For behold, a continual sense of wickedness and abominations has been before my eyes ever since I have been sufficient to behold the ways of man. and woe is me because of their wickedness, for my heart has been filled with sorrow . . .
We jump too quickly from 200 years of peace to these final chapters of the Nephite civilization. These are sad chapters - the story of man at his worst.
It is a story repeated over and over in the history of mankind. We watch it daily in the news. Man seems incapable of getting along with his neighbors.
I got caught up in the frenzy this year and found myself feeling such intense negative feelings towards others. It came to a boiling point when our political signs were stolen from our front yard. I was angry - furious - and caught myself saying unkind words towards "them." I realized that I was caught up in the "them vs us" mentality.
I had to stop and disengage. I didn't like what I was becoming.
I'm still concerned about the election. I still believe that the Trump administration has served our country poorly, bringing out the worst in our citizens, but I am more concerned about the intense divide among Americans and the hatred I see not just "out there" but inside me.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I have followed Him my whole life. Because of Him I must love my neighbor.
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. Because of the Restored Gospel I know who we all are. We are all children of the same Heavenly Parents. We are brothers and sisters. I must treat everyone with kindness and respect.
I am me. I know in my heart that love and respect and kindness and forgiveness and relationship are at the heart of everything that matters in life.
This same Mormon who watched his society be destroyed was much like me. In the midst of all the chaos of his life, he chose to follow Jesus.
He wrote some of the most beautiful passages of scripture ever written in a letter to his son. Moroni 7 is that letter. Here is one of my favorite verses:
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