I don't know how possible it is to reach perfection in this, but we do have a perfect example to follow. We need to see people through Christ's eyes. As we get better and better at that, we will see the naturally lovable person under the mask this world has put on them. Everyone you will ever meet is a divine son or daughter of God. If we can try to see that, loving them is easier.

This is the part I loved the most about this book. Rich Villodas's time on the Sermon on the Mount really got me thinking much deeper about a few topics and not only what Jesus really meant, but it also helped me think of ways to apply those teachings in my life better. This is what the author calls "walking the path."

We had an interesting conversation today in our Sunday School class. It was related to the chapters we have been reading in The Book of Alma. The discussion was about why some people feel that repentance is painful. Many do. I have at times as well. We probably all have. To cut to the end of our discussion, that is the adversary trying to cause you to feel like it is not worth it to improve. It is not worth removing the guilt and shame of past mistakes. It is not worth the trouble or is not needed. None of those answers will remove the pain.

Alma and Amulek made choices and followed the Lord and their faith in Him. Alma chapter fourteen not only contains one of the more horrific scenes in the Book of Mormon, maybe in all of scripture but also provides a great example of choices made. God will not force us to do the right thing. He has given us our agency.

Jesus told his followers, and we see in many other places in the scriptures, that all who ask will receive an answer.  All who seek will find, and all who knock shall have the way or the door opened to them.  I have wondered, probably like all of us at some point, if this is just an unlimited or unqualified promise for us.  Can I have anything I want just for the asking?

The church is not a set of books, a bunch of buildings, or a series of classes. It is not a typical organization, a charity, or a business. The church is more than a set of doctrines or beliefs. The church is us. The church is the "Body of Christ" or everyone working to become more like our Savior.

The true essence of wisdom lies not just in possessing it but in the very act of acquiring it. This notion is truly inspiring. The journey towards wisdom starts with the persistent desire and decision to 'get' wisdom.

We should all learn to give greater attention and work harder to remember and to implement all the good things that we learn in this life. From good books, great art, from our teachers, parents or friends, or any other source of wholesome and righteous materials we gain great insight and ideas.

“God uses the weak and the plain to bring about His purposes. This truth stands as a testimony that it is God’s power, not man’s, that accomplishes His work on the earth.”

Elijah had shut the heavens and caused a three-year drought which caused much hunger and suffering. Elijah meets a widow and asks her to make him some food. She only has enough flour to make one more cake for her and her son, at that point she assumes there will be no more to be found, and they will starve.

The ship, crew, and especially the goods on the ship are in danger, and Paul tries to warn their leader and the people. The centurion is the one in charge of Paul and the others with them, but he chooses to not put his trust in Paul and his warnings.

I’m sure Peter believed in his heart and mind, and felt as if he knew for sure, he would never ever leave or deny the Christ. He would never leave Jesus's side. Jesus had given him experiences and opportunities that only he knew, and that had literally made him a new man. His loyalties were strong and un-changeable, and he would defend the Christ to his death.

Prophets have been prosecuted, rejected, hated, and killed. Even the Lord was treated this way. Messages, teachings, and prophecies have been rejected, mocked, and disrespected.

Mary’s example in Luke 2 is something we should ponder, just as she did at the time "in her heart". I could do more to keep things in my heart longer, and let thoughts and experiences affect me at a deeper level.

All who seek will find, and all who knock shall have the way or the door opened to them.  I have wondered, probably like all of us at some point, if this is just an unlimited or unqualified promise for us.  Can I have anything I want just for the asking?

When we were young, we all "understood as a child," but as we grew and gain perspective our knowledge and wisdom grew and we "put off childish things." We learned to see the world, and people, and the even the gospel in more complex ways.

While John the Baptist was preaching, calling his followers to repentance and baptizing those that followed, there came a question from the crowd in Luke 3 asking, “what shall we do then?”

We are here to help each other. Sometimes we can’t do it ourselves.

Darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. Add light and darkness ceases to be. The more light, the more darkness is removed. The opposite of darkness is light.

In the same way the opposite of fear is faith.

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus tells his followers (and all of us) that they (we) are the salt of the earth. Looking at all the things that salt does and the essential nature of this, Jesus was telling us something rather important.