ULTIMATE JOY

 

“For behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore He suffered the pain of all men that all men might repent and come unto Him…..and how great is His joy in the soul that repenteth!” D&C 18: 11,13)

I am sure we are all familiar with what comes next…..’how great will be your joy if you should bring souls unto me into the kingdom of my Father’ (v 15, 16).

The Saviour’s sacrifice for us was borne out of love (John 15:13) therefore it goes without saying that He would be overjoyed to have us with Him after this life. After all, Celestial Kingdom would be a lonely place if there was only one person there….

Even though, we the believers, have not died for anyone’s soul like the Saviour has, we nevertheless become saviours by proxy as we bring others to repentance. By this we become more like the Saviour than any other way because we develop love for our fellowmen and we become more sanctified and this is why:

“Missionary work has a redemptive effect for the missionary as well as the convert. The Apostle James wrote, “He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)

“Elder Bruce R. McConkie elaborated on this: “By reclaiming an erring brother, we save both him and ourselves. Our sins are hidden (remitted) because we ministered for the salvation and blessing of another member of the Kingdom.

“In principle this special reward for Christ’s ministers applies also to those who preach the gospel and bring souls into the Kingdom. The minister is rewarded with salvation and, of necessity, in the process, is freed from his own sins (D&C 41:1-4).” (“Doctrinal New Testament Commentary”, 3:279, Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual p 132)

I think how wonderful it would be to have a Christ-like love for everyone. Then I think of those who we already love and who have gone astray and have their salvation in peril…..our children over whom we sorrow and labour in faith that we can in some way bring them back.

I think of people we have loved in pre-mortal life and have asked to have them on our earthly path so that we can increase their faith in Christ unto salvation. I think of all that love and how great would be the joy if we could bring them into God’s Kingdom that we might enjoy eternal life together. I think of Joseph’s advice that we should wear out our lives in such a pursuit and I tend to agree (D&C 123:12-17).

I cherished the truth locked firmly in my heart

But it became too heavy for me to bear.

I scattered the seeds of faith

Along humanity’s path

To feed the hungry souls for many years

Until each cared for soul

Paved the trail of my happy tears.

-  CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Remain in Love by Chris Brazelton)