Here are some thoughts as I read Jacob 3:
*Verse 1- Heavenly Father will be there for us if we are humble and willing to let Him.
*Pure in heart? What does that mean? I think it means that we’re striving to have our will in line with Heavenly Father’s will. It means that we’re doing all we can to avoid temptation and to keep our minds and thoughts clean. It means having love and charity towards those around us, just as Christ has for us.
*We’re told in verses 1 and 2 that if we’re pure in heart that we should pray unto Heavenly Father and receive the pleasing word of God. If we do so, we will feast upon His love, He will console us in our afflictions, send down justice upon those who seek our destruction, and our minds will be firm forever.
*Verse 7- We can learn from those around us, just as the Lamanites at that time were a better example unto the Nephites.
*Verse 9- We should not judge those around us. Just because we think that something someone is doing is wrong, we should still point the finger at ourselves and strive to be bettering ourselves. We also should seek to understand those around us rather than judging them negatively. We never know why someone has said or done something.
*Verse 10- The way we act WILL have an effect upon our children or future children. We need to be the best people NOW in order to improve families for the future.
*WAYS I CAN IMPROVE:
*I can strive to have my heart pure by thinking positively and praying for Heavenly Father’s guidance. I know that if I’m striving to do and be what my Heavenly Father has asked me, my life will be blessed and I will feel His love in my life.
*Rather than focusing on others, I can focus on bettering myself. I can change no one, but I can change my attitude. Just as I don’t want to be judged for my acts or words, I should not judge others for their acts. I should look for the best in others and help them to achieve their potential.
