In Doctrine and Covenants 18, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer were instructed/commanded to find twelve men to serve as the Saviorβs Twelve Apostles in this new dispensation. In the process of making this assignment, the Savior took the opportunity to teach them the importance of each and every one of us. We are all His children. He loves and values usβeach and every one.
βRemember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God,β He said to Oliver and David. βWhereforeβ¦how great shall be your joyβ¦if you should bringβ¦souls unto meβ (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–16).
This has really impacted me as I read these words this past week. I have thought through the times I haven’t been kind to people in high school, or been as patient as I should have been with others.
The burdens we don’t relieve, but rather place, on others’ backs are not only weighing down the individuals themselves, but it is like we are scourging the Savior himself. He knows the bullying and shaming we put others through, and feels those pains personally.
I vow to do better and be better.
D&C 20:Β Revelation on Church organization and government, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Fayette, New York. Portions of this revelation may have been given as early as summer 1829. The complete revelation, known at the time as the Articles and Covenants, was likely recorded soon after April 6, 1830 (the day the Church was organized). The Prophet wrote, βWe obtained of Him [Jesus Christ] the following, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation; which not only gave us much information, but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which, according to His will and commandment, we should proceed to organize His Church once more here upon the earth.β
D&C 21:Β Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Fayette, New York, April 6, 1830. This revelation was given at the organization of the Church, on the date named, in the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. Six men, who had previously been baptized, participated. By unanimous vote these persons expressed their desire and determination to organize, according to the commandment of God (see section 20). They also voted to accept and sustain Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery as the presiding officers of the Church. With the laying on of hands, Joseph then ordained Oliver an elder of the Church, and Oliver similarly ordained Joseph. After administration of the sacrament, Joseph and Oliver laid hands upon the participants individually for the bestowal of the Holy Ghost and for the confirmation of each as a member of the Church.
D&C 22:Β Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, April 16, 1830. This revelation was given to the Church in consequence of some who had previously been baptized desiring to unite with the Church without rebaptism.
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