Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that latter-day prophets who helped spread the gospel in our day will likewise be among those in the spirit world awaiting their eternal reward.  They were foreordained and chosen in the work they performed in laying the foundation of the great latter-day work.  Even before they were born, they were being prepared for the work they would do in laboring for the salvation of the souls of men.  After righteous men die, they continue to labor, preaching the gospel to those who did not have an opportunity to accept it during their earthly lives.  If the dead are willing to accept the gospel and repent of their sins, they can receive the ordinances of the house of God by proxy and be heirs of salvation.  D&C 138:53-60 "The Prophet Joseph Smith, and my father, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and other choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work, Including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein for the redemption of the dead, were also in the spirit world.  I observed that they were also among the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God. Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.  I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead. The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God,  And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation. Thus was the vision of the redemption of the dead revealed to me, and I bear record, and I know that this record is true, through the blessing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, even so. Amen."

In the New Testament we read about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and how He was hung on a cross between two malefactors.  In spite of the cruel way He was treated, He prayed that His Father would forgive those who crucified Him.  He finally commended His spirit unto God and gave up the ghost.  Luke 23:32-46 "And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.  And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, This Is the King of the Jews. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.  And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost."

Some verses with a thought booklet say that the Lord can increase the love that we have one toward another and make it abound. He can establish our hearts so they are unblameable in holiness before God.  If we don't have as much love for others as we should, or we know our hearts are not right before God, we can pray to Him to help.  He can change our hearts.  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:  To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints."