Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 2:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 2:7-8
"So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him."

This made me think of those that were wayward and apostatized and left the church. Doing much harm and damage to the church with lies and intrigues. Then their eyes are opened and they come back. We must have open arms to all that come back. We must embrace and love them as our brothers and sisters. Even if they never come back, especially with our family members, we must always love them.

Day 4204

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 22:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 22:7-8
"And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest."

What must it have been like for Saul to hear the name Jesus of Nazareth. What he heard and comprehended completely changed his course for the remainder of his life. I sat and pondered on it. There must have been a feeling of profound guilt, repentance and forgiveness in one great wave.

Day 4164

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 7:60

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 7:60
"And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

This is the story of Stephen, his testimony, and how he became a martyr. I was wondering if there was more information regarding "lay not this sin to their charge". Were they asking God to forgive them without repenting and be guiltless, or that the person had forgiven them for their actions. As I was reading I came across this story told in General Conference. I vaguely remember it. I felt to share it to honor their memory.

"During the Mexican Revolution, Rafael Monroy was the president of the small San Marcos Mexico Branch, and Vicente Morales was his first counselor. On July 17, 1915, they were apprehended by the Zapatistas. They were told they would be spared if they would give up their weapons and renounce their strange religion. Brother Monroy told his captors that he did not have any weapons and simply drew from his pocket his Bible and Book of Mormon. He said, “Gentlemen, these are the only arms I ever carry; they are the arms of truth against error.”
When no arms were found, the brethren were cruelly tortured to make them divulge where arms were hidden. But there were no arms. They were then taken under guard to the outskirts of the little town, where their captors stood them up by a large ash tree in front of a firing squad. The officer in charge offered them freedom if they would forsake their religion and join the Zapatistas, but Brother Monroy replied, “My religion is dearer to me than my life, and I cannot forsake it.”
They were then told that they were to be shot and asked if they had any request to make. Brother Rafael requested that he be permitted to pray before he was executed. There, in the presence of his executioners, he kneeled down and, in a voice that all could hear, prayed that God would bless and protect his loved ones and care for the little struggling branch that would be left without a leader. As he finished his prayer, he used the words of the Savior when He hung upon the cross and prayed for his executioners: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”  With that the firing squad shot both Brother Monroy and Brother Morales. "
(James E. Faust, "Discipleship", Oct 2006 General Conference)

In the talk President Faust then goes on to tell of reorganizing a stake in the area and interviewed a descendant of Rafel Monroy. He asked what happened to rest of Brother Monroy's descendants and was told that many had served missions and were faithful in the church.

Day 4149

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 7:41-43

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 7:41-43
"There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged."

One of the most powerful stories in the Book of Mormon is the conversion of the people of Ammon, the Lamanites. They had a hatred of the Nephites and delighted in killing them. They felt they were robbed and justified in their actions. Yet, when they were converted they gave up all their sins and buried their weapons of war. They were a faithful people that would rather give up their lives then to deny the Christ. It was because of their complete repentance that the Spirit was poured out so abundantly to them. They had much to repent of and were forgiven and blessed.

"And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.
For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren."
(Alma 23:6-7)

Elder Neil L. Andersen: "Years ago, I was asked to meet with a man who, long before our visit, had had a period of riotous living. As a result of his bad choices, he lost his membership in the Church. He had long since returned to the Church and was faithfully keeping the commandments, but his previous actions haunted him. Meeting with him, I felt his shame and his deep remorse at having set his covenants aside. Following our interview, I placed my hands upon his head to give him a priesthood blessing. Before speaking a word, I felt an overpowering sense of the Savior’s love and forgiveness for him. Following the blessing, we embraced and the man wept openly.
“I am amazed at the Savior’s encircling arms of mercy and love for the repentant, no matter how selfish the forsaken sin. I testify that the Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins. Except for the sins of those few who choose perdition after having known a fulness, there is no sin that cannot be forgiven. What a marvelous privilege for each of us to turn away from our sins and to come unto Christ. Divine forgiveness is one of the sweetest fruits of the gospel, removing guilt and pain from our hearts and replacing them with joy and peace of conscience” (“Repent … That I May Heal You,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 40–41)."
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 16: Luke 4-8")

Day 4104

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:12-13
"Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.
When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it."

This reminded me of the day I was praying about a sin that happened long ago. I could not be resolved of it. The Lord spoke clearly to my mind, "I love you for who you are today. You need to forgive that 17 year old girl." I learned something so profound that day. You cannot store up righteousness or wickedness and have one overcome the other. Judgment day isn't a tally that is counted up to see which side you are on. The Lord looks at who we are today. Do you stand righteous today or wicked? Have you repented of your sins and are clean? He knows us, just like we know ourselves. Judgment will not be a shock, for we already know where our heart stands.

