Become highly favored of the Lord. The prophet Nephi went through many afflictions, but he was able to thrive because he “[was] highly favored of the Lord in all [his] days.” Some might think that having the most powerful being favor us must be very hard to achieve. Afterall, it is the prophet Nephi we are trying to emulate here. Nephi’s story provides us with guidance on how we can gain the favor of the Lord.

One of the most quotable passage in the Book of Mormon is Nephi’s obedient response to his father’s request that he return to Jerusalem to obtain important records. He said, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded…”. On many occasions, Nephi was commanded to do something that seemed impossible to accomplish, but in all these occasions, the Lord provided a way for Nephi to accomplish the things that the Lord had commanded him.

But it was not a ‘walk in the park’ for Nephi. The Lord did not simply provide a way for him. Nephi had to exercise his faith first and then do what the Lord had asked of him. When Nephi and his brothers went back to Jerusalem to get the plates of brass, their first 2 attempts failed. His brothers wanted to give up, but Nephi, believing that God would provide a way for them to get the plates, went into the house of Laban and was successful in getting the plates for his family.

We learn from Nephi’s story that the Lord favors those who have faith in Him and seek to do His will, even during troublesome times when trials weigh our souls down. He favors those who seek the mysteries of God and desire to know His will. He favors those who roll up their sleeves and go about doing the Lord’s work. The Lord has promised, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him”. He further added, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His love”.

Respond with Grace. In one of the wars recorded in the Book of Mormon, Moroni, an army commander, wrote to the Nephite governor, Pahoran, condemning him for not sending supplies and reinforcements to his armies who were in dire need. Moroni wrote this not knowing that Pahoran himself was in trouble and had been cast out by a rebellious faction of his own people.

Given Pahoran’s circumstances, he could have responded with anger but instead, he responded with consideration and grace, explaining his circumstances and reassuring Moroni that they were still fighting for the same cause.

During difficult times, we need to respond graciously and with forgiveness more than ever. Pahoran’s response to Moroni prevented two righteous men from becoming enemies and strengthened their relationship even more. We, too, can choose to respond with grace like Pahoran and seek to understand when we are misunderstood, to speak with compassion when we are spoken harshly of, to have patience when others are losing theirs, and to continue to love even when there is little left to love.

Difficult times can either bring us together or tear us apart. When the choice is placed before us, may we always choose the former.

Endure to the End. In the Book of Mormon, we read about the magnitude of difficulties that Lehi faced on their journey to the Promised Land—starvation, fatigue, his oldest sons’ rebellion, and accusations of being a visionary man who was leading his family to perish in the wilderness, among many others.  Lehi described his heartache and pain, describing his journey as the “days of [his] greatest sorrow”. Amidst the difficulties he faced, he could have easily turned away from God. Instead, he continued to trust in the Lord with such resolute faith and endured the challenges he faced to the end of his days.

We learn from Lehi’s experience that we can’t just sit and chill and wait for a happy ending. His life teaches us that endurance doesn’t simply mean to “hang in there” until the end of our lives. It means seeing our trials as God’s way to temper us in fire and try us in the waters of adversity to help us become as refined as fine steel.  It means growing our faith and striving to keep God’s commandments. It means “patient continuance in well doing”. It means desiring to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and acting upon that desire. It means trusting and relying upon His love and grace to sustain us through difficult times.

And when we have reached the end of our days, we may be able to echo what Lehi wrote shortly before his death, “The Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.”

Difficult times are inevitable. It is necessary for our refinement, but we have also been given guidance through the scriptures on how to face these challenges and thrive in the midst of them. The Book of Mormon is one of the many scriptures that God has prepared to guide us. May we turn to it to seek the Lord’s counsel not only during difficult times in our lives but every day as we seek to know His will.

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Receiving a testimony of the Book of Mormon is one of the most important personal revelations we need to receive in these latter days. But, what if you don’t feel the “burning [in your] bosom” after praying about the book?

