As we immersed ourselves in the sacred scriptures of the Book of Mormon and the Bible, we reflected on the profound truths revealed through the Atonement of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and His glorious Resurrection. President Russell M. Nelson, a modern-day prophet, has eloquently expounded on the Savior’s role as the ultimate Peacemaker and extended a timely invitation to embrace His teachings.
The Atonement, as beautifully described in the Book of Mormon, stands as the central pillar of our faith: “Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered” (2 Nephi 2:7). This selfless act of love paved the way for our redemption, offering solace to the broken-hearted and reconciliation to the repentant. President Nelson, in his inspired messages, emphasizes the transformative power of the Atonement in our lives. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are finding the strength to forgive, heal, and become instruments of peace. The Atonement is the divine wellspring from which we are able to draw the capacity to love one another, irrespective of our differences.
The Resurrection, as testified in both the Book of Mormon and the Bible, affirms the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. “The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame” (Alma 11:43). This glorious promise instills in us the hope of eternal life and underscores the peace that comes from knowing that death is not the end.
President Nelson’s invitation to be peacemakers aligns seamlessly with the Savior’s mission. In a world yearning for unity and understanding, we are heeding the words of our prophet and following the example of the Prince of Peace. President Nelson encourages us to “increase our capacity to receive revelation” and to “embrace the gift of repentance.” Through these actions, we are aligning ourselves with the Savior’s invitation to love and spread peace.
Drawing inspiration from the Book of Mormon, a poignant reminder from the lips of the resurrected Lord: “For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another” (3 Nephi 11:29). This scripture echoes the sentiment found in the Bible, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16). Both scriptures is helping us to reject contention, envy, and strife, emphasizing the divine call to embody the spirit of peace in our interactions.
Apostle Paul affirms, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). This truth resonates with the teachings found in the Book of Alma, “For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true” (Alma 29:8). As we contemplate these verses, we recognize that the call to love one another and spread peace is not confined to a specific time or place; it is a divine principle woven into the fabric of God’s eternal plan.
In the Book of Mormon, the Savior’s visit to the Americas echoes the Sermon on the Mount, as He declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (3 Nephi 12:9). This resonates with the Bible, where Jesus proclaims, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
We, as disciples of Christ, take these teachings to heart, striving to be peacemakers in our families, communities, and the world. In doing so, we are fulfilling the divine invitation to participate in the great work of establishing God’s kingdom on earth. We are guided by the scriptures and are blessed with the grace of the Lord that empowers us to be true ambassadors of peace, embodying His love and spreading His message of reconciliation. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Reference –
Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives”, Ensign or Liahona, May 2018.
Russell M. Nelson, “Four Gifts That Jesus Christ Offers to You”, Christmas Devotional, December 2018.
