(Selected verses from the foundational texts of the Latter-day Saints movement, reflecting their moral teachings and focus on charity, agency, and family.)
Foundational Teachings
On Charity and Love
"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him... Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all."
— Moroni 7:47-48
On Moral Agency (Free Will)
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh... And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death."
— 2 Nephi 2:27
On Helping the Poor
"And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins... I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief."
— Mosiah 4:26
The Word of Wisdom (Health Code)
"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures."
— Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-19
The Promise to the House of Israel
"And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, who am their Redeemer; but that they might be gathered together in unto the lands of their inheritance... I will make a covenant with them, and they shall be gathered."
— Excerpts from 3 Nephi
"When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
— Mosiah 2:17