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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 30: July 21 - 27: "Where 'Much Is Given Much Is Required'"

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 81-83

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading
  • This commandment reflects the Savior’s mission of ministering to the weak, weary, and afflicted. As disciples of Christ, we are expected to actively seek out those in need and provide spiritual and temporal support, mirroring His love and compassion.(Doctrine and Covenants 81:5).

These verses highlight that all blessings from the Lord come with the responsibility to use them to bless others. When we consecrate our time and resources to lift those in need, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and deepen our discipleship. Doctrine and Covenants 82:18-19.

The Lord’s laws are not meant to be burdensome but are given to guide us toward safety, happiness, and eternal blessings. When we understand that obedience brings divine protection and spiritual growth, we begin to see commandments as gifts rather than restrictions.(Doctrine and Covenants 82:8-10)

This principle teaches that divine laws operate on eternal truths—when we keep our covenants, we can confidently trust that God will fulfill His promises. Though His blessings may not always come in the way or timing we expect, they are always sure and given according to His wisdom.(Doctrine and Covenants 82:10)

  • This reveals the Lord’s deep concern for the most vulnerable among us. He expects His disciples to ensure that those who have lost family support are cared for, showing that true discipleship includes social responsibility and charity.(Doctrine and Covenants 83:6)

In the historical context of Doctrine and Covenants 83, state laws did not provide adequate protection for widows and orphans. However, the Lord established a higher law that emphasized their right to support, reinforcing that His kingdom operates on principles of justice, mercy, and equity.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • In March 1832, Joseph Smith received a revelation calling Jesse Gause as a counselor in the Presidency of the High Priesthood, which would later be known as the First Presidency. However, Brother Gause did not remain faithful, and Frederick G. Williams was called to replace him. Additionally, Joseph Smith was directed to travel to Missouri to organize the Church and care for the temporal and spiritual welfare of the Saints.
  • During this period, the Church was still in its early stages, and leadership positions were being solidified. The United Firm (or United Order) was established to help manage Church resources and care for the poor. Missouri was a gathering place for the Saints, but they faced opposition and hardship, especially among the most vulnerable, such as widows and orphans. The Lord’s revelations to Joseph Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 81–83 reinforced the principles of consecration, leadership responsibility, and care for the needy.
  • This historical background highlights the practical challenges early Church leaders faced in organizing the growing body of Saints while ensuring their spiritual and temporal needs were met. It also underscores how the Lord’s commandments were meant to provide structure, equity, and support for those in difficult circumstances.
  • The Lord’s instructions to early Church leaders are still applicable today. Leadership in the Church is not about status but about serving others. Additionally, the principle of caring for the needy remains a fundamental part of discipleship. Just as the early Saints were called to support one another, we too are invited to lift those who are struggling and uphold our covenant responsibilities.
    • The revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 81 was originally given to Jesse Gause, but because he did not remain faithful, his name was replaced with that of Frederick G. Williams. This demonstrates that while the Lord extends callings to individuals, His work is not dependent on any one person—if one fails to fulfill their duty, another will be called in their place.
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    • This principle is evident throughout Church history, where leaders and members who falter are replaced to ensure the continued progress of the Lord’s kingdom. It teaches that while we each have individual roles, God’s purposes will not be hindered by the shortcomings of any one person.
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    • For modern application, this reminds us that our service in the Church is a privilege, not a personal entitlement. It encourages us to remain faithful in our callings, knowing that our participation blesses us just as much as it blesses others. If we fail in our stewardship, the Lord will continue His work with or without us.
  •  In Missouri during the 1830s, state laws severely limited the rights of widows, often leaving them without claims to their deceased husbands’ property. This meant that many women and children in the Church were left in vulnerable positions, requiring communal support. The Lord’s revelation reinforced the divine expectation that these individuals should not be abandoned, regardless of secular law.
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  • This insight reveals how the Lord’s laws often go beyond worldly legal structures, emphasizing moral and ethical responsibilities rather than simply legal obligations. The early Saints were taught to provide for each other in ways that transcended societal norms.
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  • Today, this principle reminds us that caring for the vulnerable is a sacred duty. Whether through humanitarian aid, ministering, or personal acts of kindness, we are responsible for ensuring that no one in our community is left without support. True discipleship requires us to actively seek out and care for those in need, just as the Lord commanded the early Saints.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “Joseph fabricated revelations in Doctrine and Covenants to maintain control over the Church and gain personal power.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: Joseph Smith and early Church leaders faced extreme persecution, financial struggles, and personal hardship because of their commitment to these revelations. If Joseph were inventing revelations for personal gain, he would not have chosen a path that led to repeated suffering, imprisonment, and eventual martyrdom.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: Many early Saints, including those who later left the Church, testified of the divine nature of Joseph’s revelations. Even critics like William E. McLellin acknowledged that Joseph had a remarkable ability to receive and articulate revelation beyond his natural abilities.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: Doctrine and Covenants contains principles that lead to greater faith in Christ, stronger family relationships, and a commitment to righteousness—outcomes that would not arise from mere deception. Many members today receive personal spiritual witnesses of these revelations.
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  10. Logical Analysis: If Joseph were a fraud, he would have likely altered his teachings to avoid persecution, yet he remained steadfast in doctrines that brought opposition. Furthermore, he consistently gave credit to God rather than using revelations to glorify himself.
  • Claim: “Joseph originally named Jesse Gause in Doctrine and Covenants 81, but when Gause left the Church, he simply replaced his name with Frederick G. Williams to make the revelation seem valid.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 81 was given in March 1832, when Jesse Gause was actively serving in leadership. When he left the Church, the Lord called Frederick G. Williams to fill the same role, and the revelation was updated to reflect the Lord’s continued guidance.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Historical documents show that early Church leaders understood divine callings to be contingent upon faithfulness. Many other revelations included conditional promises based on obedience, demonstrating a consistent pattern in how revelation functioned.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The Lord’s work continues regardless of individual choices. This principle aligns with scriptural teachings that individuals are called, but if they do not remain faithful, the Lord will raise up another to take their place (e.g., Saul being replaced by David).
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  • Logical Analysis: If Joseph were merely fabricating revelations, he would not have needed to acknowledge the change in leadership at all. The fact that names were updated demonstrates an honest commitment to truth rather than an effort to conceal information.
  • Claim: “The United Order was a scheme for Joseph to gain wealth and power by requiring members to consecrate their goods to the Church.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The United Order was not designed to benefit Joseph Smith personally but to care for the poor and establish equality among Church members. Many leaders, including Joseph, lived humbly and received only the necessary provisions from Church resources.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Members of the United Order, such as Newel K. Whitney and Edward Partridge, testified that Joseph Smith himself did not live extravagantly. He was often in financial distress and used Church funds to assist struggling members rather than amassing personal wealth.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The principles of the United Order align with biblical teachings, such as those found in Acts 4:32-35, where early Christians had “all things in common” and supported one another. This suggests divine consistency rather than deception.
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  • Logical Analysis: If Joseph had created the United Order for personal gain, he would have structured it in a way that ensured lasting wealth for himself. Instead, the system required great personal sacrifice from all members, including Church leaders.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Seek personal revelation through prayer and scripture study.

