This is adapted from a presentation I gave in church some months back.

Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!

This is D&C 128:19. Joseph and the Saints are in Nauvoo, working on building the Nauvoo Temple. Section 128 is a letter from the Prophet on the subject of Baptism for the Dead; this doctrine fills him with such joy that he practically bursts out in song! The Gospel, the Good News of Christ, does indeed give us great reason to rejoice.

The Saints had been trough some hard times up to this point–driven out of New York, Ohio, and Missouri; the Prophet Joseph had gone into and come out of Liberty Jail; at the time of this letter Joseph was in hiding due to the intense persecution–and yet he speaks of “A voice of gladness” and “glad tidings of great joy”. Joseph continues:

And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed. A voice of the Lord in the wilderness of Fayette, Seneca county, declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the book! The voice of Michael on the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting the devil when he appeared as an angel of light! The voice of Peter, James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna county, and Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the fulness of times!

Here Joseph reflects on some of the great events of the Restoration. In May, 1829, Joseph and his scribe Oliver Cowdery had been translating the Book of Mormon for just over a month, when they felt they needed to inquire of the Lord concerning “baptism for the remission of sins” that they had been reading about. It was while they were praying that an angel appeared to them. Joseph described the events:

We still continued the work of translation, when, in the ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying: Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness. (Joseph Smith History 1:68-69)

This angel was John the Baptist, the same who baptized Jesus Christ, now a resurrected being. John the Baptist gave Joseph and Oliver the Aaronic Priesthood. After this Joseph baptized Oliver, and Oliver then baptized Joseph. The words of John the Baptist are also recorded in D&C 13. I’ve always wondered somewhat about that last promise, though: “and this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.” “[G]ospel of repentance” and “baptism by immersion for the remission of sins” I understand, but what about the “offering unto the Lord in righteousness”. What is the offering? What does it have to do with the Priesthood today?

Section 84 of the D&C tells us more about the Priesthood; it contains what is known as the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood. This section makes reference to the offering mentioned in section 13. In verse 30 Christ is explaining some of the different offices of the Priesthood:

“…the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons. [31] Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses–for the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord…”

Now skip to verse 33-34:

For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies. They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron, and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.

“They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron”–we can become the sons of Moses and of Aaron, and thus we share in the responsibility of preparing this “acceptable offering and sacrifice”, this “offering unto the Lord in righteousness.”

We’ve learned something else about the offering as well–that this offering is to be offered “in the house of the Lord”.

Well, D&C 128 was talking about Baptism for the Dead, which happens in temples—let’s look back there:

Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation. (D&C 128:24)

This offer which John the Baptist spoke of is, or at least part of it is, genealogy and temple work: “a book containing the records of our dead”, presented “in his holy temple”.

Now, in order for this to happen, we need to be worth to enter the temple. And because there’s so much work to be done, we need to preach the gospel to increase the number of hands doing this work. That’s the three-fold mission of the Church, redeeming the dead, perfecting the saints, and preaching the gospel. And it all ties back to the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood.

Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free. (D&C 128:22)

Today I read 2 Corinthians 7:10 (King James Version):

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Makes sense, except for the “not to be repented of” part. “repentance to salvation not to be repented of”? Do we repent or don’t we?

The Svenska 1917 version is helpful. Here the first “repentance” is translated as bedrövelse, which means “distress, grief, sorrow”,¹ and the second “repented” is ångrar: “regret”.²

This is the same idea as expressed in the New International Version:

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

The English Standard Version and New King James Versions seem to agree.

The Levande Bibeln, a newer translation completed in 2000, is quite verbose; here’s my translation of their translation:

God sometimes uses sorrow in our lives to help us to turn from sin and seek eternal life. Therefore, we never need complain that he sends them. But the sorrow which a man who isn’t Christian experiences is of human sort, and that leads to death.

Apparently “[t]his translation uses an informal language style and applies a meaning-based translation philosophy”.³

The Wycliffe New Testament translation doesn’t seem to fit. Where did they get “health” from?

For the sorrow that is after God, worketh penance into steadfast health; but sorrow of the world worketh death.

The 21st Century King James Version is perhaps the worst of all, as misleading scripture is worse than just confusing scripture.

For godly sorrow is not to be repented of, but worketh repentance unto salvation; but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

No wonder people are confused. Thank goodness for continuing revelation…

Distance need not be physical, measured in feet and inches. Spiritual distance is just as real. Wandering from our Heavenly Father can lead to places of darkness and famine. Coming nearer to our Heavenly Father implies movement, a change in Spiritual Location.

