23 But behold there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni, yea, even at this time, in the twenty and first year of the reign of the judges.
This is a pretty incredible verse when you think about its context in the Book. The people have just fought a series of wars. They will soon deal with dissenters and more warfare and bloodshed. And yet, Moroni calls this the happiest time since the people left Jerusalem.

Why? Perhaps it was because the people were seeing the full fruits of all of the missionary successes from previous chapters. Many Lamanites had come into the fold and come to know God. And many Nephites had been reawakened to their faith and commitment to God as a result of the warfare. Those who dissented had largely left the Nephites and joined with the Lamanites. So the people on the whole were righteoues and remembered the Lord. In this state of righteousness the people could enjoy the fruits of the spirit and be happy.



Continue reading at the original source →