And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me: Cry unto this people—Repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptised, and build up again my church, and ye shall be spared.
– Mormon 3:2
I think this passage offers a convincing glimpse into God’s heart for His children. Here, the Lord commands Mormon to cry out to the people, urging them to repent, be baptised, and rebuild His church. There is an urgency in these words that connects deeply with me—a reminder that God’s patience is not passive indifference, but a yearning call for us to return to Him.
When I read this verse, I ca not help but feel the compassion behind the Lord’s message. Even after witnessing the people’s descent into wickedness, God still reaches out to them. He invites them to turn back, to repent, and to receive the blessings He longs to bestow. He does not give up on them despite their rebellion and hardness of heart. There is an echo of the Saviour’s words in Matthew 11:28, where He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This invitation is ageless; Christ extends it to all who are weary, burdened, or lost, just as God called out to Mormon’s people in their state of spiritual darkness.
The command to “build up again my church” also caught my attention. We are being called to come together as a community of believers. There is something powerful about the notion of rebuilding, of starting anew with a purpose that unites us in faith. This is about strengthening a community centred on Christ. Even in moments of widespread spiritual decay, the Lord’s desire is for His people to come together in faith, to worship, to serve, and to find strength in one another. It is an invitation to be part of something greater, to contribute to a cause that extends beyond our individual lives.
In our own lives, we may not face the exact circumstances that Mormon did, but the call remains relevant. Heavenly Father still invites us to turn towards Him, to repent and renew our commitments to Him. I have noticed that repentance is often misunderstood as a harsh or heavy-handed demand, but in reality, it is a loving invitation to experience the relief and joy that only Christ can provide. When we repent, we are not just acknowledging our mistakes; we are choosing to walk away from what is holding us back from God’s love and choosing, instead, to embrace His grace. Just as in Mormon’s time, there is an ever-present need to build up the church. It is not just about the bricks and mortar of physical chapels or meeting houses, but about fortifying the spiritual lives of those around us—offering a place of refuge, fellowship, and worship. Each of us has a role in this rebuilding, whether it is reaching out to someone who has drifted away, serving others with kindness, or strengthening our own commitment to the Saviour.
Reflecting on this passage, I am further reminded of the mercy of God, who reaches out time and time again, inviting His children to repent, be healed, and be united in faith. Despite our shortcomings, He never ceases to call us back to Him. There is a promise in His call: “ye shall be spared.” This is about finding true spiritual safety and peace in Him. When we respond to His call, we step into a life that He blesses with purpose, renewal, and hope.
This verse encourages me to not only seek repentance personally but also to look for ways to strengthen and build up others in their faith. Heavenly Father’s invitation is never meant to be exclusive or limited; He wants all His children to come unto Him. So, my prayer is that we may have the courage to respond to His call, to repent and recommit, and to be part of building up His church in these latter days. In doing so, we open ourselves and others to the blessings and protection He promises.
