3 Nephi 12

Verses 1-2: Jesus announces the calling and authority of the Twelve and repeats the importance of baptism. 

What does this teach me about the atonement?

The atonement made it possible for all of us to overcome sin through repentance. By atoning for us, Christ could truly invite people to follow Him, and even impart to them authority to act in His name. He truly purchased their authority and could not be more worthy of it.  Now, through His servants' repentance, service and devotion, the saving work of the gospel can spread with exponential impact.

Verses 3-16

Christ teaches the beatitudes, similar to Matthew 5.  

What does this section teach me about the atonement? 

As I read these verses now, I see all of the described, projected blessings as beautiful results of Christ's atoning sacrifice.  Because of what He did, those who mourn can be comforted. Because of what He did, the Holy Ghost can bless the repentant. Because of His atonement, anyone who is persecuted for his discipleship can be saved and rewarded. Because of the atonement, we can repent and change, and truly be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of this people," and our good works can glorify the Father just as the Savior did. HE CHANGED EVERYTHING.

Lesson for me?

*When you are discouraged, remember the power the Savior unleashed through His supernal act of love. Because of this you can cling to hope, cling to Him, and try again.

Verses 17-20

Christ speaks of the law, His fulfillment of it, and salvation.

What does this teach me about the atonement?

By performing the atonement, He did not invalidate the law- just the opposite! He made it possible for the law to have its full weight of justice by bearing it Himself, and loaning the benefits to those who acknowledge Him. As we confess our sins, they are absorbed by Christ's love, and the law still stands, while we stand with Christ. We are required to keep the commandments, and sincere repentance, in concert with the atonement's power, makes commandment keepers of those who fall short.

Lesson for me?

*Christ has not removed my necessity to strive to keep the commandments. He has removed the need for despair and helped me to keep striving. KBO

Verses 21-26

Directions regarding interactions with others.

What does this teach me about the atonement?

Christ is taking prior commandments to a deeper, more personal level for the people.  Through the atonement, Christ felt all of the hurt feelings people experience in their interactions and relationships.  He knew personally and experientially that "Thou shalt not kill" had to be expanded upon- that any intent to hurt can be sin which we must guard against as His followers.

Lesson for me?

*Remember that whenever you become hurtful you are hurting your Savior.  Be so careful with the feelings of others. His oneness with His children means that their pain is His.

Verses 27-32

Adultery and marriage

What does this section teach me about the atonement?

Again, clarifying and expanding the commandment.  Christ experienced the private and lonely hell of every sex and porn addict, every sex offender.  He very plainly knows that it's better to deny certain urges than to cast oneself into the self made, joyless hell of ever more blunted feelings.  Christ also speaks of the importance of preserving the sacredness of the marriage covenant.  He knows the pain and disorder resulting from its corruption.

Lesson for me?

*Deny yourself any unchaste thoughts and focus on the sacred.  Think of your marriage and intimate life as a holy institution. 

Verses 33-37 swearing and oaths 

I've never understood this very well, but He seems to say that it's better to simply answer yes or no than to ornament your speech with dramatic oaths.  Christ atoned for every ill effect of every unwise speech.  He knows the power of words.

Lesson for me?

Be very conscious in your speech that you are honest, sincere and not inflicting harm.

Verses 38-48

Turn the other cheek, love your enemies, etc.

Jesus teaches principles of peace, love, submissiveness and compassion.  He is able to absorb violence, heartache and contention, and transform them to love, through love.  He invites us to practice the same principles.  He gives us a higher standard for which to strive, one that will have us continually looking to Him and seeking His grace to assist us.  His voluntary agonies for our salvation certainly earned Him the right to ask us to suffer small inconveniences for the sake of His other children (and our own progression).  This entire section describes the very nature of our Savior's atoning sacrifice.  He did all the things He's describing. His atonement turned the other cheek, went the extra mile, gave away His cloak, loved His enemies and made His sun to rise on the evil and the good. In short, He gave all to the "undeserving". 

Lesson for me?

*I want to say, "let go of all notions of 'deserving' and go and do as the Savior directs". In parenting, though, I must exercise judgment. It is often unwise to do for children what they can and should do for themselves.  How do I sort this out? I must make sure my labors are supporting a good outcome/ that they are directed toward righteous, saving and constructive ends. Not always easy to discern. How can I direct and encourage them to good? It's rather how the Lord works with me- aligning and upholding and celebrating every movement toward the light and not participating in darkness, all the while going the extra mile in trying to lead an exemplary life. KBO!

I must be so gentle with their feelings and not cut them down for the sake of feeling powerful or superior- act from love- this does not preclude criticism and even hurt feelings- just uncalled for selfishness. He said in verse 48 that He wants perfection. He'll see me through the process.