Doctrine and Covenants section three and five were given in response to Joseph Smith and Martin Harris losing the first 116 translated pages of the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris wanted to take the pages home to his wife hoping that she would then believe that they were indeed ancient scriptures sent from God. Martin asked Joseph to pray and ask God if he could take the pages home. God said no the first couple of times Joseph asked and then finally said yes. However, when the pages were in Martin Harris’s custody, they were stolen. 

            I love Doctrine and Covenants section three because it is extremely applicable to each of our lives. We all make mistakes and this is section is God’s response to Joseph and Martin’s mistake. My favorite verses are eight through ten.

8

“Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.

9

Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall.

10

But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work;”

    I love these verses because they teach of God’s character and love for us. God chastened his children for their mistake of losing the pages, just like he chastens us when we mess up. God stands by his laws and is unchangeable by saying that he could have extended his arm and helped save those pages if they had obeyed him. However, he then reminds Joseph of his potential and that he needs to be constantly aware of his actions. God does not give up on Joseph or on Martin, but quietly reminds them of who they can be if they are faithful. Finally, God reminds Joseph that he can repent and God is merciful.

            When I make mistakes, this section teaches me that I can repent. It teaches me that God is merciful and will help me to fulfill my purpose here on earth after I repent. We are so blessed to know that God is merciful and has prepared a way for us to be cleansed of our mistakes. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice that made God’s mercy available to me. Satan is constantly telling us that once we make a mistake, we are done for. He loves to tell us that our one mistake was enough to screw up our life and our chance at being a tool in God’s hands. This section teaches us that is not the case. This section gives us hope. Hope that we can be cleansed from our mistakes when we repent.

       I am so grateful for these sections and the lessons about God’s loving response when we make a mistake.

Tags: Doctrine And Covenants Joseph Smith Martin Harris

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