Learning of Self
I have been thinking a great deal about recent activities in the house. I know we have talked about it, but it remains on my mind. I have been trying to figure out how to help. The more I think about it, the more I realize that I cannot change you, make you change yourselves, but I can only make suggestions.
First, Nephi comes to mind. There were several instances where he was abused, physically, emotionally, and verbally. I would encourage you to take some time and review his re-actions. Did he ever get frustrated? Yes. Did he ever feel like he was going to lose control? Yes. Did he ever react physically? No. Though the time and circumstance was different, can you related to some of the challenges he faced?
Second, Joseph comes to mind. There are many stories of him being taunted, ridiculed, harassed, tarred, beaten, and imprisoned. How did he respond? Do you think it was easy for him? Just because he had been called as a prophet did not make it any easier for him. He had to learn for himself what he could and could not accomplish. He had to learn to control all of these emotions.
I am sure that there are many more people would could talk about. I myself am learning from them. I struggle with some of these emotions myself. When I am struggling the most, I think of D&C 121:41-44
41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
Study these verses. What do they mean? What is persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, and pure knowledge? How can you develop these traits?
Note there is reproving, but not physically. It all verbally and through the spirit. Take them on one at a time. You can. I can. We can.
First, Nephi comes to mind. There were several instances where he was abused, physically, emotionally, and verbally. I would encourage you to take some time and review his re-actions. Did he ever get frustrated? Yes. Did he ever feel like he was going to lose control? Yes. Did he ever react physically? No. Though the time and circumstance was different, can you related to some of the challenges he faced?
Second, Joseph comes to mind. There are many stories of him being taunted, ridiculed, harassed, tarred, beaten, and imprisoned. How did he respond? Do you think it was easy for him? Just because he had been called as a prophet did not make it any easier for him. He had to learn for himself what he could and could not accomplish. He had to learn to control all of these emotions.
I am sure that there are many more people would could talk about. I myself am learning from them. I struggle with some of these emotions myself. When I am struggling the most, I think of D&C 121:41-44
41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
Study these verses. What do they mean? What is persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, and pure knowledge? How can you develop these traits?
Note there is reproving, but not physically. It all verbally and through the spirit. Take them on one at a time. You can. I can. We can.
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