What is a burning bosom?

If a burning bosom is an essential part of personal revelation, how can we truly recognize it? Though some people feel a burning in their bosom — a warm feeling that comes when we hear an impactful talk or listen to inspiring hymns — it is more than just a physical feeling. Elder Dallin H. Oaks said that a burning bosom “signifies a feeling of comfort and serenity.” A confirmation of the Book of Mormon does not just come with a fuzzy feeling – it also comes with truly knowing.

The Small Manifestations of Truth

Often, confirmation of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon does not just come in one big manifestation — it sometimes comes as a series of small impressions we feel as we read the book. If we are always looking for phenomenal revelations of truth, we may miss the small, often simple, confirmations of the Holy Ghost. Elder Bednar gave fair warning that if we, “emphasize marvelous and dramatic spiritual manifestations,” we may not recognize the, “small and incremental spiritual impressions,” that come to us frequently.

These small and simple spiritual impressions usually come through sincerely reading and pondering the Book of Mormon. It’s found in the quiet moments, when a certain verse just stands out and enlightens something. These small and simple spiritual impressions about the book’s truthfulness come from the daily impressions that continually bring us peace.

The Holy Ghost Communicates Differently

Personal revelation comes in different forms, from immediate and intense, to subtle and simple. So if your prayers about the Book of Mormon are not accompanied by a burning bosom, there’s no need to worry. Impressions can come to us in various ways. The confirmation of the Book of Mormon’s truthfulness may come as we recognize the positive feelings we have when we read it: love, joy, patience, faith, and meekness (see Galatians 5: 22-23).

Alma the Younger asked a series of powerful questions that can help you know if the Book of Mormon is true.  Does it “enlarge your soul?” Does it enlighten your understanding? Has it become “delicious to you,” so that you just want to read the book again and discover more truths? If you can say yes to these questions, that could be your confirmation.

No Burning Bosom but Does It Encourage You To Do Good?

When we ask to receive a testimony of the Book of Mormon, we want to receive a confirmation that it is true and it is indeed from God. How do we know if something is from God? Mormon gave a powerful answer in Moroni 7:16:

“For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.”

As you study the Book of Mormon, what kind of feelings come? Do these feelings help you be kinder, more charitable, more service oriented, more eager to come closer to the Lord? Do these impressions help you see the good in all things? The burning bosom may not be there but if the book helps you feel and do better, that could also be your answer, your own personal revelation.

The Holy Ghost speaks in various ways — not just with a burning bosom. As we become more acquainted with His promptings, when we become more aware of the small impressions we receive from the Book of Mormon, and when we begin to realize that reading the book everyday helps us do better, we can have a testimony of the Book of Mormon even without that warm, fuzzy feeling on our chest.

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In this blog, we’re featuring five of our favorite scripture verses on forgiveness from the Book of Mormon. We hope this will bring peace and hope to those who need it the most.

The Lord Wants Us To Repent and Be Forgiven

One Sunday, I decided to listen to Mindy Gledhill’s, “What Heaven Sees In You.” I have always found solace in that song — the line “if you have eyes to see what heaven sees in you” always reminds me of the potential the Lord sees in me. However, that particular Sunday morning, I realized one more thing — if the Lord can see the good I do, I’m sure He also sees the many times I succumb to weaknesses.

The great thing about the Lord’s Plan of Happiness is it allows us to make our own choices, and to make mistakes. As we accumulate unwise decisions along the way, sometimes we can start to feel that we’ve become a hopeless case — we feel like we can’t come back to the Lord anymore. And on top of that, Satan — the one who wants us to be miserable like unto himself — works so hard to make us feel as though there is no use in trying to change or return to the right path. Even though we know he’s wrong, Satan’s lies are sometimes easier to believe. Fortunately, the Book of Mormon is there to remind us of the Lord’s pure love for us and His great desire to see us back in the fold. Here are three powerful Book of Mormon verses that show forgiveness and love to those who made mistakes.

