Sunday School 6 - 2 Nephi 1-2


Brothers and sisters,

"The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation." - Surprised by Joy; CS Lewis 

Said the prophet Nephi... 
(2 Nephi 2:25) Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

In my life I have learned a couple of things. Joy takes work while happiness is flighty. The same goes for faith and charity. We can be happy, believe and love without work but it is hallow. So how can we fill it? We need to work for it. I know life is messy and looks to take our happiness but if you have worked for joy, that cannot be taken. Joy is both like ice cream and not so. Hear me out. When we go through trial with a willingness no matter now difficult, the reward is marvelous. However if the reward is given too quickly it becomes wasted. For those of us going through physical, mental, social, or spiritual trials, if our sins or hardships are overwhelming with out a gimmer of hope in sight, endure. These moments, where we want to through up our hands are the moments where when we see the light appreciate it so much. We must remember as much as the test of life seems different for us, it is the same for all of us. For some it's financial, some health, some lost family or friends, addiction, and the list goes on and on. Even Nephi and Paul thought themselves a wretched man (Romans 7:24; 2 Nephi 4:17). If you are under that thought, stand tall and be a woman or man of faith (deep resounding trust) in the Lord Jesus Christ as these two prophets were. The light will come. 

Said Robert D. Hale in 1983, 
"Suffering is universal; how we react to suffering is individual. Suffering can take us one of two ways. It can be a strengthening and purifying experience combined with faith, or it can be a destructive force in our lives if we do not have the faith in the Lord’s atoning sacrifice. The purpose of suffering, however, is to build and strengthen us. We learn obedience by the things we suffer. We should be humbled and drawn to the Lord, as in the case of the prodigal son who appreciated his home only after going into the world and experiencing sorrow when he shut out his loved ones. (See Luke 15:11–32.) So suffering in his case was a vital part of his repentance." (Italics added for emphasis.)

 The Lord wants us to be faithful brothers and sisters, man and women full of charity for others, full of saithin our Savior and brimming with joy because our sorrow (despite it being opposition) brought us to uniquenchable test filled joy. 

Truly the prophet said men (and women) are that they might have joy. 

Brothers and sisters, make it a great week. Be active in your joy this week and I'll see you next week.

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