The apostle Paul urged the Ephesians to be kind to one another, to forgive each other, and to "forbear" one another, which means to give each other a break. As Alma taught Shiblon, we must bridle our passions to be fillied with love for one another.
“Love Is the Fulfilling of the Law”
1. All of the commandments are built on a foundation of love. 2. The commandments help us learn to love better. 3. The commandment to love God and the commandment to love our neighbor are not in conflict. When we love God, we will also love His children.
No Respecter of Persons
God doesn't show favoritism. The Greek word prosopolemptes means literally "countenance-taker." The word appears in our Bible as "respecter of persons." God doesn't favor people based on worldly measures of success—and neither should we.
…More Than These?
Jesus asked if Peter loved Him "more than these?" He might have meant everything around them: the boat, the sea, the nets. Peter was in his comfort zone. Did he love the Savior enough to sacrifice those things he loved so much in order to follow Him?
Lovest Thou Me?
On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asked Peter three times, "Lovest thou me?" The Greek version of that conversation sheds some light on why Jesus repeated the same question: He was inviting Peter to love Him more, to love Him with a divine love.
Behold Thy Son! Behold Thy Mother!
As He hung on the cross, Jesus told His mother and the apostle John to "behold" one another. Later, He told a group of Nephites and Lamanites to "behold" their children. When we behold someone, we understand them better and can serve and support them.
“None of Them Is Lost”
Jesus's mission is to save everyone who is willing to be saved.He told the men who arrested Him to let the apostles go, thus fulfilling His promise to the Father to lose none. We can follow His example by helping everyone belong and flourish.
“That They Might Know Thee”
Knowing, loving, and following God are more interconnected than we realize. We come to know Him as we serve Him. We love Him more when we keep His commandments. As our relationship with Him grows, we become more like Him, so that we can see Him as He is.
“If Ye Love Me…”
When we love God, we want to follow His guidance. Obedience without love is not sustainable, but the good news is that as we keep God's commandments, our love for Him grows. This piece by Thomas Tallis is based on the words of Jesus at the Last Supper.
“Mine Own Familiar Friend”
Jesus loved His enemies, as He counseled us to do. He treated Judas with respect. He healed the ear of the high priest's servant. And He prayed for His executioners. We should follow His example of kindness toward those who oppose us.