“His anger is not turned away but His hands are stretched out still” (2 Nephi 20:4)

This beautiful imagery from Isaiah is a thought-provoking representation of the Lord’s justice and the Lord’s mercy. Not only does this verse show the Lord’s great justice — our wrong choices will always have consequences — but it also exhibits the Lord’s great love and mercy for all of us.

This imagery is a message of hope — no matter how far we’ve walked away from Him, the Lord continually has His arms open for us. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine how overwhelming that is to know that the Lord has full confidence in our capacity to return to Him? He has hope that we can change. He has hope that one day, we can return and follow His ways again. This great love is more fully explained in a striking quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

“However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love.”

“Be Converted That I May Heal You.” (3 Nephi 9:13)

There was a time in my life when I got so caught up with school work and activities that I began habitually missing my Institute classes. Every Saturday, I would look at my schedule, remember all the classes I had missed, and would justify that there was no sense going back to Institute class since I was going to fail anyway. Besides, I was ashamed to go back because I had been gone for more than a month.

However, my Institute teacher did not accept any of that. She approached me, showed me my actual standing in class, and offered to have make up classes with me. Because of my teacher’s encouragement, my feelings of failure and shame disappeared.

Whenever we sin, the adversary tries to tell us that there’s no use in repenting or turning back to the Lord because you will be punished anyway. He creates the false belief that the Lord sees no hope for us. Nothing is more distant from the truth. His invitation is always to help us, to heal us, and to bring us hope, peace, and happiness.

“But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven” (Moroni 6:8)

Although the Lord always extends an invitation to be perfect, He knows perfection doesn’t come now. As we live in this world, as we learn our lessons, we will make mistakes– not once, not twice, but many times. Thanks to the Savior’s atonement, if we seek for repentance with real intent and a sincere heart, we can continually ask for forgiveness and change.

The Book of Mormon does not only tell stories about those who were blessed because of their obedience; it also is a book that shows the great mercy of the Lord to those who have left and returned to the fold. So whenever Satan tries to convince you that repentance and forgiveness are no longer within your reach, gain strength from these verses and trust in the Lord’s great love for you.

“If he confess his sins before … me, and repenteth in the sincerity of his heart, him shall ye forgive, and I will forgive him also” (Mosiah 26:29)

It’s easy to feel weighed down by our past, isn’t it? We might wonder if we can truly be clean again. But this profound scripture from Mosiah 26:29 offers such a clear, comforting answer, straight from the Lord’s heart. It reminds us that when we genuinely confess our sins and truly repent with a sincere heart, not only are we asked to forgive others, but He promises He will forgive us also. What a powerful, loving assurance that His mercy is always there, waiting to heal and restore us!

“For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your Heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (3 Nephi 13: 14-15)

This is a truth that truly hits home, isn’t it? The Savior’s words, so direct and powerful as He taught the Nephites, remind us of a profound spiritual law: our willingness to forgive others is deeply intertwined with our Heavenly Father’s willingness to forgive us. It’s not always easy to let go of hurt, to offer forgiveness, but this invitation shows us the pathway to incredible freedom and healing for our own souls. As we extend mercy, we open the door for His boundless mercy to flow into our lives.

Conclusion

So, dear friend, whenever those whispers of doubt creep in—telling you there’s no way back, no use in trying—remember the profound truths found within the pages of the Book of Mormon. This sacred record stands as a powerful testament to our Heavenly Father’s boundless love and mercy. It teaches us about the transformative power of repentance, inviting us to walk that divine path. Within its inspired words, we discover the endless willingness of God to grant forgiveness, a promise that brings such peace. Indeed, each precious scripture on forgiveness in the Book of Mormon echoes the same message: no matter how far we feel we’ve strayed, His arms are still stretched out. Embrace this journey of repentance and finding forgiveness, trust in His perfect love, and know that you are always, always welcome home.

