Mormon concludes that these few followers of Christ have a hope that they will enter into the rest of the Lord. He makes this conclusion based upon their ‘peaceable walk’ among the children of men. The connection between hope and a peaceable walk is not immediately apparent. But, placed in historical context, their love of peace is in stark contrast to the rest of their society. Could it be that these were the only people among the Nephites that were not continually fighting for their lives? Could it be that they were the only people among the Nephites who were not consumed with thoughts of death, revenge, and bloodshed? And how could it be that they had no fear of death? Apparently, their hope of eternal rest was a product of their faith and that perfect love which casteth out all fear (Moroni 8:16). Amidst a society of bloodshed and carnage, their ‘peaceable walk’ was evidence to Mormon that they had hope for a better world (Ether 12:4).
“Mormon’s challenge as a spiritual leader in a wicked world strikes a sad but familiar chord today. In Moroni 7, Mormon addresses his words to the ’peaceable followers of Christ.’ (Moro. 7:3.) Just as in Mormon’s day, to be such a ‘follower’ in our society is not an easy task…One who has a ’peaceable walk,‘ in the Savior’s words, would ’learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.’ (D&C 19:23)” (Clyde J. Williams, Church News, 11/30/96)
Bruce C. Hafen
“This is the spiritual endowment of hope—of perspective, of patience, of an inner serenity, a sure inner sight, that is ’not weary in well-doing.’ (D&C 64:33.) Such hope is bestowed by the power of the Holy Ghost, ’which Comforter filleth with hope.’ (Moroni 8:26.)…It is the hope that Mormon recognized as a sustaining, God-given source of strength in the maturing stages of spiritual development: (quotes Moroni 7:3-4). Not perfect, not frantic; not pessimistic and not artificially cheerful. The walk of those who walk with the endowment of hope is ’peaceable.’” (The Broken Heart, p. 184)