Lessons on War — Finding Jesus in the Battle

I’m trying hard—really hard—to see Jesus in these war chapters.

Something Dr. Michael Cottle said on a podcast this morning struck me. I searched it and here are his words: God doesn’t just use one way to teach us about Jesus Christ. He is so intent on saving us. He is in relentless pursuit of us, maximizing every opportunity to save all of His children.”  That thought fit beautifully into my reading Alma 51–53 this morning.

At first glance, these chapters feel political. Divisive. Unsettling. There are serious factions—King-men and Freemen. Guess who the good guys are?

To their credit, they settled their dispute by voting. What a novel idea. Even so, contention simmered beneath the surface. Amalickiah still burned with hatred toward Moroni—remember, he had sworn to drink his blood. Personal vendettas mixed with political ambition. It was volatile.

Contention and dissension were destroying the people. That’s what snagged me in chapter 51. Moroni decided to put an end to it. The vote gave him authority to act against those who sought to overthrow the freedom of the people. It turned bloody—four thousand dissenters were slain, leaders imprisoned because there wasn’t time for trials, and the rest compelled to defend their country under the Title of Liberty.

It’s sobering. I shudder to imagine how something like that would unfold in our day.

So where is Jesus in all of this?

I found Him in Moroni’s restraint.

Again and again, before battle, Moroni gave his enemies a choice. Lay down your weapons. Make a covenant. Live in peace. He did not delight in bloodshed. He sought freedom and protection—not revenge. If people were slain, it was because they chose to continue fighting.

Isn’t that like the Savior?

Jesus offers choice. He invites. He pleads. He provides every opportunity to change. He does not force. If we suffer spiritual destruction, it is because we refuse His invitation.

I also saw Jesus in a surprising parenting principle tucked into chapter 53. Moroni put the Lamanite prisoners to work—building up the walls around Bountiful, burying the dead, strengthening defenses. Idleness breeds trouble; purpose builds stability.

I learned that lesson in my own home. If my children wanted freedom to play, they quickly learned the rule: don’t fight. Otherwise, they were washing walls, light switches, and baseboards. Busy hands left little room for contention. It works.

The bigger principle? Harmony protects us from the enemy.

And who is our real enemy? Not political opponents. Not neighbors. The true enemy is Satan. When unity breaks down—whether in a nation or in a family—we become vulnerable. When we are divided, it becomes every man for himself. We all know how that ends.

Then come Helaman’s stripling warriors.

These young men chose a prophet to lead them. They trusted in God. They believed the teachings of their mothers. Scripture describes them as young, valiant, courageous, strong, active, true, trustworthy, and sober. What a list. What a goal.

Do I see Jesus here? Absolutely.

When children are taught who He is and how to follow Him, they become spiritually fortified. When families are united in righteousness, they are protected. When we choose faithful leaders and stand for liberty—not just political liberty, but spiritual liberty—we invite Christ into the fight.

These war chapters are not just about swords and bloodshed. They are about agency. Unity. Leadership. Work. Faith. Protection.

And through it all, a Savior who is in relentless pursuit of His people—even in the middle of war.

He is there. He always has been. He always is.