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Their journey to the promised land could be likened to our journey back to our heavenly home, and the ship to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our journey does not include actual waves of the sea, but waves of challenges and trials that test us to our core. Some are the result of unwise choices, some are consequences of disobedience, some are the result of others’ actions, and sometimes they are simply a part of the experience of life.

When those trials and challenges strike, are we going to stay on the ship of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we going to stay committed to the covenants we made at baptism? Are we going to continue holding to our faith as we face the trials of this life? If we choose to exercise faith in the Lord and trust that the ship of the gospel will eventually help us reach the promised land we have so longed for, we will be protected from the harsh waves of temptation and spiritual chaos just as Noah, Nephi, and the brother of Jared, were protected on their ships from the unforgiving waters of the sea.

The gospel of Jesus Christ provides protection from false traditions, beliefs, and concepts. It teaches us truths about our divine identity, the individual identities of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Plan of Salvation, the necessity of the Fall of Adam, the need for physical death, and many other precious things. It provides comfort and understanding in times of confusion. It helps us to know God better and draws us closer to Him.

If we ever find ourselves thinking of jumping off the ship to escape the terrible storms of life, we need to recognize that the storms are harder to deal with outside the ship. Without the gospel of Jesus Christ, the light that guides us on our journey, the Holy Ghost, will slowly fade and mists of confusion will gradually cloud our understanding and decisions. Outside the ship, we can more easily be swallowed up by the waves of trials.

Staying on the ship doesn’t mean our lives will be easy. Nephi faced many trials while on their ship. He was bound by his elder brothers and almost thrown into the sea. We will still be tested in this life, but staying on the ship will help us see through a spiritual lens the lessons that God is trying to teach us. May we always have the firm resolve to hold to our faith and stay on the ship of the gospel no matter the storms that come into our lives.

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Of course, my parents aren’t exactly against my bookworm tendencies. Who wouldn’t want their child to love reading? However, as I was first beginning to realize my love for reading, there was one hard lesson I learned from my father that completely morphed this beloved hobby of mine. “You’ve been forgetting something. It’s a book you ought to read every day.”

Forgetting to read

If there was one book that I’d completely neglected on the shelves, it was the book that never should have been neglected in the first place. It was the Book of Mormon. At the time my father said that to me, I felt an incredible sense of embarrassment mixed in with a good amount of guilt. Looking back, I’m grateful that my father lovingly reminded me of the one book that I should be reading the most, the Book of Mormon.

Sometimes, our lives can be filled with a gigantic amount of other “books” to read. In other words, we can grow so busy with our own lists of things to do, that we neglect the importance of reading, pondering and studying the Book of Mormon each day. You might not forget to read this sacred book for the same reason I did- because I was busy reading other books. But it is important that we are aware of our tendency to forget, when we sometimes seem to be buried in other responsibilities, jobs and problems that hog all of our attention.

The Book of Mormon

What is it about the Book of Mormon that makes it such a priority to read every day?

At his last General Conference our late prophet, President Monson, spoke and bore his short and sweet testimony about this great book. He explained that there is a “critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives.” He added, “The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon cannot be overstated.”

With all the evil that surrounds us, the Book of Mormon is a beacon of safety and a source of protection from the temptations, evils and sins that are prevalent in the world today. President Monson promised that if we prayerfully read, ponder and study this sacred book every day, “we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives.”

Seek ye out the best books

The reason I love reading so much is the amount of knowledge that I receive by doing so. Little did I know that studying and reading the Book of Mormon each day would give me not only knowledge, but spiritual realizations, life lessons, protection and comfort in times of difficulty. Now, I truly love reading the Book of Mormon. It has been the best book that I’ve ever read in my life, and I will never stop reading, studying and living the precious truths that are contained in it.

