I was deeply moved as I read what the Prophet Joseph Smith declared as he was confined in Liberty Jail:
O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?
Joseph inquired how long the Lord’s people would “suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions.”
As I stood in Liberty Jail, I was deeply touched as I read the Lord’s answer:
My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
::John 14:27
We know that world peace and harmony are not prevalent in our day. In my lifetime, I have never seen a greater lack of civility. We are bombarded with angry, contentious language and provocative, devastating actions that destroy peace and tranquility.
PEACE IN THE WORLD IS NOT PROMISED OR ASSURED UNTIL THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST. THE SAVIOR INSTRUCTED HIS APOSTLES THAT HIS EARTHLY MISSION WOULD NOT ACHIEVE UNIVERSAL PEACE.
What are some of the “works of righteousness” that will help us deal with disputations and lessen contention and find peace in this world?
(1)
Love God, Live His Commandments, and Forgive Everyone
(1945) President George Albert Smith reminded the Saints of the Savior’s invitation to love their neighbors and forgive their enemies and then taught, “That is the spirit all Latter-day Saints should seek to possess if they hope some day to stand in his presence and receive at his hands a glorious welcome home.”
(2) Seek the Fruits of the Spirit
👍🏽 love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance 👍🏽
👎🏽 hatred, wrath, and strife 👎🏽
Abraham and Lot
(3) Exercise Agency to Choose Righteousness
Peace and agency are intertwined as essential elements of the plan of salvation.
Preach My Gospel: “As we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
(4) Build Zion in Our Hearts and Homes
I assure you that the joy, love, and fulfillment experienced in loving, righteous families produce both peace and happiness. Love and kindness are at the center of having Zion in our hearts and homes.
(5) Follow the Current Admonitions of Our Prophet
President Nelson has taught us that we can “feel enduring peace and joy, even during turbulent times,” as we strive to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.
