Persecution

• 1 Nephi 17:17-18…There are always people making fun of you when strive to obey the commandments
• Alma 5:30-31…Wo unto he that mocks others (or heapeth persecutions on him) because if he doesn’t repent, he is not saved
• Alma 5: 54,56…If you think you’re better than others or persecute them because of their righteousness, you’ll be cast into the fire.
• Mosiah 27:32-33…Alma (and 4 sons of Mosiah) were persecuted and smitten as they preached, but still continued in faith.
• 4 Nephi 1: 34…How to react to P.  Don’t return the favor!
• Matt. 5: 10-12…Rejoice in P.
• Helaman 3: 34-35…How to handle P.
• Mosiah 14: 7…It doesn’t matter how bad you have it, don’t open your mouth (like Christ)
• Mosiah 15: 6…Despite Christ’s persecutions, trials & tribulations He won’t open His mouth
• 2 Nephi 28:13… They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up.
• Joseph Smith History 1: 60…I soon found out the reason why I had received such strict charges to keep them safe, and why it was that the messenger had said that when I had done what was required at my hand, he would call for them. For no sooner was it known that I had them, than the most strenuous exertions were used to get them from me. Every stratagem that could be invented was resorted to for that purpose. The persecution became more bitter and severe than before, and multitudes were on the alert continually to get them from me if possible. But by the wisdom of God, they remained safe in my hands, until I had accomplished by them what was required at my hand. When, according to arrangements, the messenger called for them, I delivered them up to him; and he has them in his charge until this day, being the second day of May, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.
• “All that is required of us to make us perfectly safe under all circumstances of trouble or persecution, is to do the will of God, to be honest, faithful and to keep ourselves devoted to the principles that we have received; do right one by another; trespass upon no man’s rights; live by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God and his Holy Spirit will aid and assist us under all circumstances, and we will come out of the midst of it all abundantly blessed in our houses, in our families, in our flocks, in our fields—and in every way God will bless us. He will give us knowledge upon knowledge, intelligence upon intelligence, wisdom upon wisdom.”  Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow
• “Joseph Smith’s mother, Lucy Mack Smith, described some of the characteristics that made it possible for Emma to support Joseph through difficult times: “I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she had had to endure. … She has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman” ( History of Joseph Smith, ed. Preston Nibley [1958], 190–91).  Doctrine and Covenants and Church History: Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (1999), 53–57
• “Many of you may have severe trials, that your faith may become more perfect, your confidence be increased, your knowledge of the powers of heaven be augmented; and this before your redemption takes place. If a stormy cloud sweep over the horizon … ; if the cup of bitter suffering be offered, and you compelled to partake; Satan let loose to go among you, with all his seductive powers of deceivings and cunning craftiness; the strong relentless arm of persecution lifted against you;–then, in that hour, lift up your heads and rejoice that you are accounted worthy to suffer thus with Jesus, the Saints, and holy prophets; and know that the period of your redemption has approached.” Teachings of the Presidents of the Church:  Lorenzo Snow Chapter 7: Faithfulness in Times of Trial: “From the Shadows into the Glorious Sunshine”