Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the people multiplied and prospered, and made preparations to war against the Lamanites should they come against them. The prophets warned the people that they needed to keep the commandments of God or they would be destroyed from off the face of the land. They diligently taught the people to believe in the Messiah who would come. Jarom 1:8-11 "And we multiplied exceedingly, and spread upon the face of the land, and became exceedingly rich in gold, and in silver, and in precious things, and in fine workmanship of wood, in buildings, and in machinery, and also in iron and copper, and brass and steel, making all manner of tools of every kind to till the ground, and weapons of war—yea, the sharp pointed arrow, and the quiver, and the dart, and the javelin, and all preparations for war. And thus being prepared to meet the Lamanites, they did not prosper against us. But the word of the Lord was verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land. And it came to pass that the prophets of the Lord did threaten the people of Nephi, according to the word of God, that if they did not keep the commandments, but should fall into transgression, they should be destroyed from off the face of the land. Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them."

In the New Testament we read that a person who returns to their old sins is like a dog turning to his own vomit or a sow that has been cleaned wallowing in the mire. It would have been better for us to never have known the truth than to know it and turn away from it. Where much is given, much is expected. 2 Peter 2:21-22 "For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire."

Two different scriptures from two different thought booklets brought home the same message today--so it must be something the Lord wanted me to remember. Instead of rendering evil for evil, we should do that which is good to all men. Just because someone is unkind to you, that doesn't give you a right to be unkind back. Love others and do good to all. This is what the Lord expects of us. 1 Peter 3:8-9 "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." 1 Thessalonians 5:15 "See that none render evil for evil unto any cman; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men."