2 Nephi 26

I really liked these verses because they reminded me that even if we have faith, we are still persecuted and have struggles. But, we should look forward with "steadfastness in Christ, notwithstanding persecution." I love v 9, that Christ will heal the persecuted and give them peace:

8 But behold, the righteous that hearken unto the words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all persecution—behold, they are they which shall not perish.

9 But the Son of righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace with him, until three generations shall have passed away, and many of the fourth generation shall have passed away in righteousness.

Interesting how the devil works, "with a flaxen cord" until those become "strong cords." I remember in the book the Peacegiver, the man's vivid image of the mists of darkness in Lehi's book being the "flaxen cord" that Satan binds on all of us, and no one realized what was happening, until it was too late.

22 And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever.

The Lords mercy and giving in contrast:

25 Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.

26 Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.

27 Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.

28 Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.

33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.

Beautiful. :)