D&C 126

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 126

Received July 9, 1841, at Nauvoo, Illinois, for Brigham Young, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. After years of arduous missionary service away from his family, Brigham is told he is no longer required to leave his family for extended missions. The Lord says, 'I have seen your labor and toil and accepted it.'

Scripture

Brigham Young's Sacrifice Acknowledged

Study note

The Lord declares that he has seen Brigham's labor and accepted his sacrifice. Brigham is no longer required to leave his family for foreign missions and is to direct the work of the Twelve from home.

1 Dear and well-beloved brother, Brigham Young, verily thus saith the Lord unto you: My servant Brigham, it is no more required at your hand to leave your family as in times past, for your offering is acceptable to me.

2 I have seen your labor and toil in journeyings for my name.

3 I therefore command you to send my word abroad, and take especial care of your family from this time, henceforth and forever. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 126

God sees and acknowledges personal sacrificeBalance between missionary duty and family responsibilitySeasons of service change over timeThe Lord's tender awareness of individual burdens

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 126 1 Hebrews 6:10

The Lord's acknowledgment of Brigham's work echoes the writer of Hebrews: 'God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name.'

D&C 126 3 1 Timothy 5:8

The release from foreign missions to care for family connects to Paul's teaching that if anyone does not provide for his own household, he has denied the faith.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 126

This brief, tender revelation teaches that God sees every sacrifice made in his name. Brigham Young had left his sick wife and children multiple times to serve missions under harrowing conditions. The Lord's acknowledgment—'I have seen your labor'—is deeply personal. It reminds us that God does not ask us to sacrifice endlessly without recognition. There are seasons for intense service and seasons for family focus, and God directs both.

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