Monday, September 26, 2016

3 Nephi 12:24 -- On Hearts, Reconciliation, and Reception

"Go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I will receive you."
3 Nephi 12:24


Continuing the idea of unity, this verse illustrates that any kind of conflict can get in the way of our relationship with God.  Those things need to be resolved before we can have "full purpose of heart" in approaching God.  Although we place a lot of emphasis on such matters as whose fault it is, or whether the conflict is "justified," in the interest of restoring peace and unity those things don't really matter.  Merely the existence of a conflict is what interrupts our unity and peace, divides our hearts, and distracts us from the spirit.  Even though we want to go to God, we can't if we don't have our whole hearts to give and parts of them are tied up with hatred or guilt or envy or lust or whatever it is.

Today, no matter how it started or who is wrong, let's resolve those conflicts that we have with others, and be reconciled.  Let's make sure there isn't anything weighing on our hearts or souls that could detract from our devotion.  When our hearts are freed from those burdens, we will be able to turn them completely to God, and he will then willingly accept and receive us.

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