Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 121:13, 45

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 121:13, 45

"Also because their hearts are corrupted, and the things which they are willing to bring upon others, and love to have others suffer, may come upon themselves to the very uttermost;

Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."

I was struck with the contrast in where a person's focus and heart is between these two verses. We receive the blessing or cursings that we are willing to bestow upon others.

It made me wonder if the Lord said this to Joseph because he first asked:

"Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with they sword avenge us of our wrongs." (vs 5)

The saints were suffering terrible things, the prophet had already spent several months in the dungeon of Liberty Jail. Of course, they wanted to be avenged of their enemies. The Lord is reminding them that they must never lose their charity towards others. To do so would poison you. I think that is why one of the most beautiful chapters in the Book of Mormon is Moroni 7. It is given at the end of the Nephite civilization and it reminds us to have faith, hope and charity towards others. It is an important message for our day. We will not survive spiritually the days ahead if we lose our faith, hope and charity. In fact to have it, is to endure what comes. Revenge is not ours to ask.

Day 2124