Brigham Young University (BYU) is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often mistakenly called the “Mormon Church.” As part of their undergraduate coursework, BYU students take multiple semesters of spiritually uplifting, stimulating religion classes.
Here, in this column, students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the New Testament and gospel of Jesus Christ in the form of letters to someone they know. In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to witness to all of us of the relevance, power, and beauty of the New Testament, and God’s plan of happiness for each of us. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures. Let us know how these may help you in your own life. Share them with a friend.
About Mormons: An Exchange
In my New Testament class this week I was very touched by the idea of the Great Exchange. Whether you are a Mormon or just a person trying to do what is right, I think that this concept is something from which we can all learn. The great exchange is found all through 2 Corinthians in the New Testament. It takes the idea that we bring something to Christ, and He gives us something back.
While the greatest exchange that ever happened was Christ atoning for our sins, I would like to focus on another exchange that can touch our lives and bring a new perspective. This exchange is one that we can all understand, because we have felt it in our own lives. The verse is found in 2 Corinthians 1:4. “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” I love that this verse talks about us taking our sorrows and struggles to God, and He will send us comfort and love. While that is a miraculous exchange that God has granted us, what do we do with that comfort? I think that it is important to notice that the verse is not talking mainly about God comforting us, but us comforting others, because we know what it is like to feel comfort. While we experience the original exchange, we can take that and share these feelings and comfort other people. In that way we are taking the exchange that was so kindly given to us and reflecting it on others. Whether or not a person is religious, I think that we all as humankind can gain from this verse by realizing that the comfort and love we feel in our lives can be taken and reflected on other people to bless them, just like God and Christ blessed us.
If these reflections helped you or if you have any questions, I would love to hear from you.
Additional Resources:
I Believe: Expressions of Faith
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