Ep. 350 Doctrine & Covenants 98:33-48 and Section 99 Charity in Conflict - How the Lord Teaches Peace

Summary

In this episode, Jeffery studies Doctrine & Covenants sections 98 and 99 against the backdrop of current events, including the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and President Russell M. Nelson’s counsel on peacemaking. The scriptures highlight the Lord’s command to renounce war, lift a standard of peace, and forgive liberally—even seventy times seven—while leaving vengeance in His hands.

President Nelson’s words, both in General Conference and his recent Time Magazine op-ed, underscore the same truths: anger never persuades, contention drives away the Spirit, and charity is the antidote to division. Jeffery applies these teachings to daily life, from crowded swim meets to traffic, reminding us that peacemaking begins in small interactions. The study also introduces John Murdock, whose call to serve despite personal tragedy demonstrates sacrifice, faith, and devotion to the Lord’s work.

---

Chapters

00:00 – Opening and Context
Reflections on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the timely counsel of section 98 about enemies and peace.

02:21 – Lifting the Standard of Peace
Doctrine & Covenants 98:34–38: seeking peace three times before turning conflict to the Lord.

03:27 – Direction Comes from the Lord
Justification for conflict comes only from God, through His prophets and apostles.

05:52 – President Nelson’s Call to Peacemakers
Highlights from the “Peacemakers Needed” General Conference message.

08:00 – Charity as the Antidote to Contention
Charity as the defining trait of true discipleship, and contention as a choice.

12:08 – Applying Charity in Daily Life
How traffic, crowds, and everyday frustrations can become training grounds for peace.

14:11 – Forgiveness Without Limits
The Lord’s command to forgive enemies—even without repentance—seventy times seven.

16:27 – Missing the Point of Vengeance
Focusing on revenge means missing the Savior’s true message of forgiveness.

19:27 – President Nelson’s Time Op-Ed
Two eternal truths: our inherent worth and the command to love our neighbor.

26:28 – John Murdock’s Call to Serve
Section 99: a story of sacrifice, loss, and the Lord’s assurance of support.

28:16 – Sacrifice, Family, and Service
How discipleship often requires sacrifice, and the duty of the Church to support families.

30:35 – Applying the Principle Today
Modern lessons from John Murdock: magnifying callings, serving, and loving with charity.

32:40 – Closing Thoughts and Prayer for Peace
A call to seek peace, pray for one another, and keep streaking the scriptures.

---

Conclusion

The unifying message of this study is clear: disciples of Christ are called to forgive, love, and seek peace. Section 98 teaches us that vengeance belongs to the Lord. President Nelson urges us to live as peacemakers. John Murdock’s example demonstrates faith and sacrifice in discipleship.

Whether in times of political division, personal hardship, or daily frustrations, the Savior’s way is the way of peace and charity. As Jeffery reminds us, we can begin with the smallest choices—how we treat others in traffic, in crowds, and in our homes—and extend that peace outward to change the world.

If this study inspired you to build greater consistency in your life, try the MyStreaks – Streak Tracker app. It helps you set laughably simple streaks in the areas that matter most—spiritual, personal, family, and work—and keep them alive day after day. Start small, build momentum, and see how consistency transforms your life. Download MyStreaks today and keep streaking forward with purpose.