Mosiah 16: 9

How has your life been blessed because someone's words sparked something inside you or your loved one?

"9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." (Mosiah 16: 9)

And here's the introductory commentary for the reading assignment this week, May 13–19: “A Light … That Can Never Be Darkened” Mosiah 11–17 :

"Large fires can start from a single spark. Abinadi was only one man testifying against a powerful king and his court. His words were rejected for the most part, and he was sentenced to death. Yet his testimony of Jesus Christ, who is the “light … that can never be darkened” (Mosiah 16:9), sparked something inside the young priest Alma. And that spark of conversion slowly grew as Alma brought many others to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The flames that killed Abinadi eventually died out, but the fire of faith that his words created would have a lasting influence on the Nephites—and on people who read his words today. Most of us will never face quite what Abinadi did because of our testimonies, but we all have moments when following Jesus Christ is a test of our courage and faith. Perhaps studying Abinadi’s testimony will fan the flames of testimony and courage in your heart as well.

See also “Abinadi Testifies of Jesus Christ” (video), Gospel Library."

Words can be really touching and can change lives. Because of Jesus Christ's words spoken by Him when He was yet on the earth and because of the words of His servants, many people's hearts were touched and many lives transformed as they became followers or disciples of Jesus Christ. Even though Christianity was not very popular, and did not have so many followers when it started, after more than 2,000 years, it now has a rough estimate of 2.3 billion followers around the world, and is topmost on the list of major religions of the world with the most number of followers. And this number is growing as more and more people learn more about Jesus Christ, and recognize the light and the only light in the world that can never be darkened. 

I'm grateful for the privilege of being raised a Christian. I've been able to hear and read the words of Jesus Christ myself growing up and recognize for myself their truthfulness right away. I've been able to face and rise above the challenges that would come my way as I rely on the Lord for help. I've been able to find peace and joy in whatever circumstances I find myself in. And I've been transforming to become my better version and more like my Savior Jesus Christ. I've been so blessed that I've been born into a family who already embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The words of the missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sparked something inside my father's heart, and then eventually he decided to be baptized a member of the church. And from there, there's a ripple effect--my mother got baptized and all of us, their children grew up in the church. It's an honor and privilege for me to embrace this gospel myself. It's also a privilege for me to be an instrument in God's hands in igniting this light in others' hearts so that they may also be given the opportunity and privilege to embrace the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ.