Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how when Nephi admonished his brothers, they were angry with him and tied him up with strong cords. But after Nephi prayed, he was able to loose himself from their restraints. This made them angry with him all over again, but some family members pleaded with them and were able to soften their hearts so they ceased striving to take away his life and asked him to forgive them. Nephi did forgive them and told them to pray to the Lord for forgivness also, which they did. They were then able to continue on their journey in peace. Sometimes it's hard to forgive others when they do things that hurt us, but Nephi provided us with a wonderful example to follow. 1 Ne. 7: 16-21 "And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken these words unto my brethren, they were angry with me. And it came to pass that they did lay their hands upon me, for behold, they were exceedingly wroth, and they did bind me with cords, for they sought to take away my life, that they might leave me in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts. But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound. And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my brethren, and I spake unto them again. And it came to pass that they were angry with me again, and sought to lay hands upon me; but behold, one of the daughters of Ishmael, yea, and also her mother, and one of the sons of Ishmael, did plead with my brethren, insomuch that they did soften their hearts; and they did cease striving to take away my life. 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. And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord their God for forgiveness. And it came to pass that they did so. And after they had done praying unto the Lord we did again travel on our journey towards the tent of our father."

In the New Testament I read that when iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. But if we endure to the end, we'll be saved. Matthew 24:12-13 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to give thanks to God for His unspeakable gift. The gift He has given us of His son, Jesus Christ, is too wonderful for words! It's a gift of not only the birth of His Son, but His Atoning sacrifice and death also. It's a gift we so desperately need that without it we would have no hope of eternal life. Let's accept this gift, too wonderful for words, with gratitude in our hearts. And let's share the news of it with others. 2 Corinthians 9:11 "Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God."