Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Ismael died, which caused his daughters to mourn exceedingly for the loss of their father. They complained about how they had suffered in the wilderness and wanted to return to Jerusalem.  1 Nephi 16:34-36 "And it came to pass that Ishmael died, and was buried in the place which was called Nahom. And it came to pass that the daughters of Ishmael did mourn exceedingly, because of the loss of their father, and because of their afflictions in the wilderness; and they did murmur against my father, because he had brought them out of the land of Jerusalem, saying: Our father is dead; yea, and we have wandered much in the wilderness, and we have suffered much affliction, hunger, thirst, and fatigue; and after all these sufferings we must perish in the wilderness with hunger. And thus they did murmur against my father, and also against me; and they were desirous to return again to Jerusalem."

In the Old Testament we read that we should avoid being a tale bearer, or gossip.  Leviticus 19:16 "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet instruct us in how we should treat other people, even people who are unkind to us.  We are to love our enemies and pray for them.  We're to bless those who curse us.  If we're truly disciples of Jesus Christ, we will live the Golden Rule and truly treat others as we would have others treat us, being merciful as the Father is merciful. Praying for those who hurt us is not an easy thing to do, but I've fund that it's difficult to have contentious feelings for someone we consistently pray for.  It changes us and how we feel about that person. And in turn, it may even change the relationship we have with that person.  But even if not, it will change our relationship with the Lord.  Luke 6:27-36 "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,  Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.  And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.  Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.  And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.  And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.  But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."