“Doctrine and Covenants 121:41–43,” Liahona, June 2011, 51
Line upon Line
Doctrine and Covenants 121:41–43
Joseph Smith taught the Lord’s way of exercising priesthood authority.
41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy.
Persuasion
Persuasion—encouraging others to believe or do something by reasoning or pleading with them.
Long-Suffering
Long-suffering—patience.
Gentleness and Meekness
Here are some things the scriptures teach us about gentleness and meekness:
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They are among the fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22–23).
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Gentleness is a mark of the Lord’s servants (see 1 Thessalonians 2:7; 2 Timothy 2:24).
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The meek shall inherit the earth (see Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5).
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Meekness is a sign of faith in Christ (see Moroni 7:39).
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Meekness leads to the visitation of the Holy Ghost (see Moroni 8:26).
Love Unfeigned
Unfeigned—genuine; not faked or pretended.
Has someone shown you genuine love recently? How can you show that kind of love to others? Write about it in your journal.
Without Hypocrisy and without Guile
Hypocrisy—pretending to be something you are not.
Guile—deceitful; cunning.
Reproving Betimes with Sharpness
Reproving—scolding or correcting gently; expressing disapproval.
Betimes—speedily; early; before it is too late.
Sharpness—clarity.
When Moved Upon by the Holy Ghost
Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail, by Greg Olsen