The Book of Mormon opens with Nephi’s promise to show us that “the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith” (1 Nephi 1:20). The book closes with a parallel invitation from Moroni: “Remember how merciful the Lord hath been” (Moroni 10:2–3). What examples of the Lord’s mercy have you seen in the Book of Mormon? You might think of the merciful way God led Lehi’s family through the wilderness and across the great waters, the tender mercies He showed to Enos when his soul hungered for forgiveness, or the mercy He showed to Alma, a bitter enemy of the Church who became one of its fearless defenders. Or your thoughts might turn to the mercy the resurrected Savior showed to the people when He healed their sick and blessed their little children. Perhaps most important, all of this can remind you of “how merciful the Lord hath been” to you, for the Book of Mormon was written to invite each of us to receive God’s mercy—an invitation expressed simply in Moroni’s farewell words, “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32).
I can know the truth of all things by the power of the Holy Ghost.
The promise in Moroni 10:3–7 has changed the lives of millions of people around the world. How has it changed yours? As you read Moroni 10:3–7, consider reading more carefully than you may have in the past. You could examine each phrase, asking yourself questions like these: What does this mean? How can I do this better? What experiences have I had with this?
As you ponder your personal search for spiritual truth, it might help to learn how others have found truth by the power of the Holy Ghost. Elder Mathias Held described his experience as a new member of the Church (see “Seeking Knowledge by the Spirit,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 31–33). Elder David F. Evans described his experience as one who was raised in the Church but still had questions (see “The Truth of All Things,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 68–70). Consider reading one or both of these messages and writing down anything you learn from their searches for truth that help you with your own.
You might also explore what God has taught about truth by reading some of the passages in Guide to the Scriptures, “Truth” (Gospel Library). Which scriptures seem especially insightful to you? Perhaps you could pick one to share with someone else who is also seeking truth by the Spirit.
Record impressions. Being converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ means both knowing and living the gospel. You’re more likely to act on what you learn if you write it down. If you are teaching, invite the people you teach to record their spiritual impressions.
There are many ways a person might “deny … the gifts of God” (Moroni 10:8). Some people deny that these gifts even exist. Others deny their gifts by simply neglecting them or failing to develop them. As you read Moroni 10:8–25, look for truths that will help you discover your spiritual gifts and use them to bless God’s children. Questions like these may help: What are spiritual gifts? Who are they given to? Why are they given? How do we receive them? Can you think of examples of people using the gifts listed in Moroni 10:9–16?
I can be perfected through the grace of Jesus Christ.
Moroni’s counsel to “come unto Christ” involves more than learning of and thinking about Him. Rather, this is an invitation to come unto Christ in the most complete sense possible—to become as He is. As you read Moroni 10:30–33, notice phrases that help you understand what it means to come to Christ, how it is made possible, and the results for doing so.
Look back on your study of the Book of Mormon this year, and ponder what you have felt and learned about Jesus Christ. For example, how has the Book of Mormon helped you come unto Him? How has it helped you rely more completely on His grace? How has it helped you to “deny not” the Savior’s power? Consider sharing your own witness of the Book of Mormon with someone who needs to hear it, including loved ones and friends who may not know of its message.
See also “Moroni Invites All to Come unto Christ” (video), Gospel Library.
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
I can know for myself that the Book of Mormon is true.
How can you help your children accept Moroni’s invitation to ask God if the Book of Mormon is true? Consider giving them slips of paper with the words Read, Remember, Ponder, and Ask written on them. Your children could find these words in Moroni 10:3–4. What should we read, remember, ponder, and ask to gain or strengthen our testimonies of the Book of Mormon? Your children could also look for similarities between these verses and the song “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109).
Your children could use the picture at the end of this outline to talk about Moroni burying the gold plates (see also “Chapter 54: The Promise of the Book of Mormon,” Book of Mormon Stories, 156). Younger children may enjoy pretending to be Moroni writing on the plates and burying them. Share with each other your testimonies of the Book of Mormon.
To teach your children about spiritual gifts, you could write the numbers 9 through 16 on separate pieces of paper and wrap each paper like a gift. Your children could take turns unwrapping the gifts, reading verses from Moroni 10:9–16 that correspond with the numbers, and identifying each spiritual gift. You could talk about how Heavenly Father wants us to use these gifts to bless His children. You could also help your children notice the gifts that Heavenly Father has given them.
Do your children know what it means to “come unto Christ”? Maybe you could read Moroni 10:32 and invite them to repeat the phrase with you. They could then close their eyes while you place a picture of Jesus somewhere in the room. Then let them open their eyes, find the picture, gather around it, and talk about ways that we can come unto Christ. Maybe it would help to write down the question What does it mean to come unto Christ? Help them search Moroni 10:32–33 to find possible answers (see also Articles of Faith 1:3–4). Work together to list what Christ wants us to do and what He promises to do for us.
Maybe your children would enjoy making and decorating heart-shaped badges that say “I love God with all my might, mind, and strength” (see Moroni 10:32). As they do, talk with them about how we show God that we love Him.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
