To Jacob, teaching the word of God was an “errand from the Lord,” so he labored diligently to “magnify [his] office” (Jacob 1:17, 19). What do these phrases that Jacob used mean to you? Think about what a magnifying glass does. Does that give you any ideas? As you ponder Jacob 1:6–8, 15–19 and 2:1–11, think about the errands the Lord might have for you. What do you feel inspired to do to “magnify” them?

See also “Whom the Lord Calls, the Lord Qualifies,” in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Thomas S. Monson (2022), 209–20; “Rise to Your Call” (video), Gospel Library.

IDEAS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN

• Some of the people in Jacob’s time were very rich, but they didn’t want to share what they had with others. As you read Jacob’s teachings to them in Jacob 2:17–19, you could give your children pictures or objects to hold that go with words or phrases in these verses. You might explain that you are sharing these objects with them; maybe you could then invite them to share the objects with you or with each other. Talk about how you feel when you share. What else could we share with others to help them feel happy?

• After reading together Jacob 2:17, perhaps your children could name some blessings Heavenly Father has shared with them. Why does He want us to share with each other?

The Nephites had a problem with pride and focusing on riches (see Jacob 2:13), and that problem wasn’t unique to them or their day. How does the adversary promote the love of riches today? After reading Jacob 2:12–21, describe in your own words how God wants you to view material wealth. A hymn like “Because I Have Been Given Much” (Hymns, no. 219) could provide additional insights. What do you feel inspired to do about what you’re learning?

As you read Jacob 2:22–35; 3:10–12, what do you find that helps you understand why chastity is so important to God? What are some of the negative consequences of immorality—in Jacob’s day and in ours? What are the blessings of living a chaste life?

Elder David A. Bednar taught that we live “in a world that increasingly mocks the sanctity of procreation” (“We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 41–44). How do you help others understand why you obey the law of chastity? A good place to start is the explanation of God’s standards on sexual feelings and relations in “Your body is sacred” in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (pages 22–29). What else do you find in this resource that would help you explain why you live the law of chastity?

You could find additional answers in Elder Bednar’s message referenced above or in the video “I Choose to Be Pure” (Gospel Library).

How is God’s standard of sexual purity different from other messages you might encounter? What are the blessings of living a chaste life?

See also Gospel Topics, “Virtue,” Gospel Library; “Same-Sex Attraction” in the “Life Help” Collection in the Gospel Library.

Jacob pleaded with his people to “be reconciled unto [God] through the atonement of Christ” (Jacob 4:11). One definition of reconcile is to restore to friendship or harmony. As you ponder your own life, think about a time when you may have felt distant from Heavenly Father. How does the Savior help you restore this relationship? What counsel can you find in this chapter that helps you reconcile with God? (see verses 4–11).

What additional insights do you gain from Matthew 5:23–24? How can the Savior help you reconcile with God—and others?

See also 2 Nephi 10:24.

IDEAS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN

• To help your children understand how a “wounded soul” can be healed, you could discuss together how our bodies get wounded and what helps them heal. Perhaps your children could talk about times when they got hurt and what helped them heal. You could even show them bandages or medicine as part of this conversation. Maybe you could share with them how the Savior has helped you when your spirit needed healing.

IDEAS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN