Matthew 7:7-12

The Sermon on the Mount continues.

7 Ask[1], and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Jesus is telling us how to receive knowledge. This was emphasized to Joseph Smith. “Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you” (D&C 6:5).

Looking at the footnotes gives us more insight. When He says, “it shall be given you,” the footnote refers us to the Topical Guide (TG) – revelation.

When He says, “seek, and ye shall find,” the footnote refers us to TG Study. When we “seek,” we need to do our part. When Oliver Cowdrey wanted to translate the plates, he was told, “you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right” (D&C 9:8). A desire to know these things requires and effort on our part.

When He says, “knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” the footnote refers us to TG Learn.

“Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism.”[2]

9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 If ye then, being evil [GR although you are wicked] know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

“That their supplications would be heard and answered followed as a rich promise. They were to ask and they would receive; they were to knock and the door would be opened. Surely the Heavenly Father would not be less considerate than a human parent; and what father would answer his son’s plea for bread by giving him a stone, or who would give a serpent when a fish was desired? With greater certainty would God bestow good gifts upon those who asked according to their need, in faith.”[3]

12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Jesus gives us the Golden Rule. It represents common sense. If we treat people poorly, we are not going to receive gratitude and appreciation. We will most likely get the same response from others. The only way to get respect and treated properly is to treat others the same way.

“On the subject of public discourse, we should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention. Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not be contentious. We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence. In doing so, we ask that others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free exercise of our religion. We encourage all of us to practice the Savior’s Golden Rule: ‘Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them’ (Matthew 7:12).”[4]

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[1] “Say unto them, Ask of God; ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

“For everyone that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

“And then said his disciples unto him, They will say unto us, We ourselves are righteous, and need not that any man should teach us. God, we know, heard Moses and some of the prophets; but us he will not hear.

“And they will say, We have the law for our salvation, and that is sufficient for us.

“Then Jesus answered, and said unto his disciples, Thus shall ye say unto them,

“What man among you, having a son, and he shall be standing out, and shall say, Father, open thy house that I may come in and sup with thee, will not say, Come in, my son; for mine is thine, and thine is mine” (JST Matthew 7:12-17).

[2] Faith-the Choice Is Yours, Elder Richard C. Edgley, October 2010 General Conference.

[3] Jesus the Christ, Elder James E. Talmage, Chapter 17.

[4] Loving Others and Living with Differences, President Dallin H. Oaks, October 2014 General Conference.