Notes: Scriptures About Faith

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2 Scriptures About Faith Faith: Confidence in something or someone. As most often used in the scriptures, faith is confidence and trust in Jesus Christ that lead a person to obey him. Faith must be centered in Jesus Christ in order for it to lead a person to salvation. Latter- day Saints also have faith in God the Father, the Holy Ghost, priesthood power, and other important aspects of the restored gospel. Faith includes a hope for things which are not seen, but which are true (Heb. 11:1; Alma 32:21; Ether 12:6). Faith is kindled by hearing the gospel taught by authorized administrators sent by God (Rom. 10:14 17). Miracles do not produce faith, but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, faith comes by righteousness (Alma 32:40 43; Ether 12:4, 6, 12; D&C 63:9 12). (The Guide to the Scriptures) Faith leads to action, including repentance, obedience, and dedicated service. When you have faith in Jesus Christ, you trust the Lord enough to follow His commandments even when you do not completely understand the reasons for them. You accomplish what the Lord wants you to accomplish. You help bring about good in your own life and the lives of others. You are able to do miracles according to the Lord s will. Your faith will be manifest through diligence and work. (Preach My Gospel: Chapter 6) Alma 32:21 2 Nephi 25:29 2 Nephi 26:13 Mosiah 4:6-12 Helaman 15:7-8 Ether 12:7-22 Moroni 7:33 Romans 10:17 Hebrews 11:1 Ephesians 3:17 Conference Talks on Faith Strengthening Faith and Testimony (Robert D. Hales October 2013) Let Your Faith Show (Russell M. Nelson April 2014) Returning to Faith (Rosemary M. Wixom April 2015) Faith is Not by Chance, but by Choice (Neil L. Anderson October 2015)

3 Scriptures About Hope Hope: The confident expectation of and longing for the promised blessings of righteousness. The scriptures often speak of hope as anticipation of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. (The Guide to the Scriptures) Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance. It is believing and expecting that something will occur. When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good. Hope helps you conquer discouragement. The scriptures often describe hope in Jesus Christ as the assurance that you will inherit eternal life in the celestial kingdom. (Preach My Gospel: Chapter 6) 2 Nephi 31:20 Alma 58:10-11 Ether 12: Moroni 7:40-44 D&C 59:23 D&C 138:14 When we have hope, we trust God's promises. We have a quiet assurance that if we do the works of righteousness, we shall receive [our] reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come (D&C 59:23). Mormon taught that such hope comes only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ: What is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise (Moroni 7:41). (LDS.ORG Topics) Conference Talks on Hope The Reason for Our Hope (Boyd K. Packer October 2014) Choose to Believe (L. Whitney Clayton April 2015) A Priceless Heritage of Hope (Henry B. Eyring April 2014) The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope (James E Faust October 2002)

4 Scriptures About Charity Charity: The pure love of Christ (Moro. 7:47); the love that Christ has for the children of men and that the children of men should have for one another (2 Ne. 26:30; 33:7 9; Ether 12:33 34); the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection. (The Guide to the Scriptures) A man once asked Jesus, Which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus replied: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (Matthew 22:36 39). Charity is the pure love of Christ (Moroni 7:47). It includes God s eternal love for all His children. We are to seek to develop that kind of love. When you are filled with charity, you obey God s commandments and do all you can to serve others and help them receive the restored gospel. (Preach My Gospel: Chapter 6) Moroni 7: Corinthians 13 1 Nephi 19:9 Alma 7:11-13 Ether 12:33-34 Luke 7:12-15 Mosiah 2:17 1 Timothy 4:12 Jesus Christ is the perfect example of charity. In His mortal ministry, He always went about doing good, teaching the gospel and showing tender compassion for the poor, afflicted, and distressed (see Matthew 4:23; Mark 6:6; Acts 10:38). His crowning expression of charity was His infinite Atonement. He said, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). This was the greatest act of long- suffering, kindness, and selflessness that we will ever know. (LDS.ORG Topics) Conference Talks on Charity and Love Loving Others and Living with Differences (Dallin H. Oaks October 2014) I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into my Home (Jean B. Bingham October 2016) Reach With a Rescuing Hand (Gordon B. Hinkley October 1996) Charity Perfect and Everlasting Love (Gene R. Cook - April 2002)

5 Virtue Virtue: Integrity and moral excellence, power and strength (Luke 8:46), or sexual purity (Moro. 9:9). (The Guide to the Scriptures) Virtue originates in your innermost thoughts and desires. It is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. Since the Holy Ghost does not dwell in unclean tabernacles, virtue is prerequisite to receiving the Spirit s guidance. What you choose to think and do when you are alone and you believe no one is watching is a strong measure of your virtue. Virtuous people are clean and pure spiritually. They focus on righteous, uplifting thoughts and put unworthy thoughts that lead to inappropriate actions out of their minds. They obey God s commandments and follow the counsel of Church leaders. They pray for the strength to resist temptation and do what is right. They quickly repent of any sins or wrongdoings. They live worthy of a temple recommend. (Preach My Gospel: Chapter 6) D&C 4:6 D&C 25:2 D&C 38:24 Article of Faith 1:13 2 Peter 1:3-8 Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don t hear often in today s society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. (LDS.ORG Topics) Conference Talks on Virtue Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts (H. David Burton October 2009) Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts Unceasingly (Gordon B. Hinckley April 2007) If Thou Art Faithful (Gordon B. Hinckley October 1984) Guardians of Virtue (Elaine S. Dalton April 2011)

