Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that Satan tries to deceive us, but there is a pattern to tell whether something is of God or not.  If someone prays with a contrite spirit and obeys the commandments they are accepted by the Lord.  But if they don't bring forth fruits of righteousness, they are not of God.  D&C 52:14-19 "And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations— Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances. He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you. And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me. Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord blots out our transgressions and will not remember our sins.  What a great blessing we have to be able to repent and be forgiven of our sins!  Can we do any less for our fellowmen who trespass against us?  It's been told that when somebody asked Betsy Ross to forgive them for something they'd done against her, she replied, "I distinctly remember forgetting that."  Betsy Ross was not a perfect person, but she modeled perfect forgiveness.  This is the kind of forgiveness that the Lord gives us when we repent of our sins.  When we find it difficult to forgive, we need to remember the mercy of the Lord and realize that as we forgive others, He will forgive us.  Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."

A verse with a thought booklet gives us advice about what to do if someone we know is overtaken in sins and faults.  We should humbly and gently try to help them return to a good path. It takes courage and wisdom to try to speak to others about their wrongdoing.  We need to make sure our approach to them is gentle instead of harsh. Our purpose must be conviction, not condemnation. We want to rescue the person and help them return to the pathway that will lead them to a purposeful life and eventually eternal life with God.  But we also need to consider ourselves and make sure we aren't drawn into their sins with them, being overcome with temptation.  Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."