Sunday Thoughts

Last week I taught the lesson in the “virtual” Gospel Doctrine class our ward has been holding during the restricted meetings held by the church during the coronavirus pandemic.  I wanted to preserve some insights I gained during that experience. 

The lesson was from the Come Follow Me curriculum, the lesson on Helaman chapters 13-16, which is from the preaching and prophesying Samuel the Lamanite did from the walls of the City of Zarahemla.  Specifically, Helaman 15:3, which says, “Yea, wo unto this people who are called the people of Nephi except they shall repent, when they shall see all these signs and wonders which shall be showed unto them; for behold, they have been a chosen people of the Lord; yea, the people of Nephi hath he loved, and also hath he chastened them; yea, in the days of their iniquities hath he chastened them because he loveth them.”  Samuel’s words contain many stern chastisements, but Helaman 15:3 gives a unique perspective on chastening from the Lord. 

"Chastisement" is another strong word, like "Commandment", easily taken more harshly than it really is. I like the word "Correction" better, or even "Guidance". Perhaps the Lord uses these strong words because He appreciates what's at stake better than we do. But remember what He's said:  

"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you — Wherefore, ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face." (D&C 95:1-2)

 He also said 

"My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom." (D&C 136:31)

Anyone who is trying to get closer to the Lord and better do His will is going to bear chastisement.  In bearing chastisement, it is well to keep in mind what it says in D&C 121:41-44 (43): 

“No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.”

Take special note of the phrase, “Reproving betimes with sharpness.” My dictionary gives several definitions for "Sharpness", including these two: 

• "Having clear form and detail"
• "Clearly and distinctly set forth"

This passage is one we often associate with how we should preside or lead. But it applies to the many relationships we find ourselves in, including us on the receiving end of our relationship with Christ. This passage uncovers and explains the loving manner in which Christ works with us to help us progress toward being able to live the kind of life He lives.  His goal, after all, is to bring to pass our Eternal Life (Moses 1:39, John 17:3, 1 John 3:2). 

The Lord maintains and exercises His power of persuasion by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge our soul without hypocrisy, and without guile so that we may know that His faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.  He has done everything our agency allows to help us successfully complete this period of our eternal progression and achieve Eternal Life. He will continue for as long as there is a single soul yet to be saved (Moroni 7:36).