The church is beginning to move into what will become a difficult period. There are some who are very critical of Joseph Smith. When he tries to settle things with some people, they refuse, even when they know they are in the wrong. Joseph was a very forgiving person. He did not hold grudges and was quick to defend those who had not defended him. The Lord points out in this section that when we have been wronged, we should forgive and when we don't, the greater sin lies with us. The reason for this is, instead of letting go, we seek to stop the progress of the person we don't forgive. It is wrong to wish evil or bad fortune on anyone. Sometimes this is not easy, but like the old saying goes, when bit by a rattle snake, it's a lot better to get the poison out then let the poison do its work and we die trying to kill the snake.
The prophet is moving 30 miles southeast of Kirtland to the Johnson farm where things will be quieter and he can devote more time to the revision of the Bible that the Lord commanded him to do. We call it the Joseph Smith Translation, but that is really incorrect. Nothing was translated. It is scripture that has been clarified, corrected, or had missing verses restored by means of revelation.
The Lord promises that the saints will obtain an inheritance in Zion. He says "my words are sure and shall not fail." But he also says, "But all things must come to pass in their time." We always want the blessings "now." A blessing is always given at the time that it will do the most good, and be the most appreciated. Sometimes our needs seem so pressing; we wonder why the Lord allows things to happen that cause us concern. If we didn't wait and let the Lord's time have its way, we would not only fail to appreciate and enjoy the blessing, we would miss out on developing the wisdom and experience that would have come in waiting.
The Lord asks three things of us in this section, our hearts, a willing mind, and obedience. Those who offer those three things are promised that they will enjoy the goodness of Zion. We just might have to wait a bit first though.
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