# 3 Nephi 12

*Simple English*

### Jesus Teaches the People

After Jesus spoke these words to Nephi and the others he had chosen, he reached out his hand to the crowd. He called out to them: God blesses you if you listen to the words of these twelve men I have chosen. They will serve you. I have given them power to baptize you with water. After you are baptized with water, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Spirit. God blesses you if you believe in me and are baptized. You have seen me and know that I am here. God blesses even more the people who will believe your words. They will believe because you will tell them you have seen me and know that I am here. God blesses those who will believe your words and become humble and be baptized. They will be filled with fire and with the Holy Spirit. They will have their sins forgiven.

### Who God Blesses

God blesses the poor in spirit who come to me. Heaven’s kingdom belongs to them. God blesses all those who are sad. They will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble. They will get the earth. God blesses all those who really want to do what is right. They will be filled with the Holy Spirit. God blesses those who show kindness. They will receive kindness. God blesses all the pure in heart. They will see God. God blesses all the peacemakers. They will be called God’s children. God blesses all those who are hurt because of me. Heaven’s kingdom belongs to them. God blesses you when people say mean things to you and hurt you and tell lies about you because of me. You will be very happy and full of joy. Your reward in Heaven will be great. People hurt the prophets who lived before you in the same way.

### Be Salt and Light

I tell you the truth. I am making you the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can the earth be salted? The salt will be no good. People will throw it out and walk on it. I tell you the truth. I am making you the light of these people. A city on a hill can’t be hidden. Do people light a candle and put it under a basket? No. They put it on a stand. It gives light to everyone in the house. So let your light shine for these people. Then they can see your good actions. They will honor your Father in Heaven.

### Jesus Completes the Law

Don’t think I came to get rid of the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to get rid of them. I came to complete them. I tell you the truth. Not even the smallest part of the law has been left out. In me it has all been completed. I have given you the law and commands of my Father. You must believe in me. You must turn away from your sins. You must come to me with a broken heart and a sorry spirit. You have the commands in front of you. The law is completed. So come to me and be saved. I tell you the truth. You won’t get into Heaven’s kingdom if you don’t keep my commands.

### Jesus Teaches About Anger

You have heard people from the past say this. It is written in front of you: You must not kill. Whoever kills will be judged by God. But I say to you this. Whoever is angry with his brother will be judged. Whoever calls his brother a fool will be in danger of hell’s fire. So if you come to me or want to come to me, and you remember that your brother is upset with you, go to your brother first. Make things right with your brother. Then come to me with your whole heart. I will accept you. Make things right with the person you disagree with quickly. Do it while you are still with him. If you don’t, he might take you to court. You might be put in jail. I tell you the truth. You won’t get out until you pay the last senine. While you are in jail, can you pay even one senine? I tell you the truth. No.

### Jesus Teaches About Purity

It is written by people from the past that you must not commit adultery. But I say to you this. Whoever looks at a woman and wants her has already committed adultery in his heart. I give you a command. Don’t let any of these things into your heart. It is better to say no to these things and carry your cross. That is better than being thrown into hell.

### Jesus Teaches About Marriage

It has been written: Whoever divorces his wife must give her divorce papers. I tell you the truth. Whoever divorces his wife causes her to commit adultery. The only reason to divorce is if she has been unfaithful. Whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

### Jesus Teaches About Promises

It is written: You must not break your promises. You must keep the promises you make to the Lord. But I tell you the truth. Don’t swear at all. Don’t swear by Heaven. It is God’s throne. Don’t swear by the earth. It is his footstool. Don’t swear by your head. You can’t make one hair black or white. Just let your words be yes or no. Anything more than these comes from evil.

### Jesus Teaches About Enemies

It is written: An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth. But I say to you this. Don’t fight back against evil. If someone hits you on your right cheek, turn and give him the other cheek too. If someone takes you to court and takes your coat, let him have your cloak too. If someone makes you go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to the person who asks you. Don’t turn away from someone who wants to borrow from you.

It is also written: You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you this. Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who hurt you and treat you badly. Then you can be the children of your Father in Heaven. He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good.

So the things from the old times under the law in me are all completed. Old things are gone. All things have become new. So I want you to be perfect. Be perfect like me or like your Father in Heaven is perfect.

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*Source: [The Book of Mormon](https://bookofmormon.com/simple/3-nephi/12)*
