Protection for the Righteous

"...he will preserve the righteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved...Wherefore, the righteous need not fear" (1 Nephi 22:17)

"...the righteous shall not perish..." (1 Nephi 22:19)

"And the righteous need not fear..." (1 Nephi 22:22)

I didn't really ever think about this before, but this is a quote by Nephi, speaking to his brothers.  He was just quoting the scriptures, teaching his brothers. But some of the things he was quoting makes me wondering if he really was really just trying to help them decide to take the path of righteousness.  In the course of just a few verses, he explains the protection and blessings that come to the righteous.

I think that even through Nephi had suffered at the hands of his brothers, he loved them and didn't want them to perish because of wickedness. Even though Lehi, in his dream, saw Laman and Lemuel choosing not to follow the iron rod, Lehi and Nephi weren't giving up on their family. Not just not giving up, but they continued to teach them and love them.

I think a lot of families can learn from this.  I have heard many people in a similar boat, where they have family members who fall away or whatever.  We should never give up. On them, on ourselves, or this life. It is an amazing thing that our loving Heavenly Father has given us so much. Imagine how He feels when we or others we know falls off the straight and narrow, and I'm sure He wants for everyone in that situation to get back on the straight and narrow, but He won't force them.  We need to be like Nephi and never give up, and continue to teach, testify and invite those people we know who need the gospel more fully in their lives.