Elder Ian S. Ardern said, “we are under scriptural mandate to seek “out of the best books words of wisdom” and to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118).” Just like Nephi, may we always have a “soul [that] delighteth in the scriptures, and [a] heart that pondereth them… for [our] learning and profit.” (2 Nephi 4:15)

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One of the most significant dreams in the Book of Mormon was that of Lehi’s and his vision about the Tree of Life. In his dream, he saw himself partaking of the fruit from a tree. After tasting of the said fruit, he felt great joy and he was eager for his family to taste it. The way towards the fruit was covered in the mist of darkness. For people to reach the tree, they needed to hold on to a rod of iron. However, some have lost their way in the darkness.

The Personal Lesson Of Lehi’s Dream

As I read the account of Lehi’s dream, I began to wonder what happened to those who got lost in the mist of darkness. I am sure that they feel afraid, unsure, and clueless where to go next. Without a familiar voice guiding them back to the rod of iron, they could wander endlessly. I also think about the families of those who were lost in the darkness. Yes, they could be persevering towards the Tree, but part of their heart longs for the return of their family members and their friends. I imagine that those who are lost await for a familiar voice to help show them  the way. And those family members holding to the iron rod eagerly calling for the return of their loved one.

In our life, we have friends and family members who, like those in the mist of darkness, have lost their way. Some of them may be eager to return but because they have become so lost, they don’t know how to come back again. Some just wait for a someone to call out to them again. How comforting it would be that after being in the mist of darkness for so long, you hear a familiar voice calling out for your name. Once again, you can have that familiar voice to help you find your way back to the rod and to the Tree of Life.
 

Invitation To Those Holding The Iron Rod

For those who are now holding to the iron rod, don’t forget to call out for those who are in the mist of darkness. Let them hear your voice once again. Let them know that someone cares. Your eagerness to come to their rescue can spark a ray of hope. Help them find their way back. You can do this even by doing simple things like becoming their friend, inviting them to Church, or just be there to listen. Embark in Visiting and Home Teaching, befriend those who have returned. These simple gestures can make a difference.

In President Thomas S. Monson’s talk “Our Responsibility to Rescue,” he shared a letter from one who has left the Church.

“I had so much and now have so little. I am unhappy and feel as though I am failing in everything. The gospel has never left my heart, even though it has left my life. I ask for your prayers.

“Please don’t forget those of us who are out here—the lost Latter-day Saints. I know where the Church is, but sometimes I think I need someone else to show me the way, encourage me, take away my fear, and bear testimony to me.”

While we persevere in life, let us think about those who have lost their way. Let us take our time to search for them, know them, and reach out to them. May our voice be their guide back to happiness and light. It is my prayer that when we reach the Tree of Life, we can see that we have helped our loved backs to the rod of iron. Indeed, when that happens, we can truly say that our joy is full.

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The Influence of Women In The Book of Mormon

Saraiah

There is a reason why Nephi, of all the adjectives he could have used, described his parents as “goodly.” They were a powerful example of obedience for the young boy. Lehi commanded young Nephi to depart Jerusalem and go to the wilderness. This included leaving their riches and comfortable life to travel to the wild. To a woman who does not have a testimony of her husband’s calling, the decision would have been different. But Sariah willingly obeyed her husband, packed up, and left for the unknown. It was an evidence of her testimony of her belief in the calling of her husband and the commandment of the Lord.

Sariah also showed us that sometimes, we can murmur out of worry and fear. However, she also provided an example of repentance and relying again to the Lord.There are Priesthood holders all around us. They could be our father, husband, brothers, or a dear friend. Sariah showed us an important lesson. We must learn to trust in the revelation received by a worthy Priesthood holder.

