The Visiting Teacher:
“Study My Word”(D&C 11:22)

The Savior said that we should “not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4). Nephi, too, counseled us to “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Ne. 32:3).

The Scriptures Are for Our Profit and Learning

Feasting upon the word of God means more than just nibbling at the banquet table. Feasting upon the scriptures means studying the scriptures individually and together as families. It means pondering and praying about what we read. It means using the scriptures as the basis for our teaching, likening the scriptures—their stories and counsel—to our own lives, that they “might be for our profit and learning” (1 Ne. 19:23). It also means using the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, in our missionary work. Because the scriptures contain the words of Jesus Christ, they are vital in bringing people to a knowledge of the truth.

Feasting denotes pleasure or joy. Feasting upon the word of God means developing a love for the scriptures and for studying them.

Studying the Scriptures Is a Principle with a Promise

The prophets have promised many blessings to those who feast upon the scriptures. President Ezra Taft Benson said that as we study the Book of Mormon we will find greater power to resist temptation, avoid deception, and remain faithful to our covenants and testimonies (see “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7). President Brigham Young promised: “They who observe the precepts contained in the Scriptures will be just and true and virtuous and peaceable at home and abroad. … Men will make splendid husbands, women excellent wives, and children will be obedient; they will make families happy” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 119–20).

President Marion G. Romney said that as families study the Book of Mormon, “the spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (“The Book of Mormon,” Ensign, May 1980, 67).

With three children under the age of three, Sister Diana Hoffman found little time in her day to read the scriptures. She determined to make scripture study a high priority, hoping the Lord would bless her with the time needed to care for herself, her family, and her home. By getting up earlier and reading while the children were sleeping, she found herself strengthened, able to accomplish all she needed to, and blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost. She said: “I have more patience with my children, more understanding and compassion for others, and more love for my husband. I feel at peace, and I am aware of an abundance of blessings in my life. I have a greater awareness of my priorities and a great satisfaction with what I am achieving” (in “Finding Truth in the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Jan. 1996, 11).

Feasting upon the word of God involves far more than merely reading. We must study eagerly, savoring the truth we find, seeking in humility and obedience “all which [the Lord] shall grant unto the children of men in this generation” (D&C 11:22).

• How can we more fully use the scriptures in our lives?

• How can studying the scriptures help us reflect upon our blessings?

Illustrated by Keith Larson