1 Nephi 19–22

“They May Forget, yet Will I Not Forget Thee”

The good shepherd

How do you feel when you are remembered by someone who is important to you? While teaching about the scattering and gathering of Israel, Nephi used Isaiah’s prophecies to show that the Lord would not forget the scattered house of Israel. This lesson is intended to help you feel the Lord’s love for you and all people and His desire to gather you to Him.

The Savior’s love for us

There are times when each of us may recognize and feel God’s love in our lives, but at other times we might not recognize it at all. Imagine that you were speaking with a friend who told you that she was not sure that God loved her.

• What might you share from the scriptures that could help your friend?

• What experiences could you share with your friend about how you have come to know and feel the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Ponder your own feelings about God’s love for you, including any questions or concerns you may have. As you study, look for truths that can help you better understand and feel of the love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for you.

Nephi teaches about the Savior’s love for us

In 1 Nephi 19, Nephi prophesied of Jesus Christ’s future life and mission. Read 1 Nephi 19:7–10, looking for what Nephi taught about how Jesus Christ would be treated during His time on earth and why He would be willing to be treated this way.

• What words or phrases stand out to you from these verses? Why?

• How can understanding the teachings in these verses impact your feelings for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

After recording his own prophecies about Jesus Christ, Nephi shared prophecies from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah about the scattering and gathering of Israel. These prophecies were important to Nephi and his family, who had been scattered from their homeland of Jerusalem because of the wickedness of the people living in the area. Isaiah’s prophecies indicated that many of the Israelites would feel forgotten by the Lord in their scattered condition.

Read 1 Nephi 21:14–16 and look for the Lord’s words to those who would feel forgotten.

The Savior’s love is manifested by His willingness to gather people to Him

The people of ancient Israel were scattered whenever they stopped worshipping Jehovah and broke their covenants and the commandments of God (see 2 Nephi 6:10–11; 10:3–6). The people of Israel are gathered when they come unto Christ, accept His gospel through baptism, and keep His commandments. The Savior promised scattered Israel that He would not forget them and that He would gather them to Him in the last days (see 1 Nephi 15:13–14; 2 Nephi 6:11; 9:1–2; 10:7–8).

Study the chapter headings of 1 Nephi 21 and 22 to better understand what Isaiah is prophesying about and teaching in these chapters.

Study the following scripture passages about the latter-day gathering of Israel. Pay attention to words or phrases that indicate the Lord’s love for His people.

• 1 Nephi 22:9–12

• 1 Nephi 22:24–25

• 3 Nephi 22:7–8

If available, watch the video “God Has a Plan for You” (7:06), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, about a young woman named Renu Singh. Notice how Jesus Christ reached out and helped gather her to Him.

As you conclude today’s lesson, think about what you have learned and felt about God’s love. Consider how God has remembered and reached out to you with mercy and kindness. What can you do to show gratitude for what He has done for you? Consider recording your thoughts and spiritual impressions in your study journal.

Optional: Want to Learn More?

When I sin, am I unworthy of God’s love?

Brother Bradley R. Wilcox of the Young Men General Presidency taught:

Brother Bradley R. Wilcox

Remember change is possible, repentance is a process, and worthiness is not flawlessness. Most important, remember that God and Christ are willing to help us right here and now. …

So many have been hurt by broken and strained relationships that it is difficult for them to believe in God’s compassion and long-suffering. They struggle to see God as He is—a loving Father who meets us in our need and knows how to “give good things to them that ask him” [3 Nephi 14:11]. His grace is not just a prize for the worthy. It is the “divine assistance” He gives that helps us become worthy. It is not just a reward for the righteous. It is the “endowment of strength” He gives that helps us become righteous [Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Gift of Grace,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 107]. We are not just walking toward God and Christ. We are walking with Them. (Bradley R. Wilcox, “Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 62, 67)

Why would Christ compare Himself to a mother?

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Jehovah asked, “For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?” As unlikely as it is that a loving mother would forget her infant child, Jehovah declared that His devotion was even more steadfast. He affirmed: “Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. … Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” [1 Nephi 21:15–16]. Because Jesus Christ endured the infinite atoning sacrifice, He empathizes perfectly with us [see Alma 7:11–13]. He is always aware of us and our circumstances. (Dale G. Renlund, “Infuriating Unfairness,” Liahona, May 2021, 43)

How can we recognize God’s love for us?

Sister Susan H. Porter of the Primary General Presidency taught:

Sister Susan H. Porter

God’s love is not found in the circumstances of our lives but in His presence in our lives. We know of His love when we receive strength beyond our own and when His Spirit brings peace, comfort, and direction. At times it may be difficult to feel His love. We can pray to have our eyes opened to see His hand in our lives and to see His love in the beauty of His creations. (Susan H. Porter, “God’s Love: The Most Joyous to the Soul,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 35)