Bowels
(Greek: splagchnon, σπλάγχνα) Bowels or intestines (the heart, lungs, liver, etc.) and refers to the inward parts, the internal organs, viscera; the heart, affections, and the seat of the feelings, as regarded by the Hebrews as the place of the tenderer affections, i.e., kindness, benevolence, and compassion. Often translated as “tender mercies.”12 Our bowels must become like Christ’s, moved with compassion (Matthew 8:3; Mark 4:2) for others. This may only be imitative at first, but after it is informed by the experience, when one has acted consistent with His laws, what begins as imitation grows within to become genuine compassion for others.3See also HARDNESS OF HEART.
1 TPJS, 301; WJS, 202; JSP, Journals Vol. 3:17–18, Editorial Note; 17 May 1843; “Joseph Smith Discourse,” 17 May 1843 – A, in William Clayton Journal, p. [16], JSP, https: //www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/ discourse-17-may-1843-a-as-reported-by-william-clayton/1; CHL. This is the source for D&C 131:6. Section 131 of the LDS Doctrine and Covenants first appeared as canon in the 1876 revision prepared by Orson Pratt under the direction of Brigham Young.
2 “Cursed: Denied Priesthood,” Jan. 07, 2018, Sandy, UT, 11, transcript of Q&A.
3 Preserving the Restoration, 98.