Artworks for Doctrine & Covenants 71-83
Our artistic exploration of the Doctrine & Covenants continues! Each month, we'll share artworks from our permanent collection or visiting exhibitions that accompany the coming month's Come, Follow Me readings. You can also subscribe to get email reminders when new artworks are ready or follow along weekly on Instagram or Facebook. We hope that art-lovers everywhere will be inspired by these artworks as they complement their gospel study, family discussions, and church classes with fine art from around the world.
June 30 - July 6
Unity is central to our role as peacemakers. While we are encouraged by the Lord to “proclaim [the] gospel” in the face of criticism, Christ's example reminds us that we need not match our aggressors. The Lord’s work will always have critics, but in the end, “no weapon that is formed against [it] shall prosper.” (D&C 71:9).
The inscription on the sketched sword reads “E Pluribus Unum,” meaning “out of many, one.” This Latin phrase emphasizes the need to work harmoniously. While we should not back down in the face of criticism (symbolized by the sword) we must also remember that ultimately, we are all children of God. As we strive to be peacemakers, “out of many” we can be “one.”
How can you stand up for your beliefs peacefully?
July 7-13
“...I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.” (D&C 76:5).
In this etching, Christ gazes towards heaven with outstretched arms—an authoritative reminder of the salvation and eternal glory he has made possible for us. His resurrection, depicted reverently by Carl Bloch, exemplifies the honors Christ bestows upon those that serve Him.
As we ponder the generosity of Christ's love, we can consider our own gestures of reciprocation. The angels seated below Christ look at him with admiration, their kneeling position representative of their ready willingness to serve. Considering their example, we might gain insight into how we can adhere to D&C 76:5, and act in order to serve Christ in righteousness. Through this, we can strive to be worthy of his promised honor.
In what ways do you reciprocate Christ’s love?
July 14-20
Reading the scriptures, we can gain relief and serenity, assured by His words. In D&C 78:18, we are reminded “And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” As we immerse ourselves in the word of God, we can be “led along” in our pursuit of truth and knowledge.
The woman in this painting sits serenely on the porch, absorbed in her book. We may not know what she is reading, but her contented posture brings to mind the comfort one can receive through reading the “best books” (D&C 88:118).
Which scriptures bring you the most comfort?
July 21-27
The light in this painting falls on two figures: Christ, in the act of healing an infirmed man, and the man in the red cap, who gazes directly at the onlooker. His knowing look as Christ heals the man next to him is perhaps a reminder of the age-old truth: where much is given, much is required. D&C 81:4 reads, “Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” As we reflect on the blessings Christ has given us, we must also reflect on the responsibility those blessings carry with them—we must lift up the hands that hang down, and we must succor the weak.
“And in doing these things thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and wilt promote the glory of him who is your Lord.” D&C 81:4.