Wives Who Showed Great Faith

Nephi’s Wife

Ishmael, Nephi’s father-in-law, was a dear friend of the family. It’s safe to assume that this man led an affluent family in Jerusalem. Included in this family was the wife of Nephi. Surely, she must have had a comfortable, luxurious lifestyle. But she bravely went with Nephi’s family to the wilderness. She experienced fatigue, hunger, exhaustion and loss. When Laman and Lemuel tied up Nephi, she pleaded with them and prayed for his release. Nephi’s wife, to me, is an example of bravery and faith. She was willing to give up the comforts of life just to obey the Lord.

Whenever I think of her, I remember the young brides of this generation. Them who bravely accepted the role of becoming a wife and a mother despite the uncertainties. I am impressed with the way they accept the Lord’s commandment.

King Lamoni’s Queen

Although she was in mourning, the Queen called for Ammon. In there, Ammon told her that the King was not dead and he will wake up the next day. After speaking these words, Ammon asked her if she believed. She showed great faith when she said ” I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said.” (Alma 19:9). Even though she was not yet a convert, she showed great faith
In these days, the revelations by the Prophet contradicts to what the world dictates. We can follow the example of Lamoni’s Queen by following and believing in the Prophet called of God.

Women Who Showed Bravery

Abish

I’d like to call Abish a home-called missionary. She was a Lamanite who was converted because of the vision of her father. For years, she kept her beliefs because it was from their enemy, the Nephites. However, when Ammon started to show the power of God, Abish couldn’t contain her testimony. anymore and she ran and told everyone. Her fearless expression of her testimony helped convert many. (See Alma 19)
Like Abish, women can be powerful instruments in sharing the gospel. It is possible even without a missionary nametag. A woman with a strong testimony can bring about great blessings to those around her.

Morianton’s Maid Servant (Alma 50: 30-33)

Morianton and his people had a plan to hold captive the northern lands. However, his maidservant ran and told Moroni about this plan. Thus, their evil desires did not push through.As women of the Lord, we must not be afraid to stand up for what is right and to defend those who are bullied.

Women Who Taught

Mothers of the Stripling Warriors

Despite the young age of his army, they impressed Helaman with their obedience and faith. When asked why they never doubt that God will deliver them, they answered ” We do not doubt our mothers knew it.”

The mothers of these warriors instilled the importance of putting their trust in the Lord. As mothers and future mothers, may we take example from these women. When our children face their modern battles, they will know what to do because “their mothers knew it.”
These Book of Mormon women and their stories may have just occupied a small part of the book but their influence is profound. May we look to them in our quest to become better daughters of God.

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At church, we can say that some of the most challenging students are the ones who belong to younger age groups. The attention span of some children are short, they easily get bored, and the tactics used to get their attentions don’t work anymore. However, the most insightful answers can come from young learners. These pure, innocent children do share amusing but thought provoking answers. For instance, they taught me about overcoming pride.

After discussing the pride cycle, a story of how Book of Mormon characters go through a cycle of pride, destruction, humility, and prosperity, I decided to ask the little kids what are ways that make a person prideful. One of my primary kids said “Pride is when you get the biggest pizza slice, and keep two more slices because you don’t want others to have a taste of it.” Of course, the other kids giggled because of this answer. But the thought lingered to me for a long time.

When we speak of pride, there are many things that come with it. Pride can be manifested in our desire to always get ahead of another because it feels good to be better than another. At times, pride can be seen when we detest the successes of other people. Pride takes many forms and the ancient and modern prophets have seen it happen especially in our day when technology, knowledge, opportunities are available to almost everyone. A research from the University of California – San Diego shows that among millennials “envy was a common experience. More than three fourths of all study participants reported experiencing envy in the last year, with slightly more women (79.4 percent) than men (74.1 percent).”

This form of pride can hit us in one way or another. In this time when getting ahead of the pack is crucial to survival, it is inevitable that we feel threatened when someone gets more blessings than us. These feelings bring dissatisfaction, and sometimes, depression.  How do we get over this? Is there truly a way towards overcoming pride?

