Mormon 3

(Below is a list of questions that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

In His mercy, The Lord gives us sufficient opportunities to repent of our sins. The Lord forbids us to seek revenge.

1. What is our need to prepare for the challenges we will yet face? How do you prepare yourself for the coming trials of which you have yet no knowledge? How can you be sure that you are strong enough to face whatever may come?

2. What is our greatest source of preparation for facing trials, temptations and adversity? In what way did The Lord want the Nephites to prepare for the Lamanite attacks? How has The Lord encouraged you to repent and given you opportunities to do so? What does this teach you about His character?

3. What will happen if we harden our hearts and refuse to repent? What can you do to keep from hardening your heart against the encouragement that The Lord offers constantly for you to repent?

4. Opportunities and invitations from The Lord to make changes in your life may come more often than you might realize? What opportunity are the Nephites being given in this verse?

5. How was Mormons love for his people evident in the way he did his best to help preserve them from their enemies EVEN THOUGH they would not hearten to The Lord and repent? How do you respond to and feel about the unrepentant people that you know?

6. How committed was Mormon in helping the Nephite people to conquer their enemies, the Lamanites? How committed was he in helping them face and conquer their enemy, the adversary, Satan himself had they permitted him to do so?

7. Why were the Nephites able to beat the Lamanites?

8. Why were the Nephites able to beat the Lamanites a second time? Who helped them win their battle? Did they recognize Gods hand in their triumph? Have you ever been delivered from a trial or challenge and overlooked the hand of The Lord in your deliverance? How can you avoid this from ever happening again?

9. Who did the Nephites attribute to their triumph?

10. Why would the Nephites eventually be destroyed? How do our beliefs affect the way we see events and the decisions we make?

11. What causes some people to see things differently from others? How does our perspective change our vision or understanding of things? Why did Mormon lead the Nephite armies for so long? Why did he at this time refuse to lead them anymore in battle? What does Mormon's refusal to lead the army at that time teach us about the seriousness of seeking vengeance?

12. How did Mormon feel about the Nephites? How did this love help him to serve his fellow man? Did his service change their lives? Did his service change his life? Did the Nephites deserve his love? Methyl do you think he continued to love them? What would it be like to have the love of God fill your heart? What could you do to be blessed with this spiritual gift?

13-14. The Nephites had been greatly blessed by The Lord. Through his servant Mormon, they had been delivered from their enemies three times... Yet instead of feeling grateful, the Nephites swore vengeance upon their enemies. Have you ever wanted to seek revenge or get back at someone for something that person did to you? Why do you think this might be a dangerous or poor response? Who do you think would be most harmed by your seeking revenge?

15. What did The Lord teach Mormon about vengeance? Why should we leave judgment and vengeance in the Lord's hands instead of taking it upon ourselves?

"We need to recognize and acknowledge angry feelings. It will take humility to do this, but if we will get on our knees and ask Heavenly Father for a feeling of forgiveness, He will help us. The Lord requires us 'to forgive all men' for our own good because 'hatred retards spiritual growth'. Only as we rid ourselves of hatred and bitterness can The Lord put comfort into our hearts... When tragedy strikes, we should not respond by seeking personal revenge but rather let justice take its course and then let it go. It is not easy to let go and empty our hearts of festering resentment. The Savior has offered to all of us a precious peace through His Atonement, but this can come only as we are willing to cast out negative feelings of anger, spite, or revenge. For all of us who forgive 'those who trespass against us' even those who have committed serious crimes, the Atonement brings a measure of peace and comfort." -James E Faust, GC, April 2007

16. Why do you think Mormon was commanded to be an 'idle' witness? What does this mean? Have there ever been times in your life when you have been an idle witness? How can this further the work of The Lord?

17-19. Who is Mormon addressing in this verse? Why is he talking to the people who are yet unborn at this time in his life? What lesson is he keen on helping us learn vicariously through his experiences?

20. Why is Mormon reminding us of our requirement to stand before the judgment seat of God? Who is the chief judge of all individuals? On what basis will we be judged?

21-22. What is Mormons hope that his writing a will help us with? Do you believe the gospel of Jesus Christ? Can others tell by watching you? How can you prepare for your own judgment, when you will stand before, Christ and account for your works here on the earth?