Come, Follow Me

2 Nephi 1–2

Why Is Opposition Necessary in God’s Plan?

tree with large piece of fruit

In 2 Nephi 2, Lehi teaches about agency and our opportunity to choose joy and eternal life. But we couldn’t make that choice if there weren’t opposition. Lehi explains that without opposition, “righteousness could not be brought to pass” (verse 11).

Take a look at 2 Nephi 2:11–13 to fill out the following chart:

If we didn’t have …	Then we wouldn’t have …
Death
Sin
Corruption
Wickedness
Punishment
Misery

“All of us experience various kinds of opposition that test us. Some of these tests are temptations to sin. Some are mortal challenges apart from personal sin. Some are very great. Some are minor. Some are continuous, and some are mere episodes. None of us is exempt. Opposition permits us to grow toward what our Heavenly Father would have us become.”

President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “Opposition in All Things,” Liahona, May 2016, 115–16.

Discussion

Opposition means that we will face challenges, but it also means that we can find some good in our trials. What good can you find in failure, loss, financial stress, or other challenges?