about the gospel. "I attempt to address you in my language; yea, by
my own mouth, seeing that it is the first time that I have spoken unto
you by the words of my mouth."
His message is a model of what we should teach and provides directions
to guide our lives. It is the essence of the gospel. He taught about
the coming of Christ and his mission "to loose the ands of death" and
"take upon him the sins of his people." (verses 7-13). He called upon
the people to repent and be born again for the Spirit of the Lord can
not dwell in unholy temples (verse 21).
Finally, he tells what we must do after we have repented. " And now I
would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to
be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in
all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all
times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual
and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things
ye do receive. And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then
ye will always abound in good works." (verses 23-24)
In today's world people are mocked who are humble, submissive and
gentle. These qualities are considered signs of weakness. Yet, these
are the characteristics that we must have if we are to be the Lord's
children and have his spirit with us. Also, it is interesting that
the qualities of faith, hope and charity are those that will lead to
good works. In a troubled world where so many suffer, these qualities
will provide relief from the hunger and turmoil that exists.
