We only get a few accounts of husbands and wives interacting within the scriptures.
But I am so grateful for the few glimpses we get into how Lehi and Sariah interacted!
Sariah started complaining and murmuring that her sons were probably killed in the wilderness.
She couldn’t believe she trusted her “visionary” husband.
She blamed her husband for her trials.
And I completely understand where Sariah was coming from–
I have blamed my husband for much more minor offenses than forcing us to leave our home and losing our children.
After Sariah complained, but before her sons returned, we see how Lehi responded:
He reaffirmed the truth of the visions he had.
And then he comforted her.
“And after this manner of language did my father, Lehi, comfort my mother, Sariah, concerning us . . . .” (1 Nephi 5:6)
Lehi comforted his grieving and frustrated wife.
Pointing fingers in a marriage (or any relationship) is easy.
But often, what we all need is just comfort.
Despite our weaknesses, we want to know that we are loved and cared for.
Jesus did this a lot.
He comforted and mourned with those who were distraught.
And it’s a great pattern for each of us to try to emulate just a little bit better.
To try to show love in a mortal world where it is so easy to criticize.
To take off the judgmental lenses and embrace the child of God.
Great relationships involve showing comfort and love, especially when we are the most vulnerable.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
7 Responses
I serve in Primary as the pianist. I love my calling and the kids are the best! But I miss the insights shared during Adult Sunday school. I watch/listen to several podcasts during the week that fill the gap but I absolutely LOVE your insights!!! I am so grateful that you post these. Thank you!!!!!
I’m so glad you enjoy them! <3
Thank you for your thoughts on the scriptures. I find them very insightful and inspiring!
I do have a comment about Sarah complaining. You said she complained and murmured, but I don’t think she murmured – just complained. One of the podcasts I listened to made a differentiation between complaining and murmuring. They said murmuring is complaining against God or prophets. Criticism of those in authority is the first step to apostacy. She wasn’t on the verge of apostacy in my mind. She complained because everything looked so bleak at the moment (which was probably a couple of months without her sons). As you said – in the desert, losing her home and everything/everyone there, then losing her sons, and having their lives in danger at every moment! It would be hard not to complain. But it still doesn’t sound to me like she was doubting God – just the situation.
Thank you again for all the effort you put into sharing inspiration and insights into the scriptures!
Ps, I understand that this point isn’t even part of the point you are making, which is about good relationships! I do love your message for today!
Thank you for sharing this insight!
What does complaining mean in Christianity?
Faithless complaining is sinful because it accuses God of doing wrong. But faithful complaining does not impugn God with wrong. Rather, it is an honest, groaning expression of what it’s like to experience the trouble, anguish, and grief of living in this fallen, futile world (Romans 8:20-23).
, I believe they were having a loving conversation. And she definitely believed he was a visionary man of God. No murmuring mentioned at all.
I’ve never cared for this scripture. I wished it said, “Sariah was concerned.” As a mother, we are always concerned when it is related to the absence of our children–even when our children are in their 50s. They are our greatest possessions. I see her lamenting. She has sent her four sons away and with them, possibly her care and stability in her later years. We learned in the OT about the birthright and the double portion. Should her sons not return, there is no one to care for her after Lehi dies. We know from the stories of Tamar and Naomi and Ruth this possibly meant a life of begging at the temple gates or on the streets of Jerusalem because she might have no one to care for her. Not only is she concerned for her sons, but realizes the bleak future that may await her without her sons.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It’s true that as moms we are always concerned about our children!