An ancient Prophet from the Book of Mormon, Jacob, illustrates so succinctly one of the best ways to overcoming pride. In Jacob 2:17, he says

“Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.”

How can we practice this?

1.) “Think of your brethren like unto yourselves.”

I love this quote from Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley. He said:

“Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others…By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves.”

This is hard to deny. In this world where self-promotion is so popular, it is inevitable not to think of ourselves so frequently. But the first step to overcoming pride (and all the negative feelings and actions that come with it) is to think of our brethren like the way we think of ourselves.

2.) “Be familiar with all.”

One of the best results that come from thinking about other people is that we become more sensitive to their needs. When we become familiar with them, we begin to feel the need to “mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those who stand in need of comfort.” Pride brings in more negative emotions, while service helps us see how blessed we are. Service is a great anti-depressant, a total opposite to pride and envy.

3.) “Free with your substance.”

In the song “Because I have been Given Much,” a particular line rings true:

“Because I have been given much, I too must give. Because of Thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live. I shall divide my gifts from Thee with every brother that I see who has the need of help from me.”

Unbeknownst to us, pride can sometimes make us not appreciate the blessings that come with us. It may sound counterintuitive but there is always a sense of happiness and satisfaction that comes to us when we free ourselves with our substance. When we feel love towards another the way we feel about ourselves, knowing their circumstances, we get the inspiration to share our blessings. Like my primary student’s example, pride is taking everything for ourselves. The way to overcome pride is to free ourselves with our substance in order to help another.

4.) “They may be rich like unto you.”

The cut throat competition in today’s world tells us in glaring words “How to get ahead of the crowd,” “How to be the Best Above All,” “How to Win in the Competitive World.” Competition is everywhere; we see them even in the simplest scenes of life like people pushing and shoving each other just to get the best seat inside the train. Pride makes it so hard for us to be happy when other people succeed. But overcoming pride is about helping each other gain success. Indeed, seeing another succeed because of your selflessness is a great way to overcome the tendency to be prideful.

Pride is an enemy, and it’s not one of the easiest enemies to beat. I agree with my student, it’s tempting to keep the slices of pizzas to ourselves. However, if we follow the admonition of Jacob, we can find ways in overcoming pride and all the negative feelings that come with it. President Henry B. Eyring once said: ““As you have kept the commandment to serve others, you have felt a change in your feelings of pride.”

I’m grateful for a Book of Mormon Prophet who offered this advice in such a simple and meaningful manner. May we be consistent in our desire to overcome pride in this mortal journey of ours. Let’s share our pizza slices and make many people happy.

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2 Nephi 5

In this chapter we read that Nephi and those who followed him fled into the wilderness because Laman and Lemuel wanted to take his life. They became a people who observed the laws and statutes of the Lord. Nephi wrote, “It came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.” We can follow the pattern of happiness that he sets in this chapter.

• Maintaining Uplifting Associations

In verse 6 we learn that those who followed Nephi were those who “believed in the warning and revelations of God.” The influence of the people we associate with has a significant impact on our happiness. Let us surround ourselves with people who have uplifting spirits and whose actions will lead us to do good and follow Christ.

• Aligning Actions with Beliefs

Nephi writes, “And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the law of Moses.” Obedience to the commandments of the Lord brings happiness. Believing is not enough. We have to live a life according to the laws of the Lord. Because of obedience, the people of Nephi lived in a state of happiness and prosperity.

• Accomplishing Hard Work

Verses 11 and 15 recount the toil of the Nephites. Prosperity was not showered on them without effort. They had to sow hard so they could reap their blessings. They were given fertile lands to till, strong timbers to build, and seeds to sow. They were industrious people. Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “God left the world unfinished for man to work his skill upon. He left the electricity in the cloud, the oil in the earth. He left the rivers unbridged and the forests unfelled and the cities unbuilt. God gives to man the challenge of raw materials, not the ease of finished things. He leaves the pictures unpainted and the music unsung and the problems unsolved, that man might know the joys and glories of creation.” Accomplishing things through hard work brings happiness.

