"Brightly Beams our Father's Mercy"

Tabernacle Choir singing, "Brightly Beams our Father's Mercy"

Through this past year, I had great experiences reading "The Book of Mormon" along with "Come, Follow Me". I always found profound reflection of what the people in the scriptures were being taught or experiencing, and what we, today in our times are experiencing! So, with that in mind, I approached this year's study of Doctrine and Covenants with the same expectations. And, although I've read D&C and Joseph Smith History multiple times before, I've already encountered new inspiration and direction through their words. I hope what I've found can be strengthening for you too. Like "Come, Follow Me" says on pg. 5; we are seeing a reflection of Joseph Smith's time where there is a "war of words and tumult of opinions" (Joseph Smith-History 1:10); on just about every topic, I would add. Joseph Smith--History 1:6 speaks of the proclaimed "love" from members of the various faiths. Joseph said, "Yet when the converts began to file off, some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretend than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued--priest contending against priest, and convert to convert; so that all their good feelings one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions." He says, "...so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible....to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong." "My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant..." I feel like these verses teach us a couple different points. First, like in Joseph's time, there are so many different groups and parties pledging and "fighting for peace"---but in the moment of discord, all principles of "peace" and "love" and "unity" seem gone from them. Like Joseph did in his time of confusion, we can turn God who has promised us, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth [find fault with] not, and it shall be given him." (James 1:5). In trying to understand what to do in these times, we must rely on none other than God Himself. He knows all things. (This is really well taught in a talk by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf titled, "God Will Do Something Unimaginable" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/28uchtdorf?lang=eng) Second, I found it interesting to reflect on myself as a member of "a church" (JS-H 1:6) and wonder how am I doing? I have friends, family, loved ones, neighbors of differing beliefs and those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ yet their testimonies and beliefs may change. They may leave the church or "file off to one party..[or] another". How do I respond? With anger, contention, argument about "right and wrong"? Jesus Himself taught that the greatest commandments were to "love the Lord thy God with all thy bheart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy cmind. This is the first and great acommandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt alove thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the alaw and the prophets." (Matt. 22: 37-40). So one this note, let's focus in this time filled with turmoil and wars, be a beacon of love and mercy as we strive to follow Jesus Christ. Love our neighbors as ourselves, despite disagreements. Teach with love, listening ears, patience, long-suffering, mercy--the attributes of charity (see Moroni 7:45). And just as before, if unsure how to do this or what your role can be in these times, "ask of God...and it shall be given". I know that Heavenly Father is so aware of us; individually and collectively. He knows what has past, He knows what's ahead, He has a plan and purpose. (Again, see Elder Uchtdorf's talk listed above!) He is full of love and mercy and asks us to follow Him. The true conqueror of all battles is God's love and mercy. I'm so grateful for Him and hope we can all find the guidance we need in our individual lives and circumstances. Love, Jillene Smith