“The Peaceable Followers of Christ . . . That Have Obtained a Sufficient Hope by Which Ye Can Enter into the Rest of the Lord”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

Consider the life of Mormon. He spends his days in the midst of continual havoc and disruption because of the universal apostasy and corruption of his people: “for behold, a continual scene of wickedness and abominations has been before mine eyes ever since I have been sufficient to behold the ways of man. And wo is me because of their wickedness; for my heart has been filled with sorrow because of their wickedness, all my days; nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up at the last day” (Mormon 2:18–19). Now, on this occasion, somewhere in the privacy of an assembly of faithful Saints seeking respite from the horrors of war and death, he speaks of peace—that desirable and blessed state of rest that stands in so much contrast to the anger and chaos of the world. He can address the people as “the peaceable followers of Christ” because of the hope they have obtained through faith, which is sure and steadfast and always abounds in good works (see Ether 12:4)—and because of their peaceable walk with their fellowmen. The Lord gives us this promise: “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23). When we seek to follow Christ, we love and serve our fellowman and have hope of eternal life, which gives us peace.

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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