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3 Lessons to Learn from “Nevertheless”

Discover how one word in the scriptures can change your whole perspective and grow your faith

A group of young people gather for Family Home Evening, studying from the scriptures togetherUm grupo de jovens se reúne para a Noite Familiar, estudando as escrituras juntos.

One of my favorite things about reading the scriptures is how often I can reread them and learn something new. Each of the three books of scripture below teach different principles all connected by one word: “nevertheless.” Let’s find out what we can learn from studying “nevertheless.”

Trust despite challenges

Nephi, one of the prophets of the Book of Mormon, kneeling in woods to pray.
In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi records a deeply personal prayer. Crying to the Lord, he says, “And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.” 1

This scripture can help validate how we feel. Nephi describes a lot of different emotions in this scripture and reminds us that, even when things feel hard or discouraging, God is there and we can trust Him.

Christ's perfect humility

A painting of Jesus Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He preformed His great Atoning sacrifice.
The greatest event in all scripture is the Savior’s Atonement. In one of His darkest moments, Jesus says, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” 2

Jesus’ perfect example of humility teaches us so much — that God respects our agency and wants to hear about what we want, but we also have to understand that He knows what is best for us.

Cling to your faith

As a 14-year-old farm boy, Joseph Smith Jr. was shocked at how aggressively his neighbors responded to his vision of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The persecution started early in his life and continued until the end.

A painting of Joseph Smith's First Vision, where God and Jesus Christ appeared to speak with him.
He said, “However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. … I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; … For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it.” 3

Joseph Smith uses the word “nevertheless” to assert confidence in his testimony. Regardless of what the world thought, he knew he had seen a vision and he would not be shaken.

A powerful lesson

The word “nevertheless” is far more than a mere transition — it’s a powerful lesson. It teaches us about Nephi’s trust in God, Christ’s humility, and Joseph Smith’s steadfast confidence in his faith. As you move forward in your education through BYU-Pathway Worldwide, let this powerful word inspire you to rise above challenges, deepen your trust, embrace humility, and stand firm in your faith.