No one can say that he or she has learned enough from the scriptures. The more one reads, the more one learns. Not only can a diligent reader learn about gospel principles and truths, they can also discover subtle tips about life and relationships that even the best self-help books out there can’t give. If one takes the time to read scriptural love stories, they can learn so much. Here are some examples of love and marriage from the scriptures that we can take inspiration from.

1.) Adam and Eve: Learning Together with the Lord

Part of every marriage is the opportunity to learn something new together. It was on a much different level for Adam and Eve. Both were new on the Earth, enjoyed the blessings of the garden of Eden, and consequently had to learn their way in the lone and dreary world. Needless to say, without other people to turn to, the couple relied on the Lord and His instructions.

In new relationships, learning together with the help of the Lord is important. There will be times when challenges will arise. There will be moments of uncertainty. There will be stages where a new couple could feel helpless. Like Adam and Eve, they should learn how to navigate through life with the Lord’s guidance and help.

2.) Jacob and Rachel: Service and Sacrifice

” And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.” (Gen 29:18)

For Jacob, it was love at first sight. In the scriptures, Rachel was described as “beautiful” and Jacob was willing to serve a long time for Rachel. Despite Jacob’s service, Laban, Rachel’s father was not true to his word. So Jacob had to serve another seven years. However, those years were described as “they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her…” (Genesis 29: 20)

Service and sacrifice are important in nurturing relationships, especially the relationship between a husband and a wife. When selfless service is done for a spouse, the love increases and feelings become tender. President Ezra Taft Benson spilled the beans on happy marriages. He said “The secret of a happy marriage is to serve God and each other.” Think of the moments when a spouse’s service helped bring tender feelings to your relationship.

3.) Joseph and Mary: Accepting the Lord’s Will

No one exactly knows what was in Joseph’s mind before the angel told him about Mary conceiving a Son. Perhaps he had other plans in mind. Despite of that, the Savior’s earthly father wholeheartedly accepted the Lord’s will and plan for both of them.

There will come a time in every couple’s life when the Lord’s will is different from what they have planned. One of the most essential attributes a husband and wife must have is the ability to accept and follow the will of the Lord no matter how difficult and different it is.

4.) Nephi and his Wife: Standing Strong in Afflictions

The journey of Lehi’s family to the Promised Land came with all kinds of challenges and trials. One of these trials was the rebellion of Laman and Lemuel. On one occasion, while on the ship leading to the Land of Promise, the two elder sons of Lehi tied Nephi up. Nephi’s wife together with her children prayed to the Lord and wept to Laman and Lemuel to free Nephi. It’s safe to assume that she stayed with her husband during that terrible ordeal.

Husbands and wives are each other’s strength. In times of great affliction — health problems, rebellious children, financial woes — men and women should be the anchor of one another, both relying on each other’s strength and testimony. Problems may not easily be solved but they can be less painful when shared with each other.

5.) Joseph and Emma Smith: Seeing True Potential

Joseph Smith’s educational attainment was humble compared to Emma’s. She was learned while he was just a plain worker. Despite the differences, Emma Hale married the future Prophet. Even after many years and heartbreaking trials, Emma stayed by the Prophet’s side.

Elder Robert D. Hales said “We don’t marry perfection, we marry potential.” Husband and wife must learn to see each other’s divine potential. It is inevitable that weaknesses will be brought in a marriage, however, when both see the potential innate in their eternal companion, improvement follows.

Isn’t it wonderful that the scriptures also address topics like marriages and eternal companionships? Learning from the examples of these couples can also help us as we strive to achieve happy marriages and families.

The post Lessons We Can Learn From Scriptural Love Stories appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Well wonder no more! That book is called ‘The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.’ It is one of those many pre-judged books before knowing the real teachings inside. It is one of those you-have-to-know-about-it-more-so-go-ahead-and-read-it kind of reading.

To understand the content of these ancient records, first things first. Mormons are Christians, and if you would like to know more about that, you can read the article Are Mormons Christians?

