Come, Follow Me Doctrine and Covenants
Doctrine and Covenants 18

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There are many different ways to try to measure a person’s worth. Talent, education, wealth, and physical appearance can all affect how we evaluate each other—and ourselves. But in God’s eyes, our worth is a much simpler matter, and it is stated clearly in Doctrine and Covenants 18: “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (verse 10). This simple truth explains so much of what God does and why He does it. Why did He instruct Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to establish the Church of Jesus Christ in our day? (see verses 1–5). Because the worth of souls is great. Why does He “command all men everywhere to repent” and send Apostles to preach repentance? (verse 9). Because the worth of souls is great. And why did Jesus Christ suffer “death in the flesh” and “the pain of all men”? (verse 11). Because the worth of souls is great. If even one of these souls chooses to accept the Savior’s gift, He rejoices, for “great is his joy in the soul that repenteth” (verse 13).

D&C 18: Revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer, given at Fayette, New York, June 1829. According to the Prophet, this revelation made known “the calling of twelve apostles in these last days, and also instructions relative to building up the Church.”