3 Nephi 28

When Christ visited the Americas he called 12 Disciples to minister unto the people (18:36, 19:4). Christ asked his apostles and disciples throughout time what they desired (D&C 7:1; 2 Chronicles 1:7; 3 Nephi 28:1).

Nine of the Twelve said:

"We desire that after we have lived unto the age of man, that our ministry, wherein thou hast called us, may have an end, that we may speedily come unto thee in thy kingdom" (2).

The other three Nephites "desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand" (9). It's what John the Beloved desired as well (3 Nephi 28:6; D&C 7:2).

They wanted to continue sharing the gospel to God's children.

Such a righteous desire!


In Relief Society and Priesthood meetings over the next few months, we will be having lessons entitled "An Enthusiastic Desire to Share the Gospel," "Doing Our Part to Share the Gospel," and "How to Share the Gospel Effectively."

You may or may not have know, but I'm called as a Relief Society teacher and I have the blessed opportunity to teach the first and third of the lessons I mentioned. I'm so excited!

It's funny to me when we members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are known for our enthusiastic desire to share the gospel with everyone. We voluntarily serve missions. We like to talk to everyone about it. We love sharing it! Sometimes people just think we are a little odd and intense for being so enthusiastic.

Within the lesson, President George Albert Smith said:

"Our mission to our Father’s children … is a mission of peace, of good will towards all men. It is an intense and enthusiastic desire to divide with all our Father’s children the good things that he has so generously bestowed upon us; and it is with the hope that they may understand, that we go upon our bended knees, day after day, and pray that their hearts may be touched, that the spirit of God may come into their souls, that they may understand the truth as it is given unto them" ("An Enthusiastic Desire to Share the Gospel"). 

As George Albert Smith said, the reason for such a desire is that we wish to share our joy and comfort and peace and blessings we have received with everyone else. We really do. We know the gospel is truth and it brings us such joy we want to share it with everyone.