[3] Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? (Psalm 24)

[13] And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. (Luke 15)

[5] Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted. [6] Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them. (Alma 26)

[26] But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness. (Alma 34)

[18] But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they. (Mormon 5)

[43] And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass (now these things were temporal) they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual. [44] For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land. [45] And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise. (Alma 37)

[32] But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved…. (D&C 45) [also D&C 87:8 and D&C 101:22]

While few things in life have lasting value and importance, the world is full of counterfeits. Consider these examples from the book of Revelation.

[4] And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. [5] And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. [6] And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. … [11] And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; [12] Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. … [14] …And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. (Revelation 5)

[1] And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. [2] And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. [3] And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. [4] And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? … [11] And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. [12] And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. [13] And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, [14] And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. [15] And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. (Revelation 13)

Consider these two creatures, the Lamb representing Christ and the dragon the Devil, both worshiped by many. The Lamb stood as it had been slain, slain from the foundation of the world, having brought to pass the resurrection and redemption of mankind. The beast has a wounded head, which “deadly wound” is then healed, to the wonder of many. The beast and the dragon offer themselves as substitutes to Christ. The second beast to arise even had “two horns like a lamb,” and performed “great wonders,” further deceiving many.

Christ is introduced in v5 as a Lion… perhaps some were not expecting a Lamb, were surprised to find a Lamb, were not impressed, and looked elsewhere.

John continues by describing how the followers of each of these creatures are marked. Speaking first of the dragon:

[16] And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: [17] And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Revelation 13)

Compare this with the opening verse of Chapter 14:

[1] And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. (Revelation 14)

Compare these two woman, the one associated with the kingdom of Heaven and the other of the World. One clothed in the glories of the Kingdom of Heaven, compared to the other in purples and scarlets, decked with gold and jewels. The first engaged in that work which only women can perform, the second engaged only in fornication. Contrast the one living in hiding with the sitting upon many peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. One flies with the wings of the eagle, the other rides “a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy.”

[1] And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: [2] And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. … [5] And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. [6] And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. … [13] And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. [14] And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. … [17] And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12)

[1] And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: [2] With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. [3] So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. [4] And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: [5] And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. [6] And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. (Revelation 17)

Paul also speaks of the sun, moon, and stars, relating them to the glories of Heaven in 1 Corinthians 15:40-42. The Lord also uses the metaphor of eagles wings in bringing the Children of Israel out of Egypt in Exodus 19:4, and Isaiah promises all who wait upon the lord wings as eagles in Isaiah 40:31.

The world is full of counterfeits and substitutes which promise to give us what we seek without cost and effort. Be not deceived.

What goes on inside other peoples heads? What goes on inside our own heads? It’s easy to justify that such things don’t matter; it’s hard to realize exactly how much power our thoughts have.

David Burns states in his “Feeling Good”: “Your thoughts create your emotions…. modifications in illogical thinking patterns will have a profound effect on your moods….” This is only the beginning, only a single example. James Allen’s “As a Man Thinketh” discusses further the affects of mere thought–is topics include “Thought and Character,” “Effect of Thought on Circumstances,” “Effect of Thought on Health and the Body,” “Thought and Purpose,” “The Thought-Factor in Achievement.” More on those here.

Your thoughts literally take you places, where you can experience different things based on what kind of places those are. As you spend time in different places you change, becoming more like those places, influenced by the worlds you create in your mind.

[7] For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (Proverbs 23)

[27] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: [28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. [29] And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. [30] And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (Matthew 5)

[20] And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. [21] For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, [22] Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: [23] All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Mark 7)

[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10)

[30] But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not. (Mosiah 4, emphasis added)

[14] For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. (Alma 12, emphasis added)

[68] Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will. [69] Remember the great and last promise which I have made unto you; cast away your idle thoughts and your excess of laughter far from you. (D&C 88)

Truth is a very fine line. Often it is very hard to describe exactly, and we end up talking on one side or the other. This happens a lot in church, and someone inevitably chimes in with “yes that’s true, but…” or “and remember, we can’t forget about…” type comments. And while this is sometimes done with an “I’m so smart, look at what I pointed out” attitude, they usually do have a point–because the truth is somewhere in the middle.

In order to describe Truth we often make seemingly contradictory statements, which are in reality describing the same thing but from different side. All perspectives must be taken into consideration together to gain a complete view of Truth.

Sometimes a person holds to one side of Truth exclusively, and may even contend with others who point out the other side. Sometimes we ourselves focus too much on one aspect of Truth to the exclusion of others. Many times I have discovered that the truth is somewhere in the middle.

Paul puts it well:
[12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (Philippians 4)

Praying vs. Doing

We must “counsel with the Lord in all [our] doings” (Alma 37:37), but it doesn’t do to just sit at home and pray all day; you must go and do, but you shouldn’t do without praying.