6 Knowledge Knowledge: Understanding and comprehension, especially of truth as taught or confirmed by the Spirit. (The Guide to the Scriptures) The Lord commanded, Seek learning, even by study and also by faith (D&C 88:118). He also warned, It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance (D&C 131:6). Seek knowledge, especially spiritual knowledge. Study the scriptures every day, and also study the words of the living prophets. Through study and prayer, seek help for your specific questions, challenges, and opportunities. Give special attention to scripture passages you can use as you teach and as you answer questions about the restored gospel. Alma 17:2-3 2 Nephi 32: 1-5 Moroni 10:5 D&C 42:61 D&C 76:5-10 D&C 88:77-80 D&C 88:118 Think about how you can apply gospel principles in your life. As you study diligently, prayerfully, and with pure intent, the Holy Ghost will enlighten your mind, teach you, and help you understand the meaning of the scriptures and the teachings of living prophets. You can also gain knowledge by watching and listening to others, especially Church leaders. (Preach My Gospel: Chapter 6) Conference Talks on Knowledge Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge (Richard G. Scott October 1993) Light and Knowledge to the World (Joseph Anderson October 1972) Testimony (Dallin H. Oaks April 2008) Receive Truth (L. Tom Perry October 1997)

7 Patience Patience: Calm endurance; the ability to endure affliction, insult, or injury without complaint or retaliation. (The Guide to the Scriptures) Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God s will and accept His timing. When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully. Patience is related to hope and faith you must wait for the Lord s promised blessings to be fulfilled. (Preach My Gospel: Chapter 6) Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required. Thomas S. Monson Mosiah 23:21 Mosiah 24:9-16 Alma 31:31 Alma 32:41-43 Alma 34:40-41 D&C 101:38 Romans 5:3-5 Romans 8:24-25 James 5:10-11 Psalm 46:10 Conference Talks on Patience Continue In Patience (Dieter F. Uchtdorf April 2010) Patience, A Key to Happiness (Joseph B. Wirthlin April 1987) Patience- A Heavenly Virtue (Thomas S. Monson October 1995) Waiting Upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done (Robert D. Hales October 2011)

8 Humility Humble, Humility: To make meek and teachable, or the condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to his will. (The Guide to the Scriptures) Humility is willingness to submit to the will of the Lord and to give the Lord the honor for what is accomplished. It includes gratitude for His blessings and acknowledgment of your constant need for His divine help. Humility is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of spiritual strength. When you humbly trust Him and acknowledge His power and mercy, you can have the assurance that His commandments are for your good. You are confident that you can do whatever the Lord requires of you if you rely on Him. You are also willing to trust His chosen servants and follow their counsel. Humility will help you as you strive to be obedient, to work hard, and serve selflessly. (Preach My Gospel: Chapter 6) 2 Nephi 9:28-29 Alma 5:26-29 Alma 26:12 Matthew 26:39 Ether 12:27 D&C 12:8 D&C 67:10 D&C 112:10 D&C 136:32-33 Matthew 23:12 Jesus Christ is our greatest example of humility. During His mortal ministry, He always acknowledged that His strength came because of His dependence on His Father. He said: I can of mine own self do nothing. I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me (John 5:30). (LDS.ORG Topics) Conference Talks on Humility Lord, is it I? (Dieter F Uchtdorf October 2014) Retaining a Remission of Sin (Keith Crockett - October 2000) The Pharisee and the Publican (Howard W. Hunter April 1984) Listening to the Voice of the Lord (Francisco J. Viñas October 1996)

9 Diligence Diligence: Consistent, valiant effort, especially in serving the Lord and obeying his word. (The Guide to the Scriptures) Diligence is steady, consistent, earnest, and energetic effort in doing the Lord s work. The Lord expects you to work diligently persistently and with great effort and care. A diligent missionary works effectively and efficiently. Diligence is an expression of your love for the Lord and His work. When you are diligent, you find joy and satisfaction... Moroni 9:6 D&C 10:4 D&C 58:26-29 D&C 75:2-5 D&C 107: D&C 123:12-14 D&C 127:4 Mosiah 4:26-27 Do many good things of your own free will (see D&C 58:27). Don t wait for your leaders to tell you what to do. Continue until you have done all you can, even when you are tired. Focus on the most important things and avoid wasting time. Pray for guidance and strength. Plan regularly and effectively. Avoid anything that distracts your thoughts or actions. (Preach My Gospel: Chapter 6) Conference Talks on Diligence Latter- Day Saints Keep on Trying (Dale G. Renlund April 2015) Act in all Diligence (Henry B. Eyring - April 2010) Magnify Your Calling (Gordon B. Hinckley April 1989) Be Strong and of Good Courage (Thomas S. Monson April 2014)

10 Obedience Obedience, Obedient, Obey: In a spiritual sense, obedience is doing God s will. (The Guide to the Scriptures) Obedience is the first law of heaven. It is an act of faith. You may sometimes be required to do things you do not completely understand. As you obey, you increase in faith, knowledge, wisdom, testimony, protection, and freedom. (Preach My Gospel: Chapter 6) The discipline contained in daily obedience and clean living and wholesome lives builds an armor around you of protection and safety from the temptations that beset you as you proceed through mortality. - Elder L. Tom Perry 1 Nephi 2:3 Mosiah 5:8 D&C 82:8-10 Matthew 7:24-27 John 7:17 John 14:15 Nephi 3:7 Our obedience to the commandments is an expression of our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The Savior said, If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). He later declared: If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love (John 15:10). (LDS.ORG Topics) Conference Talks on Obedience Obedience through Our Faithfulness (L. Tom Perry April 2014) If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments (Elder Robert D. Hales April 2014) Obedience: The Path to Freedom (James E. Faust April 1999) Obedience Brings Blessings (Thomas S. Monson April 2013)