Reading the Book of Mormon as a Family
Our family just finished reading the Book of Mormon together. We read one column every night, and it took us about 3 1/2 years. We have five kids ranging from age 9 to age 11 months, and only two of them can read, but the other little ones like to repeat what we say so they can have a turn. We are trying to teach the children to be reverent, but our nightly scripture reading time is rarely calm. We are teaching them to follow along as others read, and we are helping them recognize and apply the principles taught in the scriptures. I know we are blessed for choosing to read the Book of Mormon together as a family.
There is power in the Book of Mormon. My husband, Jimmy, and I have had experiences teaching our little ones scripture stories in family home evening and morning devotional. The Holy Spirit touches their hearts and they want to hear more. In 1980, Marion G. Romney, a member of the First Presidency, promised this:
“If, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.” (The Book of Mormon, by Marion G. Romney, April 1980)
Question: Do you have a testimony of the Book of Mormon? Think back to when you first gained that testimony. What experiences have you had reading the Book of Mormon that have strengthened your testimony? Are there any specific scriptures or stories that helped you in a certain time of life? Record these experiences in your journal.
Challenge: Set a goal to strengthen your testimony of the Book of Mormon. Study it a little more every day, apply the principles taught in your life, memorize scriptures from it, tell a child one of your favorite scripture stories, or testify to others of its truthfulness. Choose something realistic. You will be blessed.
I want to read The book of Mormon in family but they don’t, even I want to do our “home evening teaching”(Noche de hogar) but they don’t. My family is not too active to the church and it is sad for me, I do not know what to do, I’m about to go in a mission but before I go, I want my family progress. What may I do? I mean, I’d tried and now I don’t know what todo, please help me. I’m worry about my younger brother, he doesn’t want to go in a mission and I can’t stop thinking that it is because of my parents.
Edison, Even if you can’t read the scriptures with your family, keep doing your personal scripture study. You will be blessed for doing so, and so will your family. They will see your example, and you will gain inspiration from the Spirit on what you can do to help your family. I’m so glad to hear that you are going on a mission soon. I firmly believe that your family at home will be blessed in special ways as you are out serving a full-time mission. As you are learning, everyone has their agency, and they will choose for themselves if they will obey the commandments of the Lord. You cannot force them, but you can encourage them and be a good example for them. Let them see the light of the Lord in you always. Keep up the good work, be faithful, and endure to the end, and I know the Lord will bless and comfort both you and your family.
Jimmy thank you, that was the answer I needed, I wasn’t thinking a lot about their agency and I was a little envious. It is just sometimes is hard to strive alone. I’m to show my example and I’m not to judge; I’ll continue doing my best, thanks for ev’rything.
I loved your post! Thank you for your insight. I’m teaching a lesson regarding the BOM this Sunday. May I copy and use one of your beautiful quotes for my lesson?