Moroni 7: 3; 9: 5, 19; 7: 19; 9: 25

 

How have you been blessed by choosing to "lay hold upon every good thing"?

"3 Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven." (Moroni 7: 3)

"5 For so exceedingly do they anger that it seemeth me that they have no fear of death; and they have lost their love, one towards another; and they thirst after blood and revenge continually.

19 And they have become strong in their perversion; and they are alike brutal, sparing none, neither old nor young; and they delight in everything save that which is good; and the suffering of our women and our children upon all the face of this land doth exceed everything; yea, tongue cannot tell, neither can it be written." (Moroni 9: 5,19)

"19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ." (Moroni 7: 19)

"25 My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever." (Moroni 9: 25)

And here's the introductory commentary for this week's reading assignment: December 9–15: “May Christ Lift Thee Up” Moroni 7–9

"Before Moroni concluded the record we know today as the Book of Mormon with his own final words, he shared three messages from his father, Mormon: an address to “the peaceable followers of Christ” (Moroni 7:3) and two letters that Mormon had written to Moroni. Perhaps Moroni included these messages in the Book of Mormon because he foresaw similarities between the perils of his day and ours. When these words were written, the Nephite people were turning away from the Savior. Many of them had “lost their love, one towards another” and delighted in “everything save that which is good” (Moroni 9:5, 19). And yet Mormon still found cause for hope, teaching us that hope does not mean ignoring or being naive about the world’s problems. Hope means having faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, whose power is greater and more everlasting than these problems. It means “lay[ing] hold upon every good thing” (Moroni 7:19). It means letting the Atonement of Jesus Christ “and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind” (Moroni 9:25)."

Whenever I choose to lay hold upon every good thing, I've been truly blessed with peace and joy whatever situation I find myself in. I'm grateful for my natural tendency to look at the bright side of things. When I am able to focus more on things that matter most--every good thing, life gets easier indeed because I feel more grateful for everything as I feel that I'm truly not alone because God is with me. I'm seeing His hand in everything. Everything happens for a purpose indeed. And everything is happening for my own good. The problems I'm facing get me to take initiative, figure out what to do, and rely on the Lord for help. And every problem does have a solution. I know I have the power to rise above every problem or challenge I'm facing in this earthly existence because God is empowering me so I am able to measure up. And as I strive to measure up I am becoming my better version, even more like my Savior Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father.

Moroni 6:4–9

 

How have you been blessed by those who nourish you spiritually, and how do you bless others in return?

"4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

7 And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them; and whoso was found to commit iniquity, and three witnesses of the church did condemn them before the elders, and if they repented not, and confessed not, their names were blotted out, and they were not numbered among the people of Christ.

8 But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.

9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done." (Moroni 6:4–9)

And here's the ending part of the commentary entitled: "Disciples of Jesus Christ care for each other’s souls." : 

"As you ponder what it means to be “nourished by the good word of God” (Moroni 6:4), it might help to think about the nourishment that a seedling or a baby needs—and what happens if it is neglected. Search Moroni 6:4–9 for ideas about how you can help “nourish” others spiritually. How have fellow disciples helped to nourish you?

It’s not obvious to everyone why it’s important to be “numbered among the people of the church of Christ” and to “meet together oft” in Church meetings. How would you explain why you are thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ? (see the other sections of President Oaks’s message “The Need for a Church”)."

I'm so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ because my membership has been helping me to grow spiritually. There were and are many disciples of Jesus Christ who did help me and are still helping me...And I'm so grateful for the privilege and opportunity for me to help others grow as well. 

Moroni 6: 4-9

 

How have you been blessed because of those who care for your soul?

"4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

7 And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them; and whoso was found to commit iniquity, and three witnesses of the church did condemn them before the elders, and if they repented not, and confessed not, their names were blotted out, and they were not numbered among the people of Christ.

8 But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.

9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done." (Moroni 6: 4-9)

And here's the beginning part of the commentary entitled: "Disciples of Jesus Christ care for each other’s souls." : 

"The choice to follow Christ is an individual one, but fellow believers can help keep us “in the right way” (Moroni 6:4–5). What did Church members in Moroni’s time do to strengthen each other? As you read Moroni 6:4–9, ponder the blessings that come from being “numbered among the people of the church of Christ” (Moroni 6:4).

You might also think about the people who attend your ward or branch. Is there anyone who might have special need of your love—perhaps someone who is new or recently returning? How could you help make their experiences at church more like what Moroni described? (for ideas, see My Covenant Path or the “Strengthening New Members” videos in the Gospel Library). You might find some inspiration in section I of President Dallin H. Oaks’s message “The Need for a Church” (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 24–25)."

My own earthly father cares for my soul and all our family members' souls. That's why he decided to embrace and live the gospel of Jesus Christ himself. His example touched my own mother's heart and she, herself decided to do the same. So my parents were able to bring their children up in the gospel. My parents do care for the souls of their children. I'm so grateful that they do. Because my own parents do care for the souls of their children, I've been abundantly blessed as I've been able to embrace and live the gospel of Jesus Christ myself and as I've been given the opportunities to care for others' souls as well. 

Moroni 4–5

 

How have you been blessed by partaking of the sacrament regularly?

"How elders and priests administer the sacramental bread is explained. About A.D. 401–21.

1 The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church; and they administered it according to the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true; and the elder or priest did minister it—

2 And they did kneel down with the church, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ, saying:

3 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen." (Moroni 4) 

"The mode of administering the sacramental wine is set forth. About A.D. 401–21.

1 The manner of administering the wine—Behold, they took the cup, and said:

2 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen." (Moroni 5)

And here's the commentary entitled: "Taking the sacrament helps me draw closer to Jesus Christ." : 

"You have probably heard the sacrament prayers many times, but how often do you think carefully about what the words mean? Maybe you could try writing down the two sacrament prayers from memory. Then compare what you wrote with Moroni 4:3 and 5:2. Did you notice anything about these prayers that you hadn’t noticed before?

Consider including a sacrament hymn in your study, such as “In Memory of the Crucified” (Hymns, no. 190)."

It's been a great blessing for me to always have the Spirit to be with me. The Holy Ghost indeed tells me exactly what to do in given situations. And as I listen and heed its promptings, my own weaknesses get covered with power. So there's really nothing to worry about because everything will be all right no matter what. Everything is happening for my own good indeed as I draw closer to Jesus Christ.  Taking the sacrament truly helps me draw closer to Him as it gives me the opportunity to renew the covenants I have made Him weekly.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:20

How have you been blessed because of the power of godliness through priesthood ordinances?

"20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest." (Doctrine and Covenants 84:20)

And here's the end part of the commentary entitled: "Priesthood ordinances must be administered as the Lord commands." : 

"Based on what you have learned, how will you change the ways you think about, participate in, or prepare others for these ordinances?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 84:20."

It's a great opportunity, privilege, and honor for me to receive the priesthood ordinances myself and to enjoy the blessings of the power of godliness they manifest. Therefore, I'm choosing to be a light to others so that they too will be able to enjoy the same opportunity, privilege, and honor.