When we see imperfections in ourselves or in others, we have two choices: We can condemn, or we can forgive. God sent Jesus Christ to save us, not to condemn us. We can follow His example by looking to the future instead of dwelling on the past.
Beauty for Ashes
A key characteristic of the Savior's ministry was that He responded to evil with good. He expects the same from His disciples: "If ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?"... Continue Reading →
Forgiveness
Grudges and resentments are like dead weight which drag us down. Forgiveness is like dropping ballast from a balloon, allowing us to soar to new heights. During the final week of the Savior's mortal life, Peter asked Him how many times he should forgive someone who wronged him, even suggesting the generous number of seven... Continue Reading →
Imperfections
Moroni was painfully aware of his limitations. Consider the following passages in the first two chapters of his writings (Mormon 8 and 9): "Behold, my father hath made this record, and he hath written the intent thereof. And behold, I would write it also if I had room upon the plates, but I have not; and ore... Continue Reading →
Burying My Weapons
The Anti-Nephi-Lehies, who were converted to the gospel by the preaching of the sons of Mosiah, decided as a group to renounce violence. Encouraged by their king, they buried their weapons as a symbol of their commitment to live differently (Alma 24:6-19). The buried weapons had a very literal consequence for them shortly afterward. They... Continue Reading →
What Is the Meaning of the Phrase “Vengeance Is Mine?”
Near the end of his life, Moses recited a song to the Israelite people. The song affirms God's steady support for the children of Israel and prophesies that they will be unfaithful to Him in spite of everything He has done for them. It says that they will worship other gods and provoke Him to... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be More Forgiving?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi's brothers treat him very badly. As they travel with the family of Ishmael to their camp in the wilderness, the brothers become angry with Nephi, tie him up, and threaten to leave him to die in the wilderness. Nephi prays for help, and God gives him... Continue Reading →
How Can I Heal a Relationship with Someone Who Doesn’t Want the Relationship Healed?
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about healing a broken relationship. I focused particularly on the Savior's counsel in the Sermon on the Mount that we should take the initiative to be reconciled with other people before approaching God. He said to leave our gift at the altar and come back when... Continue Reading →
How Should We Respond When Others Threaten or Attack Us?
As I wrote yesterday, we need to forgive others in order to be forgiven by God. That's because an unforgiving heart is unable to receive God's healing power. But what should we do when we, or the people we are responsible for, are in danger? How can we protect and defend ourselves and them without... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Forgiving Others?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Laman and Lemuel feel remorse for something they have done to their brother Nephi. They plead with him to forgive them. Nephi tells us that he "did frankly forgive them all that they had done." He encourages them to pray to God for forgiveness, which they do... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 