Justice vs. Mercy

[22] But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God. (Alma 42)

The good and the bad of Guilt

[29] And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance. (Alma 42)

I hope it goes without saying that guilt is not a proper motivational technique for leaders and teachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (M. Russell Ballard)

Satan is the “enemy to all righteousness”; thus he plants doubts about the nature of the Godhead and our relationship with Them. Jesus Christ prophesied that in the last days even the very elect would be deceived. Consider three examples of how Lucifer is “laying traps and snares to catch the holy ones of God.”

The snare of false inadequacy. A faithful young person feels unable to meet the expectations of others. At home and school, she is rarely praised and often criticized. The popular media tells her she is not beautiful enough or smart enough. Every day this righteous sister questions whether she is an individual worthy of Heavenly Father’s love, the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, or the Spirit’s constant guidance.

The snare of exaggerated imperfection. An outstanding missionary feels incapable of meeting the expectations of God. In his mind, this worthy elder imagines a stern Heavenly Father bound to irrevocable justice, a Savior capable of cleansing others’ transgressions but not this elder’s own, and a Holy Ghost unwilling to accompany an imperfect person.

The snare of needless guilt. A middle-aged woman is a devoted mother, a loving friend, a faithful Church servant, and a frequent temple patron. But in her heart, this sister cannot forgive herself of sins committed years ago that she has repented of and fully resolved with priesthood leaders. She doubts that her life will ever be acceptable to the Lord and has lost hope of eternal life in Heavenly Father’s presence.

If you have any thoughts and feelings similar to these good Saints, I invite you to become as a little child and feel again “the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world.” Childlike faith in the perfect love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will “divide asunder” Satan’s snares of inadequacy, imperfection, and guilt. (Anthony D. Perkins)

We are nothing, and yet we are everything

[21] I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another — I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants. (Mosiah 2)

[7] O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth. (Helaman 12)

[10] …and he said unto himself: Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed (Moses 1)

[16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: [17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…. (Romans 8)

[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; (1 Peter 2)

How dare you or I have a low self-image! We are the sons and daughters of God! We belong to Him. We are His children. He gave us birth. He gave us life. That knowledge alone causes every man and every woman, when they understand it, to rise and walk with their head held high (M. Russel Ballard)

Faith and Works

[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2)

[17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without they works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (James 2)

[23] …for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nephi 25)

Someone posed an interesting question in church the other week. The scriptures are full of examples where the prophets come and tell the people to repent or something bad will happen, the people don’t repent, and bad things happen. But does it ever happen where the prophets come and cry repentance, threatening destruction, and the people actually repent, avoiding the foretold calamities? Yes, in fact, it does happen.

Jonah 3
[1] And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, [2] Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. [3] So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey. [4] And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. [5] So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. [6] For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. [7] And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: [8] But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. [9] Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? [10] And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Jeremiah 26
[18] Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest. [19] Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.

Ether 7
[23] And also in the reign of Shule there came prophets among the people, who were sent from the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land, and they should be destroyed if they did not repent. [24] And it came to pass that the people did revile against the prophets, and did mock them. And it came to pass that king Shule did execute judgment against all those who did revile against the prophets. [25] And he did execute a law throughout all the land, which gave power unto the prophets that they should go whithersoever they would; and by this cause the people were brought unto repentance. [26] And because the people did repent of their iniquities and idolatries the Lord did spare them, and they began to prosper again in the land…

We know it’s good to forgive, commanded even. But how exactly does one go about forgiving? There’s no “forgive” button you can push, and then say “there, now I have forgiven,” or a checkbox we can check, to say “now it is done.” It’s easy to say the words, to go through the motions, but true forgiveness is more, and it’s harder than that. So what is it then? I don’t claim to have an answer, but here are some of my thoughts.

Forgiveness is more about ourselves then it is about the other person. In fact, it is completely independent of everyone else. Forgiveness is about getting ourselves out of a state that is harmful to ourselves and indirectly harmful to others. That’s the whole point–that we maintain a healthy state internally for ourselves despite what anyone does externally.

In the 25^th chapter of First Samuel, David is out to take revenge on Nabal, who had refused to pay David what he was owed. Nabal’s wife, Abigail, intercepts David and his men, bows herself to the ground, and says “Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid” (1 Samuel 25:24). She then says “I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid” (1 Samuel 25:28). Why does she ask for forgiveness; she did nothing wrong. She had taken upon herself Nabal’s sin (sound familiar?)–but is David forgiving Abigail then the same as David forgiving Nabal? Does forgiveness work like that? It does if forgiveness is more about the forgiver than the forgivee. David seems to recognize this: “And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand” (1 Samuel 25:32-33).

