Many people were being baptized into the Church. The gospel made them happy, but they were worried about things that were happening in the world.

Earthquakes and wars were happening in many places.

Sad things were also happening in the United States. Some people didn’t want to be part of the country. They wanted to have their own leaders.

On Christmas Day 1832, Jesus gave Joseph Smith a revelation about war.

Doctrine and Covenants 87

Jesus said the people in the United States would fight against each other in a war. This prophecy was fulfilled when the American Civil War started about 30 years later.

Doctrine and Covenants 87:1–3

Jesus also revealed that there would be wars in all other parts of the world. Many people would die, and there would be terrible sadness. Jesus said the Saints should be faithful during these hard times.

Doctrine and Covenants 87:3–8

Joseph Smith was sad to know there would be so many wars. He knew that if people would obey God’s commandments, they wouldn’t fight and have war.