When the elders of the Church first saw the site of the city of Zion—Independence, Missouri—it was not what they expected. Some thought they would find a thriving, industrious community with a strong group of Saints. Instead, they found a sparsely populated outpost, lacking the civilization they were used to and inhabited by rough frontier settlers rather than Saints. It turned out that the Lord wasn’t asking them just to come to Zion—He wanted them to build Zion.
When our expectations do not match reality, we can remember what the Lord told the Saints in 1831: “Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God … and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:3). Yes, life is full of tribulation, even wickedness, but we can still “bring to pass much righteousness; for the power is in [us]” (verses 27–28).
The Saints hoped that during their lifetimes, Jackson County would blossom into Zion, a place where all the Saints could gather. However, their time in Jackson County was full of tribulation. Within a few years, they were forced to leave and “wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion” (Doctrine and Covenants 105:9).
What do you learn about tribulation or challenges from the Lord’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 58:1–5? Why do you think some blessings come only after tribulation? What blessings have you received after tribulation?
I can “bring to pass much righteousness” of my “own free will.”
As part of your study of these verses, you might make a list of some of the things you are “anxiously engaged” in. Are all of them “good cause[s]”? Ponder what you can do to “bring to pass much righteousness”—and consider setting goals to do it.
Why do you think the Lord wants you to do “many things of [your] own free will”? What would be the result if you were “compelled in all things”? What does 2 Nephi 2:27 add to your understanding of this principle?
See also Dale G. Renlund, “Choose You This Day,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 104–6.
The Lord’s promise in Doctrine and Covenants 58:42 to completely forgive those who repent is inspiring, though it also raises some questions: What does it mean to repent? How do I know if I have repented? Fortunately, the Lord continued, “By this ye may know …” (verse 43).
Here are some additional questions people sometimes have about repentance. What does the Spirit teach you as you study the suggested resources provided below?
I’m trying to forsake my sins, but I keep making mistakes. Is my repentance still valid? See Bradley R. Wilcox, “Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 61–67; “Daily Restoration” (video), Gospel Library.
How can I be sure that the Savior has forgiven me? See Tad R. Callister, “The Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 85–87, especially the section titled “2. Sin.”
You can find more insights in the “Questions and Answers” about repentance in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (pages 8–9).
See also Topics and Questions, “Repentance,” Gospel Library.
Polly Knight and her husband, Joseph Knight Sr., were some of the first believers in Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling. Polly and Joseph gave vital support to the Prophet in the work of translating the Book of Mormon. The Knight family left Colesville, New York, to gather with the Saints in Ohio and were later commanded to move to Jackson County, Missouri. As they traveled, Polly’s health began to decline, but she was determined to see Zion before she died. She had been in Missouri only a few days when she passed away (see Saints, 1:127–28, 132–33). Doctrine and Covenants 59 was received on the day of her passing, and verses 1 and 2 might refer specifically to her.
What do you think it means to be “crowned … with commandments”? (verse 4). Consider how the Lord blesses you as you strive to obey each of the commandments in verses 5–19.
Share what you’re learning. In many cases, the spiritual insights you receive as you study the scriptures could strengthen the faith of your family, friends, and ward members. Share with them your experiences, feelings, and testimony of Jesus Christ.
After promising to bless the Saints in Zion “with commandments not a few,” the Lord gave special emphasis to one commandment in particular: the command to honor His “holy day” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:4, 9). As you study Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–19, ponder why honoring the Sabbath would have been so important to these Saints as they sought to build Zion. Why is it important to you?
You could also ponder whether you are using the Sabbath day the way the Lord intended. How does keeping the Sabbath day holy help you remain “unspotted from the world”? (verse 9). What can you do to pay your “devotions unto the Most High”? (verse 10).
You might notice that the Lord used words like “rejoicing,” “cheerful,” and “glad” to teach about the Sabbath day. What makes the Sabbath joyful for you? How would you explain to someone why you choose to honor the Lord’s day?
What do you learn from the hymn “Gently Raise the Sacred Strain” (Hymns, no. 146) about the purposes and blessings of the Sabbath?
Reading together Doctrine and Covenants 58:26–28 can give you and your children an opportunity to talk about the power Heavenly Father has given us to choose to do good. You might tell each other about various choices you’ve made and what happened as a result. Maybe your children would like to draw a picture of their experience.
You could write choice on one side of a piece of paper and consequence on the other and use this paper to illustrate that our choices and their consequences are inseparable. Perhaps your children could list a few choices and talk about the consequences that come from them. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28 and talk about choices that “bring to pass much righteousness” or good consequences. How does Heavenly Father “reward” or bless us as we strive to do good? (verse 28).
Consider reading these verses while you and your children go for a walk or look at pictures of nature, noticing things that “please the eye and … gladden the heart” (verse 18). You could also notice similar things in a song like “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Or you might invite your children to draw pictures of things they are thankful for and let them tell you about their pictures. How can we show our gratitude for these things?
What can we do on Sunday to worship the Lord and find joy? Help your children find ideas in Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–12 and this week’s activity page. Maybe they could also find pictures or objects to represent things we do on the Sabbath (such as the pictures of the sacrament in this outline). How do these things help us feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