Life is filled with uncertainty, but trusting that God still speaks to His children provides peace and direction. The scriptures and personal revelation confirm that God has a plan for each of us, helping us move forward with faith rather than fear.

  1. – Set aside daily time for prayer, asking specific questions about your life.
  2. – Read scriptures with the intent of receiving guidance.
  3. – Write down impressions and promptings you feel.
  4. – Act on the inspiration you receive, even if it requires faith.
  5. – Reflect on past experiences where God has guided you.

Encouraging Thought:

  • “If you will listen, God will tell you what He wants for you and will bless you in ways you cannot imagine.” – President Russell M. Nelson

Action Step: Look for opportunities to serve within your family, ward, and community.

The Lord has always commanded His people to care for the poor, widowed, and fatherless. When we serve, we not only bless others but also strengthen our own faith and draw closer to God.

  1. – Pray to recognize those who may need help.
  2. – Offer small acts of kindness, such as a note of encouragement or a meal.
  3. – Volunteer for Church or community service efforts.
  4. – Look for ongoing ways to support someone in need rather than a one-time effort.
  5. – Reflect on the Savior’s teachings and example of service.

Encouraging Thought:

  • “When we serve others, we are in the service of our God.” – Mosiah 2:17
  • Action Step: Evaluate your personal discipleship and set goals to live your covenants more fully.

Keeping covenants brings spiritual power and peace. The Lord promises to guide and protect those who are faithful to Him, and making a conscious effort to stay true to our covenants strengthens our relationship with Him.

  1. – Identify one covenant (e.g., sacrament, temple, or service) to focus on.
  2. – Set a goal to improve your commitment to that covenant.
  3. – Study related scriptures and teachings from Church leaders.
  4. – Pray for strength to keep your commitment.
  5. – Reflect weekly on your progress and adjust as needed.

Encouraging Thought:

“The power of our covenants is greater than any challenge we face.” – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand how God speaks to them through personal revelation.

Blank paper, pens, scriptures.

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Share a story (personal or scriptural) about someone receiving revelation. Ask, “How do we know when God is speaking to us?”
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read and discuss James 1:5 and Doctrine & Covenants 8:2-3. Have learners write down different ways God communicates with His children.
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  5. Application (5 min): Give everyone a moment to write a question they have for God. Invite them to ponder and write any impressions they receive.

Follow-Up Question: What are some ways you have personally experienced God’s guidance?

Objective: Help learners see how keeping covenants strengthens them spiritually.

A rope (or string) and small weights (or objects).

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Show a single strand of string and a thick rope. Ask, “Which one is stronger? Why?”

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Mosiah 5:5 and discuss how covenants bind us to God. Have each person share a covenant they have made and how it has strengthened them.

Application (5 min): Attach small weights (representing trials) to the single string and then the rope to show how covenants give us strength.

Follow-Up Question: How have you seen the blessings of keeping covenants in your own life?

Objective: Inspire learners to actively seek ways to serve others.

Slips of paper, a jar, scriptures.

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Write “Service” on the board. Ask learners to list as many ways Jesus served in 60 seconds.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Mosiah 2:17 and discuss what it means to serve God by serving others.

Application (5 min): Have everyone write one act of service on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. Challenge them to pull one out and complete it this week.

Follow-Up Question: How can we develop a habit of looking for daily opportunities to serve?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • – Our relationship with God is strengthened through personal revelation and covenants.
  • – God speaks to His children in various ways, including the Holy Ghost, scriptures, and prophets.
  • – Keeping covenants provides spiritual protection and power.
  • – Service and obedience help us draw closer to God.
  • – God’s guidance is personal and tailored to our needs.
  • Why trust modern prophets?
  • – Prophets have always been God’s chosen messengers (Amos 3:7).
  • – Prophets provide guidance relevant to our time and challenges.
  • – Consistent fulfillment of prophetic counsel confirms divine inspiration.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
  • – Agency is essential to God’s plan (2 Nephi 2:26).
  • – God works through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect purposes.
  • – The restoration is ongoing, and God continues to refine His church and leaders.
  • James 1:5 – God gives wisdom to those who ask in faith.
  • Mosiah 2:17 – Serving others is serving God.