![]() ![]() ![]() Some of the ways are explained in the Book of Mormon in scriptures which refer to being “filled with love.” Because the Lord has commanded us to love, he will prepare a way for us to learn to love. Nephi had faith in the Lord when he said, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them” (1 Nephi 3:7). We can all think of examples in our lives of people who are difficult to love. It may be someone who has cheated us or harmed us in some way. Perhaps it is a child who has caused many problems. In introducing the topics which the Book of Mormon discusses at length, I want to observe that at times we are faced with trying to love someone who is difficult to love. But the Book of Mormon has much more to say about love. It is clear from these impressive cameos that love can feel like a consuming of one’s flesh, is available to the pure and steadfast of heart, and drives out fear. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” In this connection, one is struck by a similar concept in 1 John 4:18 which states: “There is no fear in love but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. It is in Mormon’s important letter to his son Moroni that he affirms that he does not fear what man can do, for “perfect love casteth out all fear” (Moroni 8:16). One can think of few promises in modern life that are more welcome. Third, the Book of Mormon tells us that love can dispel all fear. To such, the love of God is abundantly available. Note that being allowed to partake of love in this manner requires not only that the participant be pure in heart but also possess a firm resolve to remain so. In this connection, we read Jacob’s brief but teeming statement that the pure in heart may feast upon the love of God if their minds are firm forever (see Jacob 3:2). The second concise principle is described as a feasting, or banqueting, on the love of the Lord. Such, Nephi learned, was the power of love. From what Nephi says, it appears that the love of the Lord had come to him as a totally overwhelming feeling. ![]() Then, almost as a response to his despair, he recalls God’s support in the past and declares, “ hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh” (v. We all recall Nephi’s stirring lamentation in which, as he bemoans his own weaknesses, he exclaims, “O wretched man that I am!” (2 Nephi 4:17). But before turning to a general discussion of these features of the message of the Book of Mormon, let me draw attention to three important aspects of love which are highlighted only briefly.įirst, a point is made that love can have a consuming effect. It further tells us whom God loves and whom we should love, and deals in depth with the aspects of charity, or the love of Christ. In addition, it explains suitable and unsuitable objects of love. In this sacred book, we find examples of not only how we can be filled with love, but also what some results of love can be. ![]() But most of us, it is to be hoped, use our lifetimes to assimilate the facets of love and to learn to be givers of love as well as recipients of God’s love.įor those who desire and need to learn more about love, a study of the Book of Mormon can deepen their understanding and, I believe, enhance their ability to share that love. While one’s love generally increases with maturity, it is also possible to become less loving as one grows older. For these, loving constitutes a principle that requires understanding, nurturing, and work. Others pass through a real struggle in order to display love. In actuality, we observe that some members of the Church seem to radiate and to demonstrate love very naturally. From the time we are very small, we are taught both to love God and to love one another. Brown was an Arabic translator when this was published.Īs we come to understand the gospel, we find that we are continually reminded of the principle of love. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |