In the P of GP we read about the great tribulations that will come upon the Jews in the last days. In fact, if those days weren't shortened, none would be left alive. Joseph Smith Matthew 1:18-20 "For then, in those days, shall be great tribulation on the Jews, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, such as was not before sent upon Israel, of God, since the beginning of their kingdom until this time; no, nor ever shall be sent again upon Israel. All things which have befallen them are only the beginning of the sorrows which shall come upon them. And except those days should be shortened, there should none of their flesh be saved; but for the elect's sake, according to the covenant, those days shall be shortened."
In the New Testament we read that one of the ways we can prove ourselves to be obedient is if we forgive each other. In fact, one of Satan's devices that he uses to gain advantage over us is if we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 2:9-11 "For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we give all that we possess to the poor and needy but don't have love in our hearts, it's to no avail and we gain nothing. It's not just important to do the right things, but we need to do them for the right reasons, with love in our hearts. I volunteer in a nursing home one day a week and I've had some of the residents there tell me that they can see a difference among the various staff there. They say some of them are obviously just there for a paycheck. They do the minimum they can get away with and really don't care about the needs of the residents. However, other staff members really care. They go the extra mile to be helpful and want to do their best to meet the needs of those they work with. Which type of person are we? Whether we're giving of our time or of our money, do we really love those we're giving to? Does it show in our attitude? When we go home or visiting teaching, do we really care about the people we're visiting and sincerely want to serve them? Or are we just eager to check their names off the list so we can say we're done? When a neighbor asks for help are we eager to serve and grateful for the opportunity to be of service, or are we grumbling under our breath wishing we were home watching TV? Are our hearts really in the right place? 1 Corinthians 13: 3 "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."
In the New Testament we read that one of the ways we can prove ourselves to be obedient is if we forgive each other. In fact, one of Satan's devices that he uses to gain advantage over us is if we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 2:9-11 "For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we give all that we possess to the poor and needy but don't have love in our hearts, it's to no avail and we gain nothing. It's not just important to do the right things, but we need to do them for the right reasons, with love in our hearts. I volunteer in a nursing home one day a week and I've had some of the residents there tell me that they can see a difference among the various staff there. They say some of them are obviously just there for a paycheck. They do the minimum they can get away with and really don't care about the needs of the residents. However, other staff members really care. They go the extra mile to be helpful and want to do their best to meet the needs of those they work with. Which type of person are we? Whether we're giving of our time or of our money, do we really love those we're giving to? Does it show in our attitude? When we go home or visiting teaching, do we really care about the people we're visiting and sincerely want to serve them? Or are we just eager to check their names off the list so we can say we're done? When a neighbor asks for help are we eager to serve and grateful for the opportunity to be of service, or are we grumbling under our breath wishing we were home watching TV? Are our hearts really in the right place? 1 Corinthians 13: 3 "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."
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