?" After experiencing a change of heart, you can always experience it again. When our hearts are hard the spirit cannot dwell in them. We must have love and a tenderness in our hearts for all things. Having the right perspective on situations sets you free. Even your worst trials can turn out to be blessings. Along with the right perspective we must have the drive to never repeat our actions or thoughts again. Mosiah 5:2 says, "...because of the spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."

A change of heart requires repentence. Once we accept the Atonement we will be able to accept ourselves. We will have a new attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general. Here at BYU I see the hand of God every day, from the beautiful whether to the smiles I see on campus. My mind has been set free because everyday I am surrounded by the gospel. There is no division  between my church life and my "real" life; THEY ARE ONE. That is what this church is all about, that is what our lives should all be about. Everyday I wake up and see everything I could ever wish for right at my fingertips.

Alma 5:16 

Alma 5:26

Mosiah 5:2

Boyde K. Packer 

The Ultimate Hope-Cortney Black

In Alma 7:24 it reads, "And see that ye have faith, hope and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works." Hope is defined as, "the confident expectation of and longing for the promised blessings of righteousness." We use the principle of hope in everything we do in our lives. We use it for simple things such as hoping we will do good on a test, hoping our team will win the game or hoping that you will have enough money for something. There is a deeper hope that we must have to make it through this life. We must have hope in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father and their plan that they have made for us. In Jacob 4:4 it reads, "For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us. " Here we have testimony of Christ's coming and his glory. In Mosiah 4:9 it says, "Believe in God, believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth, believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." If we do believe in God and know that he knows so much more than us, he knows what we are going through and why, we will be able to make it through anything that comes our way.

There is a quote that hangs in my house with a picture of Jesus Christ that says, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." I love this because it is saying that this life will be hard, but that is why we are here-to show that we can make it through our trials and progress towards something better. Elder James E. Faust explains the purpose of trials in our lives, "That is part of our mortal test. The reason for some of these trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope." We will not always understand the purpose of hard times in our lives, but through peace and hope we can know that they are for a larger purpose and will benefit us in the end. President Hinckley is one of the greatest examples I know of somebody that exhibited ultimate hope in all things. He once said, "It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forwards with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsaks us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." I love the part where he says, "It all works out. Don't worry." When hard times come we need to take them as they are and persevere through whatever it may be with hope, it will all work out.

When hard times come our way we need to rely on the Lord and have hope that he will be there for us. In Alma 9:17 it reads, "And at some period of time they will be brought to believe in his word, and to know of the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers; and many of them will be saves, for the Lord will be merciful unto all who call on his name." We can use prayer to communicate with Heavenly Father and he can help us through any problem we ever face. When my mom was pregnant with my youngest sister, it was her sixth child and she had begun to have medical problems as the pregnancy progressed. As my mom and dad met with their doctor he urged them to consider an abortion to avoid any possible health risks on my mother and/or my sister. Not even considering this option my Mom and Dad told the doctor no, they would continue the pregnancy. Of course the doctor continued to try and convince them, but they would not budge. Throughout the pregnancy my parents relied on the Lord to help them through this difficult time. The health problems continued throughout the pregnancy, but on February 8, 1996 my little sister was delivered, with her and my mom as healthy as could be. The Lord will be merciful unto those who call on his name, he is there to support us in everything.

One thing in the church that has always impressed me is those that choose to go on missions. I have so much respect for the thousands of missionaries that are serving for our church right now, have served or will serve some day. I think it is such an amazing thing for a young person to choose to give two or one-and-a-half years of their life to the Lord. Really we all should because of all that Christ has done for us, but that age is such where so much could be happening and to choose to spend your money and time to progress the work of the Lord is amazing. These missionaries have such a strong hope that everything will work out and that a mission is where they are supposed to be. With that hope they are able to serve the Lord and the church and know that everything will work out. September 2007-My brother arriving home from his mission to Knoxville, TN.

Elder Faust tells us that the unfailing source of hope is, "the knowledge we have that we are sons and daughters of God and that His son, the Lord Jesus Christ, saved us from death. We can feel Jesus Christ's presence by continually seeking to live uner the shadow of His influcence." In Alma 22:16 it says, "But Aaron said unto him; If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all they sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall recieve, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest." If we do these things we will recieve the hope we need to make it through this life and recieve eternal life. All we need to know is that we are sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants what is best for us. He is willing to do anything to help us and guide us back to him.

I would like to end by bearing my testimony that I know this church is true. I know that we are children of God and with this knowledge we can have hope and make it through anything that comes our way. This life is not easy, but in the end anything we experienced will be well worth it. I know the scriptures are true and they can serve as personal doctrine and revelation for all of us. I know President Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet and leads us in these days. I am so grateful for this church and the knowledge I have of it. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Works Cited:

"Hope"-Elder Faust

The Book of Mormon

"The Ultimate Hope"-Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all - Heather Harston

Love and charity are two gospel principles that go hand in hand. They are used as synonyms for each other, but I wish to explore a little deeper the meaning of each love and charity. Love can be defined in many ways. The book “True to the Faith” defines is as a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection.[1] Charity is the pure love of Christ, or everlasting love. These two virtues are essential in our earthly life and our eternal salvation. Love can be expressed in so many ways. It can be as simple as a smile and as easy as showing kindness. You can express your love by listening, sharing the gospel, serving others, and just being a friend.

We have each been invited to “feast upon [Christ’s] love.” [2] There are many examples of love in the scriptures. In Matthew the question is asked, “Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” The Savior’s simple reply, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and the greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [3] The Savior calls this the greatest commandment. This concept is again shared by Alma when he says “Every man should love his neighbor as himself, that there should be no contention among them.” [4] We should be “filled with love towards God and all men.” [5] It isn’t always easy to love those around us. But I think it is worth the effort because it is a commandment, and not just one of the commandments, but the greatest. We learn again from Alma that we can feel redeeming love when we have experienced a change of heart within ourselves. [6] When we are able to put differences aside, forget grudges, and love those around us with our whole hearts, we can then draw ever nearer to our Heavenly Father. As I strive to apply this in my life, I have found that I am a happier person. I have felt my testimony strengthen as I have come to look at those around me as sons and daughters of God, my spiritual family. Through loving others, we become better ourselves. When we realize this love and have embraced it, we are on the path towards charity, or the pure love of Christ.

It is important to “see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.” [7]The prophet Mormon teaches us much about charity. He shares, “ charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejocieth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore cleave unto charity which is the greatest of all for all things must fail—But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.” [8] Mormon stated cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fall. [8a] When we have the pure love of Christ, we are never alone. We are never helpless. Even after all things have fallen, we still have the greatest of all, the love of Christ. A wonderful example of this is Job. After everything was taken from him he still clung to charity. He recognized Christ’s love for him. Charity was his life line through that difficult time. He was still kind to his friends even as they mocked him and never pitied himself in this situation. He never turned from Christ or his undying love. I love the verses found in Romans, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loves us. For I am persuaded , that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, not things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [9] It reminds us that there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from the love of our Savior. We have to come to trust in this and know it for ourselves. The greatest example we can ever have of love and charity is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. These Things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” [10] True to the Faith shares that when have an understanding of this love, it is possible for us to exercise our faith and repent of our sins, be confident our Savior will forgive us and strengthen us in our efforts to live the gospel. [11]

Elder C. Max Cadwell shared more on charity. He says, “Charity is not just a precept or a principle, nor is it just a word to describe actions or attitudes. Rather, it is an internal condition that must be developed and experienced in order to be understood. We are possessors of charity when it is a part of our nature. People who have charity have a love for the Savior, have received of his love, and love others as he does.” [12] It is important to remember those 3 points. To have a love for the Savior, to have received his love, and to love others as Christ himself would. It’s also important to know that charity is a lifelong pursuit. It’s something that is developed as we live our lives and have love and compassion for those around us. I can testify that I love Jesus Christ. I know he walked this earth and atoned for our sins. I have felt his love. I have been comforted by him through the Holy Spirit. And every day I strive more and more to love others as Christ would.

In closing I would like to share a scripture from Moroni . “Wherefore my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.” [13] I would invite you to pray unto Heavenly Father and feel his love. I testify that we can become like Christ and be purified through his atonement. Please remember all that he has done for us and allow him and the Father to bless us with their love and charity, and to share it with those around us.

[1] True to the Faith pp 96

[2] Jacob 3:2

[3] Matthew 22:36

[4] Mosiah 23:15

[5] Mosiah 2:4

[6] Alma 5:26

[7] Alma 7:24

[8] Moroni 7:45-47

[8a] vs 46

[9] Romans 8:35, 37-39

[10] John 15:9, 11, and 13

[11] True to the Faith pp 28

[12] 1992 Ensign

[13] Moroni 7:48