I set a goal to finish reading the Book of Mormon by Easter. I’ve reached that goal, and though I considered waiting, I felt moved to continue and read chapter 10.
These are Moroni’s final words before he seals up the record to come forth in our day. His counsel is clear, direct, and filled with love:
- Remember how merciful the Lord has been
- Ask God if these things are not true
- Do not deny the power of God—His power is real and is manifest according to our faith.
- Do not deny the gifts of God—they are many.
Among those gifts:
- Teaching by the Spirit—words of wisdom and knowledge
- Exceedingly great faith
- Healing by the Spirit
- Working mighty miracles
- Prophecy
- Beholding angels and ministering spirits
- Speaking with tongues
- Interpreting languages
These gifts come by the Spirit of Christ. Every good gift comes from Him. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. These gifts remain as long as the world stands—only unbelief causes them to cease.
We are taught to have faith, hope, and charity—and to lay hold upon every good gift.
My testimony has only grown. Today, in my season of life, I am learning more about the covenants I have made and the Atonement of Jesus Christ than ever before. We are loved. Oh, so loved!
I don’t fully understand why I was blessed to have the gospel in my life from the very first breath, but I am deeply grateful for parents who understood its value and chose to be covenant keepers. Because of them, I have been blessed beyond measure. I will be eternally grateful.
My testimony, written years ago, has only deepened: the Book of Mormon is true. I have no doubt. Yes, I know this through the Spirit, but I also know it from the “crumbs” the writers left for us to chew on and find the truth of it as it pertains to us personally. I pray with all my heart that my children and grandchildren will come to know this truth for themselves.
There is a unique Spirit that accompanies this book. I felt it more than 45 years ago when I had just begun to read from it. At that time, my world felt very dark. I hadn’t even formally asked if it was true yet—but one day I felt an unexpected happiness I could not explain. Soon I understood: it was the Spirit.
It was the first ray of light I had seen in years.
Closing Thought
Mormon shows us what happens when people lose order, mercy, and principle.
Moroni leaves us with something better—an invitation to remember, to ask, to believe, and to receive.
One ends in sorrow.
The other ends in hope.
And the choice is ours.
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