Following the Lord, even when it is hard

In chapter 2 of Jacob,  in verse 2, Jacob tells how he is on his way to the temple to instruct the people. How they have gathered to hear the word of God. And he tells how he would love to just encourage and uplift, but that it grieveth his soul, but the Lord has told him the thoughts of the husbands and fathers and instead of uplifting, he must call them to repentance. 

Here is a part:

And it supposeth me that they have come up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul.

Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul that I should be constrained, because of the strict commandment which I have received from God, to admonish you according to your crimes, to enlarge the wounds of those who are already wounded, instead of consoling and healing their wounds; and those who have not been wounded, instead of feasting upon the pleasing word of God have daggers placed to pierce their souls and wound their delicate minds.

And then he goes on to talk first about pride and having more than others in way of riches to talking about their immorality and how it is destroying the hearts of their wives and children.  

As I read this chapter, I thought of how of how often when the apostles and prophets are preparing for conference and how many times this may happen to them. A lot of their talks are uplifting, and some may be harder to hear, because they are commanded of the Lord to speak hard things. As I read how This grieveth his soul. It created for me a different perspective and understanding for those that may have to deliver those more difficult talks. 

Verse 10 & 11:

10 But, notwithstanding the greatness of the task, I must do according to the strict commands of God, and tell you concerning your wickedness and abominations, in the presence of the pure in heart, and the broken heart, and under the glance of the piercing eye of the Almighty God.

11 Wherefore, I must tell you the truth according to the plainness of the word of God. For behold, as I inquired of the Lord, thus came the word unto me, saying: Jacob, get thou up into the temple on the morrow, and declare the word which I shall give thee unto this people.

And then verse 35: 

35 Behold, ye have done greater iniquities than the Lamanites, our brethren. Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you. And because of the strictness of the word of God, which cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds.

Can you imagine the impact this had on them. As he says he have done greater iniquity than the lamanites. I think That is a very strong statement that I am sure caused them to pause and reflect. 

I am so very grateful for our leaders and for the love they have for the Lord to deliver His words and counsel to us, especially when it sometimes “grieves their souls”.