Day 4021

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 18:27-28

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 18:27-28
"Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die."

Because we sin it does not mean we are eternally doomed. That was the whole purpose behind the Lord, Jesus Christ's atonement. He paid the price so we can live again. All that is asked is for us to repent when we sin. We can repentance every day. It's best not to put it off or feel you are unworthy. Jesus never told us we were unworthy of his atoning sacrifice when we come unto Him.

Day 4016

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 30:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 30:5
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

I love this Joseph Smith translation even better.

For his anger kindleth against the wicked; they repent, and in a moment it is turned away; and they are in his favour, and he giveth them life; therefore, weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
(JST Psalms 30:5)

What a difference the role of repentance plays. For truly joy coming in the morning when forgiveness has been given.

Day 3912

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 42:10-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 42:10-13
"And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.
So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.
He had also seven sons and three daughters."

I love the ending of the story of Job. Job prays for his friends that spoke wrong in the Lord's eyes. That is forgiveness. Then Job's brothers and sisters all gather around him and comfort him. They each give him some money and gold. Then Job is blessed in the end double the sheep, camels, oxen, and asses then before. As for children, his is blessed again with the same number. Now for the eternities Job has 14 sons and 6 daughters, for the ones that died as still his too.

Day 3902

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

I pondered how these words the Lord gave to Solomon apply to us today. We are to humble ourselves, pray and seek the Lord. We are seek forgiveness of our sins and He will grant it. Our land needs much healing and only these things will heal it.

Day 3869

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 18:32-33

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 18:32-33
"And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.
And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!"

David loved his son Absalom, even after he rebelled, sought his kingdom and his life. He asked his men to deal gently with Absalom for his sake. He didn't want to be cause of Absalom's death. Absalom rode under a great oak and his hair was caught up. The mule went out from under him and he hung there. In that vulnerable position he was killed. When I look on David's grief over his son it reminded me of forgiveness. David had a heart that could forgive. If there was no forgiveness he wouldn't have been able to mourn.

Day 3839

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 13:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 13:22-23
"And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’s sons."

The story of Absalom, Amnon, Tamar and David is such a sad one. I wondered how did this lead Absalom to go after his father to take over the kingdom? I came back to these verses. It was hatred that festered unchecked for two years. Even it was understandable at first, this dislike of his brother after what was done to his sister, it was carried to far. After two years he plotted to have his brother killed. I pondered on how anger and hatred are never good. It will absolutely lead to a loss of the spirit and doing even worse things. It would have been far better for Absalom to speak to David about justice for his sister to settle the matter. Then to exercise forgiveness so it didn't poison his soul. Instead this part leads to destruction.

Day 3838

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 50:15-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 50:15-17
" And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.
And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,
So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him."

I pondered on how even though Joseph had earlier forgiven his brothers, they had not forgiven themselves. He had told them it was for a purpose.

"Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life."
(Genesis 45:5)

The hardest part of forgiveness is forgiving yourself. People can tell you that you are forgiven over and over again, but it will not register until God speaks that to your heart and soul. I learned after many years that if you cannot find peace in the matter then make it a matter of fasting and prayer. Then the Lord will say "I love you for who you are today, and you need to forgive that younger version of yourself."

Day 3762

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 45:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 45:5
"Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life."

I pondered on how there is purpose in trials, if we remain faithful to the Lord. Joseph knew that the trials he went through by being sold into Egypt by his brothers was God's will for him. There was a greater purpose. Yes, his brothers did wrong and we are punished for our wrongs if we do not repent. I love the reunion of Joseph and his brothers. I love Joseph's forgiveness of them. He knew the greater purpose was for him to be sent ahead to later preserve theirs and those around them lives. It is so important to wait upon the Lord, and have forgiveness of those that did us wrong. We never know the end of the story from the beginning.

Day 3760

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 12:1, 23

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 12:1, 23
"And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.
Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved."

These were the most important verses to me in this chapter. To put my trust in the Lord, and repent. I am reminded of President Nelson's words this past general conference, that "it is neither to early or too late", the time is now.

"Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul. As you yoke yourself to Him, your burdens will feel lighter. If you will make and keep covenants to follow Jesus Christ, you will find that the painful moments of your life are temporary. Your afflictions will be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ."
It is neither too early nor too late for you to become a devout disciple of Jesus Christ. Then you will experience fully the blessings of His Atonement. You will also be more effective in helping to gather Israel."
(Russelll M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 3519

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 29:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 29:10
"And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me."

This is Alma the younger speaking. When he sees the Lamanites that have converted to the gospel and truly repented it reminds him of how he was also forgiven. That would be such a sweet moment. He knows where they are coming from, and experiencing.

Day 3473

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 26:20-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 26:20-21
"Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls.
And now behold, my brethren, what natural man is there that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the penitent."

There is a purpose in sin when we repent. When we feel God's mercy, forgiveness and redeeming love our hearts are forever bound to Him. We are willing to submit to His will, and be an instrument for good in bringing others to Him. We rejoice in His amazing grace.

Day 3470

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 26:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 26:31
"And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor’s trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation."

This reminded me of a comment I had read on an article. The person was saying that we are only to forgive those that ask for forgiveness or repent. They said that is what the scriptures say. That made me curious, because that is not what I knew, for the Lord tells us to forgive everyone. These are two scriptures that come to mind.

"For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you;
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
(Matthew 6:14-15; 3 Nephi 13:14-15)

"Wherefore I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men" 
(Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-10)

Elder Cook also explains it well.
"When we are truly humble, we pray for forgiveness and forgive others. As we read in Mosiah, Alma taught that as often as we repent, the Lord will forgive our trespasses. On the other hand, as indicated in the Lord’s Prayer, when we do not forgive others’ trespasses, we bring ourselves under condemnation. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, through repentance our sins are forgiven. When we do not forgive those who trespass against us, we are in effect rejecting the Savior’s Atonement. Holding a grudge and refusing to forgive and refusing to humbly approach our relationships in a Christlike manner truly brings us under condemnation. Holding a grudge is poisonous to our souls"
(Quentin L. Cook, "The Eternal Everyday", Oct 2017 General Conference)

I asked the person that made the comment what scripture they were referring to? They could not tell me, only that they knew it was in there. When I read this verse in Mosiah I wondered if this is what gave them that idea?

The difference I see in this mention of "when he says that he repents", is because the Lord was talking to Alma. He was discussing those that had dissented from the church, and leading others astray. In that case Alma, being called as a judge in Israel, would decide who of the dissenters would remain in the church or removed from its records. The Lord is telling Alma that if they have repented, but were not forgiven and still removed, then the one not forgiving them would be condemned.

It is further clarified on the next verse.
"Now I say unto you, Go; and whosoever will not repent of his sins the same shall not be numbered among my people; and this shall be observed from this time forward."
(Mosiah 26:32)

Day 3441

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 4:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 4:22-23
"And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but to God, to whom also your life belongeth; and yet ye put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast done.
I say unto you, wo be unto that man, for his substance shall perish with him; and now, I say these things unto those who are rich as pertaining to the things of this world."

As I read this chapter I cannot help but think of the man that I lent a large sum of money to and never repaid me. When they bragged about the money they had I asked for what was owed me and they twisted it all around and wouldn't repay me. Then they were so bold to claim they were planning on giving me money with their found wealth to help me "because I was so poor", but now they wouldn't because I didn't deserve it. Their behavior was beyond shocking. I turned them over to the Lord, so their sin would not be my sin. I needed to forgive them so it wouldn't sour me. May God have mercy on their soul.

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
(Roman 12:19)

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
(Matthew 6:14-15)

Day 3419

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 3:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 3:11
"O my brethren, hearken unto my words; arouse the faculties of your souls; shake yourselves that ye may awake from the slumber of death; and loose yourselves from the pains of hell that ye may not become angels to the devil, to be cast into that lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death."

I pondered on how easily we can be asleep or blinded to the path of destruction we are on. It is a slumber of death if we are on the wrong path. It often takes something to jar us awake to our awful situation. Though we may need to pass through trials and pain it is worth it, if we correct the course we are on. Forgiveness is always possible, until our mortal probation on this earth is over. I guess the question always is how far deep into Satan's grasp do you have to go before you no longer care about leaving it?

Day 3407

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 31:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 31:13
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel."

We may follow the Lord with full purpose of heart, have real intent that we will always do so, but it is part of the plan that we will still slip and fall. The difference is we know it, and won't hide it. We will repent and try again. This is how we learn and grow, it truly shows our real intent to follow Him.

I learned this week that you can lose patience and get angry, mess things up and watch things go out of control. Yet, there was still a purpose for all that happened. Things moved quickly in a direction for my family's greater good than I could have ever realized. Yes, I needed to repent of my part, because I could have done better, even though the ultimate outcome wouldn't have changed. There is a reason why my slower plan wouldn't work, because it wasn't His. The Lord is letting me stumble and grow, and watching out for me at the same time. I marvel at how as I sincerely repented and grieved how he revealed things regarding the situation I had no insight on before hand. He brought confirmation and peace to my soul. As the greater picture has taken shape I stand so amazed on how protected we have been all this time.

Day 3402