BOM Class 47 with Connie Smith

Moroni 7, 9 
(Class video under notes)

Summary 

The class is a heartfelt and reflective discourse centered around spiritual themes found in the scriptures, specifically focusing on Moroni 7 from the Book of Mormon. Connie Smith welcomes the congregation, shares insights from the scriptures about being “peaceable followers of Christ,” and emphasizes the importance of hope, faith, and charity in the Christian journey. Connie reflects on the life of Mormon, detailing his experiences, challenges, and the profound lessons learned through his relationship with God. There is an exploration of the roles of the Holy Ghost as the Comforter and the significance of good works as a reflection of one’s faith.

The class discussion shifts to the nature of good and evil, citing that good works stem from God, while evil arises from the devil. Connie invites contemplation on the importance of judging actions rather than individuals and emphasizes that true charity involves a deep understanding and compassion for others. Personal testimonies are shared, illustrating the transformative power of love and forgiveness in relationships. The class concludes with a call to action for individuals to actively seek and embrace goodness in their lives, reinforcing the idea that faith without works is dead and that living a life rooted in charity can lead to profound personal and communal change.

Highlights

1. Scriptural Foundation: The discourse is anchored in Moroni 7:3-4, which speaks about the peaceable followers of Christ and the importance of good works.
2. Role of the Holy Ghost: The Holy Ghost is described as the Comforter who brings hope and perfect love, playing a crucial role in a believer’s life.
3. Good vs. Evil: The speaker emphasizes the necessity of discerning good from evil through actions, encouraging the audience to judge based on works rather than individuals.
4. Charity Defined: Charity is presented as the pure love of Christ, and Connie reflects on its transformative power in personal relationships.
5. Process of Transformation: The class acknowledges that personal transformation is a process, requiring time, effort, and divine assistance.
6. Faith in Action: The concept that faith without works is dead is reiterated, highlighting that true faith manifests in loving actions towards others.
7. Call to Action: Connie encourages the audience to actively seek good and embrace the principles of the gospel in their daily lives.

Key Insights

1. The Importance of Good Works: Scriptures that are referenced emphasize that one’s works is a reflection of their inner goodness. It implies that a genuine relationship with God will naturally lead to good deeds, thereby distinguishing true followers of Christ from others. This principle teaches that actions speak louder than words, and individuals are often judged by their behavior and the love they show towards others.
2. Understanding the Holy Ghost’s Role: The Holy Ghost is not just a passive presence but is described as a Comforter that actively fills believers with hope and love. This insight highlights the necessity of inviting the Holy Spirit into one’s life for guidance and strength, especially during challenging times. Connie’s reflection on the Holy Ghost indicates that comfort and peace are essential for spiritual growth and resilience.
3. Judgment with Compassion: The emphasis on judging actions rather than individuals suggests a more compassionate approach to understanding human behavior. This insight promotes the idea that everyone is on a personal journey of growth; thus, it is vital to recognize that people may have reasons for their actions, often stemming from pain or past experiences. By fostering an environment of understanding, individuals can help each other grow and heal.
4. Charity as a Transformational Force: Connie and the congregation share personal experiences of how love and forgiveness transformed relationships, illustrating that charity is not merely an action but a way of being. This insight encourages believers to embody the love of Christ in their interactions, reinforcing the idea that genuine love can heal wounds and build bridges between individuals.
5. The Journey of Faith: The class acknowledges that faith is not a one-time event but a continual process of learning and growing. This insight stresses the importance of persistence in seeking a deeper relationship with God and the necessity of being open to change. It suggests that faith is cultivated through experiences, challenges, and the willingness to act on one’s beliefs.
6. Community and Connection: The shared testimonies demonstrate the power of community and how collective experiences can foster growth. This insight highlights the importance of being part of a supportive community where individuals can uplift and encourage one another along their spiritual journeys.
7.  A Call for Active Pursuit of Goodness: Connie concludes with a strong call to action, urging the audience to actively seek goodness and put it into practice. This insight reinforces the message that being a follower of Christ requires intentionality and effort. Connie encourages believers to not only embrace good teachings but also to live them out in their daily lives, thereby making a positive impact on themselves and those around them.

In conclusion, this class teaches us of the profound spiritual truths found in scripture, encouraging believers to live a life characterized by faith, hope, and charity. The emphasizes the importance of good works, the transformative power of love, and the necessity of being active participants in their spiritual journey. Personal testimonies and reflections from both Connie and the congregation, illustrates that everyone has the potential for growth and change when they open their hearts to God’s love and guidance.