• Focusing On The Temple

Among the buildings that the Nephites built is a temple (verse 16). Happiness and temple blessings are tightly intertwined. The temple teaches us where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. Knowing these truths gives more meaning to the choices we make. The temple gives a glimpse of eternal happiness.

4 Nephi 1

Verse 16 describes the people of Nephi, “There could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.” Let us find out what made it so.

• Sharing What We Have

One father said to his child, “You should not look at your neighbor’s bowl to see if they have more. The only moment you need to look is to make sure they have enough.” We learn in verse 3 that the Nephites were happy because they had “all things common among them” and “there were not rich and poor.” The need for temporal and spiritual assistance is ever present among us but when we share what we have, we will be blessed with increased happiness and we will not envy what our neighbors have.

• Belonging To A Family

Family relationships bring happiness. This happiness can be found in marriage, parenthood and being part of a family (verse 10). Feelings of security and love from family members can contribute immensely to our happiness.

• Being A Peacemaker

Peace and contention cannot exist in one’s heart at the same time. The people of Nephi were happy because they had “no contention” among them (verse 2, 13, 15, 18). We must be aware of our intentions, words and actions in order to maintain peace in our hearts. Gordon B. Hinckley counseled, “Cultivate the art of the soft answer. It will bless your homes, it will bless your lives.” Peace brings happiness.

The Book of Mormon is full of gospel principles that we can use to help us in our quest for happiness. This has been given to us by the Lord as a compass so we can become happy like the Nephites while we are in this mortal probation.

Read the full article here.

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Are you a single person who is always on the lookout for good relationship advice whether from the internet or from great relationship books? Do you always wonder the answer to the question “How do I develop my relationship with someone?” Are you always on the hunt for great dating advice that could score you a date or two with someone you like? Have you ever tried finding answers straight from the Book of Mormon?

Yes, you heard it right. There is some great relationship and dating advice to be found in the Book of Mormon. People don’t tend to think that the Book of Mormon includes any insights about dating, but in fact, the very opposite is true. There are hidden nuggets on dating, with tips treasured by many couples both dating and married. Every hidden gem just has to be searched with an understanding of the context of those scriptures and locations and with a heart full of hope.

As you venture into the dating scene, pray sincerely about it and you will be led by the Holy Ghost to the snippets of wisdom that will help you nurture a relationship with the guy or girl of your dreams. As Sister Nelson, wife of a latter-day Apostle, once said, “the Holy Ghost tailor fits to us what we need to know.” So, if you are still feeling confused or baffled about how to develop a long-lasting relationship with someone you like, get a copy of the Book of Mormon and start studying.

Examples of some answered questions that might be of great help in looking for a relationship are:

1. How do I know if I’m dating the right person?

“Now we will compare the [relationship] unto a seed. Now if ye give place, that a [relationship] may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true [relationship], or a good [relationship], if ye do not cast it out by your [pickiness, laziness, busyness, fear of commitment, etc.]…it will begin to swell within your breasts…”

We must try things out! We can’t close off our heart to the possibility of love! And though you might experience fireworks, you also might just have a long peaceful feeling that it is right—a feeling that grows with effort.

2. Once I’ve found a good relationship, then what?

“As the [relationship] beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us.”

I know that, at least in part, the reason I didn’t get engaged until I was 29 was because I neglected good sprouts, replacing them with fun, other girls, and fear. How many of us have seen terrible outcomes from fantastic relationships that are left unattended? Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985), previous president of the LDS Church, said, “…successful marriage depends in large measure upon the preparation made in approaching it…One cannot pick the ripe, rich, luscious fruit from a tree that was never planted, nurtured, nor pruned” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969, p. 242).

In the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon, there’s one amusing but definitely profound piece of relationship advice for single adults.

Full Read: LDSLiving.com

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