The evil-minded brothers concluded that Nephi’s beautiful teachings were hard and unbearable. The young prophet responded that they are hard only for the wicked, who feel guilty in their dark sins and want to avoid the light. Indeed, our experience has shown that the manifestation of gospel truths in the face of wickedness causes great divisions and brings guilt, embarrassment, and anger to the less righteous. Truth cuts the wicked to the very center because the word of the Lord is “sharper than a two-edged sword” (D&C 11:2). The Savior said he would bring not peace but a sword (Matthew 10:34–37). John’s Gospel records that “there was a division among the people because of him” (John 7:43).
What does a righteous person do who has to live with someone who is wicked and rebellious? Persist in encouraging the lost one to keep the commandments, and refuse to give up. Let the rebellious one keep hearing that encouragement with love and kindness.