Daily Thoughts

In Articles of Faith 13 we read about the virtues we should possess--honesty, chastity, benevolence.  We need to do good to all men and seek after all that is virtuous and praiseworthy.  Articles of Faith 13 "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

In the New Testament we read that the righteous dead who die in the Lord will rest from their labors and their good works will follow them.  Great will be the rewards of the saints who in patience keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus Christ.  Revelation 14:12-13 "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.  And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how after Jesus was betrayed and his disciples saw what was going to happen to him, one of them took his sword and cut off the right ear of a servant of the high priest.  He was trying to defend Jesus.  But Jesus stretched forth his hand and touched the man's ear, healing him.  What an example of forgiveness and love.  Even when Jesus was being arrested and taken to a trial which would result in His crucifixion, he was not vengeful nor vindictive to those who were cruel to Him. Shouldn't we likewise be willing to forgive those who offend us, rather than trying to get even with them or cause them harm?  Luke 22:49-51 "When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him."