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 →
The Places of Your Dwellings Shall Become Desolate – 3 Nephi 9:6-7
6 O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart. 7 But if not, O house of Israel, the places of your dwellings shall become desolate until... Continue Reading →
I Did Frankly Forgive Them – 1 Nephi 7:20-21
20 And it came to pass that they were sorrowful, because of their wickedness, insomuch that they did bow down before me, and did plead with me that I would forgive them of the thing that they had done against me. 21 And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that... Continue Reading →
If Ye Forgive – 3 Nephi 13:14-15
14 For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (3 Nephi 13:14-15) There are many good reasons to forgive other people. Here's a simple one: because it's in our own self-interest to do... Continue Reading →
