In the P of GP we read that Joseph Smith prayed for forgiveness of his weaknesses and imperfections and was visited by the angel Moroni. He describes Moroni and then said that at first he was afraid, but the fear soon left him. Joseph Smith History 1:29-32 " In consequence of these things, I often felt condemned for my weakness and imperfections; when, on the evening of the above-mentioned twenty-first of September, after I had retired to my bed for the night, I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me, that I might know of my state and standing before him; for I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one. While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor. He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrist; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a little above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom. Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon left me."
In the New Testament we read about idlers who wander about from house to house, gossiping about things they shouldn't be talking about and being busybodies. We can all probably think of someone who fits this description, but we need to ask ourselves if we're ever guilty of acting like this as well. We need to fill our time with enough productive activities so we're not tempted to spend our time spreading gossip. 1 Timothy 5:13 "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet relate the parable of the unjust servant. It seems incredible that someone who had been forgiven such an enormous debt could be so unforgiving of a small debt that was owed to him by someone else. Sometimes we're like this. We commit sins which we ask the Lord to forgive us for, but then we turn around and refuse to forgive a friend or loved one for something that they've done to offend us. But unless we're willing to forgive others, the Lord will likewise not be willing to forgive us. Matthew 18:23-35 "Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."
In the New Testament we read about idlers who wander about from house to house, gossiping about things they shouldn't be talking about and being busybodies. We can all probably think of someone who fits this description, but we need to ask ourselves if we're ever guilty of acting like this as well. We need to fill our time with enough productive activities so we're not tempted to spend our time spreading gossip. 1 Timothy 5:13 "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet relate the parable of the unjust servant. It seems incredible that someone who had been forgiven such an enormous debt could be so unforgiving of a small debt that was owed to him by someone else. Sometimes we're like this. We commit sins which we ask the Lord to forgive us for, but then we turn around and refuse to forgive a friend or loved one for something that they've done to offend us. But unless we're willing to forgive others, the Lord will likewise not be willing to forgive us. Matthew 18:23-35 "Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."
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