"Yea, wo unto this people who are called the people of Nephi except they shall repent, when they shall see all these signs and wonders which shall be showed unto them; for behold, they have been a chosen people of the Lord; yea, the people of Nephi hath he loved, and also hath he chastened them; yea, in the days of their iniquities hath he chastened them because he loveth them.
But behold my brethren, the Lamanites hath he hated because their deeds have been evil continually, and this because of the iniquity of the tradition of their fathers. But behold, salvation hath come unto them through the preaching of the Nephites; and for this intent hath the Lord prolonged their days."
Helaman 15:3-4
I like how these verses show the love of God for all of his children, whether obedient or not. Even though it uses the word hated, it is clear that God hates sin and not the people committing the sin. Instead of just favoring one group over another, God consistently blesses the obedient, and shows mercy on the disobedient, giving them time and space, even through generations, to realize their errors and find repentance. The obedient would not learn if he didn't chasten and try them, and so he does so... not as a punishment, but as a refinement. God is always helping us to learn and to become our best selves... if we're chosen, we have to remain chosen. And if we've been led astray by incorrect or evil traditions, God shows us the way back, not just dismissing us as bad guys, but as also worthy of his attention and help.
Today, let's remember God's blessings and mercy, and let's thank God for the extra time he gives us to learn and to repent. We've all been good guys and bad guys, and I think one of the most reassuring blessings that we have is exactly what these verses show us... that we are *always* loved, and looked after. God is always looking to teach us and help us, and gives us space to repent and change. Let's do so. Let's realize the great love that God has for us and get to know him better... today, and always. :)
But behold my brethren, the Lamanites hath he hated because their deeds have been evil continually, and this because of the iniquity of the tradition of their fathers. But behold, salvation hath come unto them through the preaching of the Nephites; and for this intent hath the Lord prolonged their days."
Helaman 15:3-4
I like how these verses show the love of God for all of his children, whether obedient or not. Even though it uses the word hated, it is clear that God hates sin and not the people committing the sin. Instead of just favoring one group over another, God consistently blesses the obedient, and shows mercy on the disobedient, giving them time and space, even through generations, to realize their errors and find repentance. The obedient would not learn if he didn't chasten and try them, and so he does so... not as a punishment, but as a refinement. God is always helping us to learn and to become our best selves... if we're chosen, we have to remain chosen. And if we've been led astray by incorrect or evil traditions, God shows us the way back, not just dismissing us as bad guys, but as also worthy of his attention and help.
Today, let's remember God's blessings and mercy, and let's thank God for the extra time he gives us to learn and to repent. We've all been good guys and bad guys, and I think one of the most reassuring blessings that we have is exactly what these verses show us... that we are *always* loved, and looked after. God is always looking to teach us and help us, and gives us space to repent and change. Let's do so. Let's realize the great love that God has for us and get to know him better... today, and always. :)
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