There are certain scripture references that have become "standard repertoire" among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Take, for example, 1 Nephi 3:7 which contains Nephi's well-known declaration of faith: "...I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded..."
I don't think it's necessary to include the entire verse--you probably aleady know it by heart. Now, what about verse 6, the verse immediately before the one above? We probably have no idea what that contains. Well, I'm finding that sometimes the verses immediately before and/or after a well-known verse contain important lessons, many of which go unnoticed.
1 Nephi 3:6
Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured.
The lesson in this verse: When we "go and do" without murmuring we will be favored of the Lord.
In computer science and computer programming, one of the most common logical errors a programmer experiences is what's called an "off by one" error. This article extends that idea of being off-by-one to doctrines found in well-known verses, which sometimes tend to overshadow the lessons that we could learn in the surrounding verses.
How about 2 Nephi 2:25: "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."
Classic. It's the one we all know by heart. I submit that the preceeding verse is the one we all need to remember most of the time:
2 Nephi 2:24
But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
Have you ever felt confused about the doctrine of the Fall of Adam? Do you have burning, unanswered questions about the trials of life or any other difficult issues? You're not alone, but verse 24 reminds us that our omniscient and wise Father in Heaven knows everything we are going through. He'll answer all our questions in his time.
In Mosiah 18:8-10 Alma gives an inspirational invitation to his followers to be baptized and he explains in great detail what the covenant of baptism entails. We're all familiar with phrases like "mourn with those that mourn", and "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places". Alma ends his invitation with "if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord...that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"
The reaction of those followers in the very next verse is even more inspirational:
Mosiah 18:11
And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts! (implied exclamation mark added)
One of the sweetest memories from my own full-time mission happened during a Sunday school class during which a visiting non-member felt the Spirit so strongly that she declared in the middle of class to everyone that she would be baptized. Like those disciples of old at the waters of Mormon, everyone in that Sunday school class broke into applause and cheers in support of her decision! That was a great day.
In Alma 29, Alma the younger poignantly declares: "O that I were an angel..."
But it's verse 3 that contains the real lesson:
Alma 29:3
But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
'Nough said.
What about the doctrinal mastery verse found at Alma 34:9? "For it is expedient that an atonement should be made..."
Amulek explains why Jesus has to atone for the sins of the world, and what a big deal that is, but the reason he was getting into that stemmed from him bearing his testimony in the preceding verse:
Alma 34:8
And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
TIL: Start by bearing your testimony and see where the Spirit takes you!