Jensen Crew

D&C Lesson 11- Student Choice Assignment



 64: 9–11 “Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.”

“Often we think of forgiveness as a form of charity. We forget that the benefits extend both ways. It is as beneficial to forgive as to be forgiven. This is not a formula but a spirit which can bring out the best in people and illuminate every moment of living. It is one of the happy paradoxes of human behavior that the readier we are to forgive the less we are called on to forgive. Forgiveness does not undo what has already been done. It enables us to accept what has been done and go on from there.” (Elder Eldred G. Smith, Conference Report, April 1961, pp. 68-69)

“Yes, forgiveness enlarges the soul, for "he that loveth his brother abideth in the light" ( 1 Jn. 2:10). To abide in light is to abide in the pathway that leads to the very presence of our Heavenly Father. In forgiveness there is a divine satisfaction that is also sublime. The fruit is sweet, the way is easy, and the time is so short. Slow forgiveness is almost no forgiveness.” (Robert L. Simpson, Conference Report, October 1966, pp. 128-130)

• This helps me understand and apply the principles in verses 9-11 by reminding me that forgiveness blesses both sides of a situation- not just one. I also love the description Elder Simpson gives of the fruit of forgiveness being “sweet”.
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 64: 33–34 “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.”

“The Prophet Joseph Smith is the chief example. He was weak insofar the learning of men is concerned; but because he was humble, obedient, and possessed a willing mind, he became a mighty and strong leader and witness of the divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Franklin D. Richards, Conference Report, October 1966, pp. 69-72)

“As you strive to be an example of the believers, you may feel that you are standing alone. You may feel that you are the only one who is trying so hard to be righteous and pure. You may feel you are the only one striving to be modest in your actions, speech, and appearance. But you are not alone.” (Elaine S. Dalton, “Believe!,” Ensign, May 2004, 110)

• The first quote helps me understand and apply the principles in verses 34 by using the life of Joseph Smith as a familiar example of how the Lord brings great things out of the simple or small. The second quote is comforting for no other reason than to know that I am not the only one to ever have those thoughts before. I felt this a lot as a teenager in “the mission field” and there are many times now, as a mother, that I feel, “weary in well doing” because it is discouraging to not be able to do it all. “Hearing” the Lord tell us to NOT feel that way, but to remember that our efforts are laying a great foundation is extremely encouraging.
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• 64:22 “And after that day, I, the Lord, will not hold any guilty that shall go with an open heart up to the land of Zion; for I, the Lord, require the hearts of the children of men.”

“The Lord wants more from us than these moving expressions of conviction and covenant. He wants more than expressions of gratitude and testimony and commitment. He wants us to fear him, to love him, to keep all his commandments always. He wants our hearts… His promise to those who give him their hearts is certainly the same as it was to ancient Israel—that we may expect his blessings to be with us always, and with our children….What a marvelous promise! What a magnificent and moving covenant God has made with us—worth everything—worth our love, our obedience, our faith; worth our hearts.” (Marion D. Hanks, Conference Report October 1960, pp. 10-13)

“The newness of heart comes when we do and give all we can, then offer our heart and will to the Father. As we do this, our Father promises us that our lives now and in eternity will be abundant. We need not fear.” (Kathleen H. Hughes, “Out of Small Things,” Ensign, Nov 2004, 109)

• This helps me understand and apply the principles in verse 22 by reminding me that every commandment, every requirement God extends to His children are to bless us in some way, not because God wants to fence us in or tie us up. They always have been and always will be for our benefit.