“Harden His Heart, the Lesser Portion; Not Harden His Heart, the Greater Portion”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

The heart is the decision-making center of the soul and the affection center of our very being. We are an expression of our heart—it is who you are. A hardened heart prevents us from hearkening to the word of God (see 1 Nephi 2:18). The devil through his temptations can blind our eyes and harden our hearts (see 1 Nephi 12:17). A hardened heart prevents us from seeking answers from the Lord (see 1 Nephi 15:3, 10–11). We become past feeling when our hearts are hardened (see 1 Nephi 17:45–46). Our softened and easily-entreated hearts—even a broken heart and contrite spirit—are the sacrifice that we are to offer (see 3 Nephi 9:20). As many as will not harden their hearts can be saved (see Jacob 6:4), while those who harden their hearts will not be able to enter into the Lord’s rest (see Alma 12:35–37). When hearts are hardened, people receive a lesser portion of the word (see Alma 12:10–11). When our hearts are hardened, we will forget the Lord and trample Him under our feet (see Helaman 12:2). Remember that a softened heart is the key to belief (see 1 Nephi 2:16) and understanding (see 3 Nephi 19:33), and that those who have the Lord’s law written in their hearts will hearken unto Him and know righteousness (see 2 Nephi 8:7). If our hearts are pure, we can see God (see 3 Nephi 12:8). We must remember to treasure the things of God, for where our treasures are, there will be our hearts also (see 3 Nephi 13:21).

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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