“To Chasten His People”

D. Kelly Ogden, Andrew C. Skinner

“The Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.” In a modern revelation, the Lord worded the same lesson in slightly different terms: “They must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham… . For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified” (D&C 101:4–5). To chasten means to discipline, chastise, rebuke, and correct. Chastening cleanses and refines. It usually comes because of our sins, but even when we are not sinning, the Lord will still put us through trials, difficulties, and ordeals, which, if we respond properly, tend to polish us and teach us the best lessons we need for eternity. Verse 22 assures us that “whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day.” Notice we are not told we will be lifted up out of our devastating and depressing circumstances the next day, but at the last day. Until then we just have to endure and endure well.

Verse by Verse: The Book of Mormon: Vol. 1

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