By 1836, the Church had accumulated heavy debts in doing the Lord’s work. Joseph Smith and others worried about these debts and considered ways to pay them (see the section heading to Doctrine and Covenants 111).

As you read section 111, consider how the Lord’s words to Joseph may apply to you—and the things you worry about. For example, when have you felt God’s love “notwithstanding your follies” (verse 1)? How has the Lord helped you find unexpected “treasures” (verse 10)? What has He done to “order all things for your good” (verse 11)? What does the phrase “as fast as ye are able to receive them” teach you about Heavenly Father?

See also Matthew 6:19–21, 33; “More Treasures Than One,” in Revelations in Context, 229–34.

IDEAS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN

• You and your children could draw what comes to mind when you hear the word treasure. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11 and contrast earthly treasures with the things the Lord treasures. (See this week’s activity page.) How can we treasure more the things of God?

Thomas B. Marsh, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was upset that Joseph Smith had, without consulting him, called two members of his quorum to preach the gospel in England. He met with the Prophet, who received a revelation that helped Thomas put aside his hurt feelings. That revelation is recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 112.

Keep this context in mind as you study Doctrine and Covenants 112. What do you find that might have healed Thomas’s hurt feelings? In verses 3–15 and 22, you could look for answers to questions like these: What is humility? What does it mean for the Lord to lead you “by the hand”? Why do you think being humble helps you receive the Lord’s guidance? You could find additional answers in “Pattern of Humility” in Elder Joseph W. Sitati’s message “Patterns of Discipleship” (Liahona, Nov. 2022, 87–88).

The fact that some Apostles in 1837 turned against the Prophet is a good reminder that regardless of our Church calling or how much we know about the gospel, we must individually make sure we nourish our conversion to Jesus Christ. Perhaps you could read Doctrine and Covenants 112:12–26, 28, 33–34 and look for truths that could help you overcome a trial of faith or become more fully converted to the Lord. You might feel inspired to share what you find to help someone else strengthen their conversion to Christ.

The prophet Isaiah referred to one of Jesse’s descendants as a “rod” and a “root” (Isaiah 11:1, 10). In section 113, the Lord explained that this descendant, a servant of Christ, would be instrumental in gathering the Lord’s people in the last days (see Doctrine and Covenants 113:4, 6). This prophecy describes the Prophet Joseph Smith quite well. How might this and other truths in section 113 have encouraged the Saints during the turmoil they experienced in Kirtland? What do you find in this revelation that inspires you to stay strong and continue to participate in the work of the Lord today?

See also Guide to the Scriptures, “Jesse,” Gospel Library; 2 Nephi 21:10–12; Joseph Smith—History 1:40.

You and your children could take turns reading from “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60). Who in the story made the problems in Kirtland worse? Who was trying to make them better? Then you could read Doctrine and Covenants 112:11 and talk about why the Savior wants us to love everyone. When did He show love for people who were unkind to Him? (for example, see Luke 23:34). You could also sing a song about loving others, such as “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 140–41).
DOWNLOAD these song visuals (HERE or below).