David had almost avenged himself with his own hand. Another element of forgiveness is leaving vengeance with the Lord. He has claimed it, and asked us not to: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19). Or as it is written in the New International Version: “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19, NIV). Only God has complete understanding surrounding the circumstances of all events, which is necessary to calculate the demands of justice. God too, I believe, is unique in his ability to execute justice without becoming soured and poisoned from the experience. Someone who receives some sick glee in extracting punishment is walking away from compassion, not towards it. Christ is he one I would truly believe were he to say “this hurts me more than it hurts you.”

To forgive a debt is to relieve the indebted of obligation to pay, to willfully forgo that which is rightfully owed you. Forgiveness in a broader sense is to say “If it ever was so that I was owed anything by thee, even if I could through justice expect some recompense or suffering on thine part, I require these things no longer.” Note the if’s in there… that’s admitting that we don’t know everything and why justice (and vengeance) is better left to the Lord.

Oftentimes when inconvenienced or offended, there is an impulse to express the displeasure experienced, preferably to the person giving offense. Shouldn’t they be made aware of the grief they’re causing us? This usually doesn’t help, however, and only serves to perpetuate negativity. Part of forgiveness is letting go of our instinctive retaliatory reactions, or at least bottling them and keeping them to ourselves rather than passing them on.

President Faust passes along this to help us: “Dr. Sidney Simon, a recognized authority on values realization, has provided an excellent definition of forgiveness as it applies to human relationships: ‘Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves’ (With Suzanne Simon, Forgiveness: How to Make Peace with Your Past and Get On with Your Life (1990), 19 quoted in James E. Faust, “The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” Ensign, May 2007, 67–69).

So that’s great. We know where we want to be, and we’ve been convinced that we need to be there (D&C 64:9-10). Lessons like “Forgiving Others with All Our Hearts” from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball do an excellent job of teaching the importance of forgiveness, but seem to speak little of the mechanics. (Maybe it’s just natural and clear for everyone else?)

I wonder if forgiving isn’t like finding faith. At first glance it seems not possible, contradictory even. “Show me, then I will believe” is a common approach; “apologize and make amends, then I may forgive” is in the same line of thought. Yet we believe that both faith and forgiveness are possible.

Alma teaches “Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves — It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me” (Alma 32:28).

Compare forgiveness to a seed. It starts with a desire, and may take time to germinate. As the process begins we recognize it as good. We look for ways to aid and abet the process, and try to avoid anything which may kill the seed.

“And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit. But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out. Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof” (Alma 28:37-39).

Are we there yet? How do you know when you’ve fully forgiven, when you’re done? I think you’ve forgiven when the resentment is gone. When you can look back on the once-troubling events without experiencing negative feelings. The pain and the anger of the experience are gone, replaced by understanding and compassion.

These themes keep reappearing in the scriptures, but I don’t really know what they mean. I’ve finally decided to actually write them down as I find them, in the hopes of gathering enough to actually make sense of the imagery.

Hosea 13:7-9
[7] Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them: [8] I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them. [9] O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.

Micah 4:13
[4] Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

Micah 5:8
[5] And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

3 Nephi 20:16,19
[16] Then shall ye, who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth among them; and ye shall be in the midst of them who shall be many; and ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
[19] For I will make my people with whom the Father hath covenanted, yea, I will make thy horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass. And thou shalt beat in pieces many people; and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth. And behold, I am he who doeth it.

I like these scriptures because they invite us to be better with no sense of negativity. There’s nothing wrong with being blessed–it’s a good thing. This does not mean, however, that we should be content with good; there’s often still so much more. The comparison of Blessed and More Blessed shows us that there is often progress yet to me made without belittling our current position and efforts.

13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.
14 And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?
15 Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed–yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty.
(Book of Mormon | Alma 32:13 - 15)

1 AND it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve) and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am.
2 And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know that I am. …
(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 12:1 - 2)

1 AND it came to pass when Jesus had said these words, he spake unto his disciples, one by one, saying unto them: What is it that ye desire of me, after that I am gone to the Father?
2 And they all spake, save it were three, saying: We desire that after we have lived unto the age of man, that our ministry, wherein thou hast called us, may have an end, that we may speedily come unto thee in thy kingdom.
3 And he said unto them: Blessed are ye because ye desired this thing of me; therefore, after that ye are seventy and two years old ye shall come unto me in my kingdom; and with me ye shall find rest.
4 And when he had spoken unto them, he turned himself unto the three, and said unto them: What will ye that I should do unto you, when I am gone unto the Father?
5 And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not speak unto him the thing which they desired.
6 And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me.
7 Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven.
(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 28:1 - 7)

4 And blessed are you because you have believed;
5 And more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospel–
6 To lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud, and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 34:4 - 6)

Update: in the October 2007 General Conference Elder Oaks gave a talk “Good, Better, Best” on this very subject. He says in part:

We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives….

Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best.