Work

"And they began to be a very industrious people (1) ...and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands. (2)"

I've been reading about the conversion of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's and I found it interesting that their conversion led them to work more. The gospel demands action; salvation is not passive. I've found that when I am close to the Spirit I am more motivated and productive.

Alma 17:11-12

"And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.
And it came to pass that the hearts of the sons of Mosiah, and also those who were with them, took courage to go forth unto the Lamanites to declare unto them the word of God." - Alma 17:11-12

I imagine the Lord might have said something similar to each of us before we came to earth. There are many trials and obstacles for each of us to overcome, but the blessings we receive will make it all worth it.

I feel like there were two ways that the sons of Mosiah could have responded to this message. They could have focused on the afflictions that they would face and become discouraged, or even given up. Instead, they took courage in the fact that they would be able to serve others and save souls.

Every day, this is a decision that I have to make. As a parent, I have plenty of opportunities to practice patience and long-suffering. I hope that I can be a good example to my children so that they will be able to learn the gospel and we can be a forever family.

Enos 1:5-6

And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. And I, Enos, knew that God acould not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away. (link)

I know that when we repent of our sins, God will forgive us and take our guilt away. I am so thankful to have felt that assurance through the Holy Ghost when I repent. Repentance is such a blessing.

Teachings of Jacob

But behold, my brethren, is it expedient that I should awake you to an awful reality of these things? Would I harrow up your souls if your minds were pure? Would I be plain unto you according to the plainness of the truth if ye were freed from sin? ...Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price. - 2 Nephi 9:47, 50

I've had this thought before, but reading these words from Jacob really struck me today. Our God is not an angry God. Although sometimes we need to be called to repentance, this call is really a gentle invitation to come and partake of all the good that is available to us. I know that repentance does bring the "peace that passeth all understanding." (Phil. 4:7)

Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life. - 2 Nephi 10:23

It is truly a blessing that we are able to choose for ourselves. We are free to choose the path that will lead to happiness.

Mosiah 26:30

"Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me."

I have this marked in my scriptures with a little heart next to it. The Lord loves us so much, that he will always forgive us when we repent, no matter how many times we repeat the same mistakes. I am amazed and grateful that the Lord can be so patient with me.

However, I need to remember to follow the Lord's example. The next verse reminds us that we must forgive others. I need to be as quick as the Lord to forgive. I need to pray so that I can have this unconditional love for others. (Moroni 7:48)