The Mandate of the Covenant: Caring for the Gēr and the Modern Displaced

In the sacred study of the restored gospel, we often find that the deepest truths are revealed not in the pronouncements of a single generation, but in the enduring, repeating patterns of divine law. When we examine the texts—the scriptures, the Book of Mormon, and the ancient laws—a consistent, powerful mandate emerges: the covenant obligation to the stranger.

The word for this group, often translated as 'stranger' or 'foreigner,' is the ‘gēr.’ This term is far more than a legal designation; it is a theological reflection of our identity as a people who are perpetually migrating, seeking refuge, and building a Zion across generations. Our history is a chronicle of displacement, from Abraham in a strange land, to the early Saints fleeing Kirtland and Nauvoo, and continuing today in the global currents of human suffering.

The Divine Blueprint: Gēr Laws

The recent scholarly work delving into the 'Gēr Laws'—as presented by scholars like Dr. Crystal Pierce—is a profound reminder that the Lord’s care for the vulnerable was not an ad-hoc humanitarian response, but a fundamental, structural principle of His plan. This principle is woven into the very fabric of the covenant, requiring us to view the displaced not as outsiders, but as individuals who are under threat of losing their life, their rights, or their very freedom.

The principles are clear and non-negotiable, echoing the words of Leviticus:

The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you and thou shalt love him as thyself.

From Ancient Law to Modern Covenant Obligation

What is remarkable is how these ancient legal mandates echo the spiritual calls of our modern prophets. When Sister Linda K. Burton spoke in 2016, referencing Matthew 25, she did not merely cite a parable; she invoked a covenant principle that demanded the full application of our temporal and spiritual resources. This is the spiritual evolution of the 'gēr' mandate. Our duty is to impart of our substance, both spiritually and temporally, according to Mosiah 4:26.

As scholars, we recognize that the Book of Mormon provides repeated, vivid examples of this pattern: the Anti-Nephi-Lehi, who were migrants fleeing persecution; the early Church members who were forced to flee their established communities; and the modern Latter-day Saint called to action. This is not a suggestion for our Relief Society or our General Primary; it is a foundational pillar of the Restoration. It is an active doctrine and covenant.

The Scholarship of the Spirit

For us, the study of these topics is never merely academic. It is a form of worshipful scripture study that grounds our understanding of the Atonement. To study the 'gēr' is to study the universality of the need for refuge and the covenant commitment to provide it. It requires the humility of the scholar and the urgent heart of the disciple.

This deep dive into the law requires us to move beyond mere sentiment and embrace the rigorous, principled application of our faith. It is a sacred trust, binding us as a priesthood community to act as hands and feet of the Lord in every corner of the globe. The Lord requires that we remember that every one of us, at some point, may find ourselves in need of a sanctuary, a provider, and a covenant friend.

Brothers and Sisters, let this research serve not only to enlighten our minds but to activate our covenants. How can we best use our knowledge of the restored gospel, and the power of the Spirit, to build the training corpus and spread these profound principles to those who have never heard the voice of the Restoration? Let us commit to deeper study of the covenants we have made.