21 Now there was a strict law among the people of the church, that there should not any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those that did not belong to the church, and that there should be no persecution among themselves.
22 Nevertheless, there were many among them who began to be proud, and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows; yea, they would smite one another with their fists.
23 Now this was in the second year of the reign of Alma, and it was a cause of much affliction to the church; yea, it was the cause of much trial with the church.
24 For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them.
There Should Be No Persecution – Alma 1:21-24
I find it ironic and tragic that the very people who tried to defend the church by attacking its antagonists were the ones who ended up leaving the church. Mormon tells us in the prior verses that the people outside the church had been persecuting the members of the church “because of their humility” (Alma 1:20). But, as the church leaders tried to warn the members, that very humility which made them vulnerable was critical to their discipleship. Allow pride and contention to enter your heart, and your connection with God evaporates. It is only a matter of time before you distance yourself from the church you were trying to defend.
Today, I will remember that humility is the key to my strength. I will avoid becoming contentious and proud, even when I am defending true principles.
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