“It Was Without Faith”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet
True faith requires some degree of evidence for the things which are true or are hoped for (see Hebrews 11:1; Alma 32:21). Mormon had prayed continually for his people. He had demonstrated great love for them and sorrowed in their sins and the bloodshed that prevailed. But his prayers in their behalf and his hopes for their repentance were “without faith,” because there was no evidence of the things for which he hoped; for while he continued to love them and hope for their reformation, it had been demonstrated to him time and time again, coupled with knowledge from the Spirit, that his beloved people had no desire to change, but rather desired to die physically (see Mormon 2:14) because they were already dead spiritually.

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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