Contrary to popular belief, the Book of Mormon is not about Joseph Smith or anything related cult or evil doings but is a handbook of instructions on how to live true Christians living. These ancient records have events that happened even before Jesus Christ was born. The focus of the book is not Mormon, nor is it about anybody else. The book’s subtitle reads, “Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” meaning it is all about Christ and His teachings on how we can follow Him more closely. However, Mormons still believe in the Bible that it also leads us to believe in Christ. The Book of Mormon is another set of ancient records with testimonies about our Savior.

In the introduction of the Book of Mormon, it is described as “[containing]…the fullness of the everlasting gospel.” The gospel of Jesus Christ is what can help us to become the best persons we can be and for our own eternal gain. Nephi, one of the writers and prophets in the Book of Mormon, clearly stated:

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a [forgiveness] of their sins.

The Book of Mormon also teaches us the purpose of life. Most of us know that we gain experience from our decisions, but not everyone understand the reason why we have to gain experiences and until when can we use these experiences. God prepared a plan for us to be with Him again. His love exists and can be understood through this book.

The only way to know the truthfulness of this book is to follow an invitation as shared in the introduction page:

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, The Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost.

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://faith.ph/files/2016/03/Sam-Abraham.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]I’m a part-time student, part-time worker and I love writing. I love blue and I adore sunflowers, they’re a work of art just as everything is around us. – Sam Abraham [/author_info] [/author]

The post Mormons and Ancient Records appeared first on morefaith.ph.

The Doctrine and Covenants is one of the canonized scriptures, often referred to as the standard works, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is collection of divine revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith for the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth. The Doctrine and Covenants is unique from the other set of scriptures because it is not a translation of ancient records. The revelations contained in it are answers to prayers as the Prophet and his associates sought the guidance of the Lord on how to establish His Church.

The Prophet Joseph Smith said that the Doctrine and Covenants is “the foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man.” –True to the Faith, 158.

As a Mormon, studying the Doctrine and Covenants helps me understand the importance of revelation in our day. Our generation is different from that of ancient times. We face challenges that are unique to our dispensation. Therefore, we need direction from the Lord that is suitable for our needs and circumstances. It is indeed a great blessing and comfort to know that the Lord continually reveals His will to us today. The Doctrine and Covenants is a proof of that truth.

The Doctrine and Covenants contains 138 sections which are revelations given for the direction of the saints and the establishment of the Church. It also includes the Official Declaration 1 and 2 which addresses the topics of polygamy and the priesthood being extended to all worthy male members of the Church.

In Doctrine and Covenants 1:37, the Lord said, “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.” The Lord’s promises are sure and it is our responsibility as members of the Church to read and understand the revelations written in the Doctrine and Covenants and to gain a testimony of it. President Joseph Fielding Smith said, “…this Doctrine and Covenants contains the word of God to those who dwell here now. It is our book. It belongs to the Latter-day Saints.”

The post What is the Doctrine and Covenants? appeared first on morefaith.ph.

The Bible has been translated many times and it has been printed in many different versions. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses the King James Version of the Bible. It is identified as one of our “standard works.”

“We revere the Bible and its sacred teachings. We can receive strength and comfort from the biblical accounts of God’s dealings with His people.” – True to the Faith, page 157

As a Mormon, the Bible has taught me so much about the Savior and His earthly ministry. Aside from personal scripture study, I have learned more about the Bible by attending classes offered in the Institute of Religion and during Sunday School. These classes helped me learn realize the importance of these sacred records in our day.

Leaders of the Church have also given their testimony of the Bible. Elder M. Russel Ballard said, “I bear solemn witness that we are true and full believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His revealed word through the Holy Bible. We not only believe the Bible—we strive to follow its precepts and to teach its message.”- Ensign, May 2007, 82

The misconception that Mormons do not believe in the Bible comes from people’s observation that members of the Church always talk about the Book of Mormon. That observation is correct and it’s probably the reason why we got the name “Mormons.” The truth is, we teach and learn from both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. In fact, “Latter-day Saints believe in an open scriptural canon, which means that there are other books of scripture besides the Bible (such as the Book of Mormon) and that God continues to reveal His word through living prophets.” We believe that understanding the teachings from the scriptures and the words of living prophets will help us better understand the gospel of Jesus Christ and become better people.

Note: For more information about the topic, feel free to visit the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The post Bible, with the Book of Mormon, Word of God appeared first on morefaith.ph.