Because I Knew You — D&C 135

Come, Follow Me: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
(November 24–30)

Three Thoughts from Me

• “I've heard it said
  That people come into our lives for a reason
  Bringing something we must learn
  And we are led
  To those who help us most to grow
  If we let them
  And we help them in return
  Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
  But I know I'm who I am today
  Because I knew you.”

These lyrics from the song, “Because I Knew You” from the play, Wicked, describe perfectly my relationship with Joseph Smith after studying his life and teachings this year in the Doctrine and Covenants.

• So much of what I feel, think, and do is sourced from the revelations Joseph received and the truths he restored. “Seek not for riches, but for wisdom… (D&C 6:7), “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not fear not” (D&C 6:36), “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say... (D&C 82:1), “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” (D&C 6:22).  

• When it came to dying, Joseph also teaches me how to live. “P S Dear Emma, I am very much resigned to my lot (of dying) knowing I am justified and have done the best that could be done give my love to the children” (from the letter written to Emma on the morning of his death, June 27, 1844). “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men” (D&C 135:4).

Two Thoughts from Joseph Smith

• “Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it” (Joseph Smith-History 1:25).

• “I can taste the principles of eternal life, and so can you. They are given to me by the revelations of Jesus Christ; and I know that when I tell you these words of eternal life as they are given to me, you taste them, and I know that you believe them. You say honey is sweet, and so do I. I can also taste the spirit of eternal life. I know that it is good; and when I tell you of these things which were given me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you are bound to receive them as sweet, and rejoice more and more” (Teachings, Joseph Smith, 525).

One Question for You

• How has Joseph Smith influenced you for good?