It’s common today, as it was in Ether’s day, for people to want to see evidence before believing in God and His power. What do you learn from Ether 12:5–6 about this idea?

As you read Ether 12, you might make note of every time you find the word “faith.” Consider what each instance teaches about faith. Questions like these may help: What is faith? What does it mean to exercise faith? What are the fruits of faith in Jesus Christ? You could also record your thoughts about witnesses you have gained “after the trial of your faith” (Ether 12:6).

See also Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” Liahona, May 2021, 101–4.

• Consider helping your children repeat with you “Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen” from Ether 12:6. They might enjoy looking at pictures that show the examples of faith in Ether 12:13–15, 19–21 (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 78, 85, and this week’s activity page). Let your children explain what they know about each story. Here are some questions to help you discuss these examples of faith:

  • What did these people hope for?

  • How was their faith tested?

  • What happened because of their faith?

  You could also share your own experiences exercising faith.

In addition to profound insights about faith, Ether 12 also has a lot to say about hope. Let these questions guide your study:

• What were the reasons that Ether had to “hope for a better world”? (see Ether 12:2–5).

• What is the purpose of an anchor? What does hope do for your soul that’s similar to what an anchor does for a boat? (see Ether 12:4).

• What should we hope for? (see Ether 12:4; Moroni 7:41).

• How has the gospel of Jesus Christ given you “a more excellent hope”? (Ether 12:32).

See also Moroni 7:40–41; Jeffrey R. Holland, “A Perfect Brightness of Hope,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 81–84. 

• To understand what Ether 12:4 teaches about hope, you and your children could look at a picture of a boat and an anchor. Why do boats need anchors? What would happen to a boat that does not have an anchor? As you read Ether 12:4 together, talk about how hope helps us the way an anchor helps a boat. Invite your children to draw pictures of a boat and anchor so they can teach others about hope.

• If your children need a definition of hope, help them find one in Guide to the Scriptures, “Hope” (Gospel Library). According to this definition and Ether 12:4, 32, what should we hope for? (see also Moroni 7:40–42). Help your children think of other words for hope, along with words that mean the opposite of hope. You could also share some gospel truths that give you hope.
  
  YOU MAY ALSO LIKE Smooth Sailing Family – Faith, Prayer, Repentance, or Forgiveness (boats) activity (HERE). This activity can also give you hope knowing that Jesus, our Savior saved us from sin and death.

  FOR EXAMPLE, Faith gives you hope and hope gives you faith.
  See the 12 Character Be’s that all indicate hope (HERE): Be Grateful. Be Smart. Be Clean, Be True, Be Humble, Be Prayerful, Be involved, Be Positive, Be Still, Be a Light, Be a Missionary, and Be an Example.

When we read Moroni’s powerful writings, it’s easy to forget that he worried about his “weakness in writing” and feared that people would mock his words (see Ether 12:23–25). If you have ever felt anxious about your own weakness, read about Moroni’s struggles—and the Savior’s response—in Ether 12:23–29. You might also ponder times when Jesus Christ has helped you recognize your weakness and made you strong—even if He didn’t completely remove it. Also think about weaknesses you are currently struggling with. What do you need to do to receive the Savior’s promise to “make weak things become strong”? (Ether 12:27).

Consider searching the following passages to see how others in the scriptures gained strength through the grace of Jesus Christ:

• Enoch (Moses 6:31–34; 7:13)

• Moses (Exodus 4:10–12; 14:31)

• Gideon (Judges 6:12–16; 8:22–23)

• Peter (Luke 5:8–10; 22:55–62; Acts 4:13–21)

• Moroni (Ether 12:23–29)

• Joseph Smith (Joseph Smith—History 1:28; Doctrine and Covenants 35:17; 135:3)

See also Gospel Topics, “Grace,” Gospel Library; “The Lord Is My Light,” Hymns, no. 89.

• Children sometimes face situations in which they feel weak, just as Moroni did. Help your children find out why Moroni felt this way in Ether 12:23–25, and ask them if they have ever had similar feelings. Then invite them to read verses 26–27 (DOWNLOAD this Ether 12:27 scripture poster/card activity below) to find out how the Lord helped Moroni.

• Perhaps your children could draw a picture of something weak and something strong. Then they could add to their drawing some words and phrases from Ether 12:23–29 that teach them about how the Savior can turn our weakness into strength. Encourage your children to think about a weakness they have and then seek the Savior’s help to become strong. You could also share an experience when the Savior helped you become strong enough to do something hard.

Being king of the Jaredites was, historically, a dangerous position. This was especially true for Coriantumr, as many “mighty men … sought to destroy him” (Ether 13:15–16). In Ether 13:15–22, notice what Coriantumr did to protect himself and what the prophet Ether counseled him to do instead. As you read the rest of the book of Ether, ponder the consequences of rejecting the prophets. What happens to people when “the Spirit of the Lord [ceases] striving with them”? (Ether 15:19). What might the Lord want you to learn from these accounts? Consider what you will do to follow His prophets.