Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that Nephi prayed unto the Lord who softened his heart so that he believed all the words of his father and did not rebel against him like Laman and Lemuel. He talked to his brothers and his brother Sam also believed, but his brothers Laman and Lemuel would not listen to him, which grieved his heart. He continued to pray for them. Sometimes our own family members or others close to us chose to rebel against God and make poor choices in their lives. We grieve for them and continue to pray for them. 1 Nephi 2:16-18 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers. And I spake unto Sam, making known unto him the things which the Lord had manifested unto me by his Holy Spirit. And it came to pass that he believed in my words. But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts I cried unto the Lord for them."

In the New Testament I read that we should love our enemies, do good for those who hate us, and pray for those we depitefully use us and persecute us. I remember discussing this with my primary class not long ago and a little girl said, "Wow! That's hard to do!" Indeed, it is. But we're commanded to do it. And you know, I think if we actually do this, WE will benefit far more than the other person. Our hearts will be changed. Instead of being bitter and angry with someone who hates us and treats us badly, we'll feel compassion for them and have kind feelings in our hearts. We will be transformed and we'll have a joyful life instead of one full of bitterness. Matthew 5:43-44 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Jesus' sheep hear His voice and follow Him. Are we Jesus' sheep? Do we recognize His voice when He speaks to us? Maybe He'll prompt us to call someone who needs encouragement, or go help a neighbor in need. If we truly have come to know the Lord, we'll recognize His voice and respond when He speaks to us. John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"
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