The Tender Mercies of the Lord

 

Doctrine and Covenants 11:20. “This is your work, to keep my commandments”

The Lord instructed Hyrum Smith four times in Doctrine and Covenants 11 to keep His commandments (see D&C 11:6, 9, 18, 20). Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught how the Lord’s words to Hyrum relate to each of us:

“One of the most well-known and frequently cited passages of scripture is found in Moses 1:39. This verse clearly and concisely describes the work of the Eternal Father: ‘For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man’ (emphasis added).

“A companion scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants describes with equal clarity and conciseness our primary work as the sons and daughters of the Eternal Father. Interestingly, this verse does not seem to be as well known and is not quoted with great frequency. “Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength” (D&C 11:20; emphasis added).

“Thus, the Father’s work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children. Our work is to keep His commandments with all of our might, mind, and strength” (“The Tender Mercies of the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, David A. Bednar).