Uprooting Enmity from our Hearts

"And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care." -D&C 12:8

ENMITY: a feeling or condition of hostility; hatred; ill will; animosity; antagonism.

The scriptures speak of enmity as being an abomination before God. Meaning we cannot stand in Gods presence if we possess  any characteristics of hatred, malice, strife or contention towards anyone. When we recognize  these feelings have found place within your heart, we must root them out immediately, so that they will have no place in us. 

Sometimes it is difficult to see this within ourselves. It can be easy to justify holding onto a grudge because someone has hurt us. We may feel uptight or out of patience and take something out on someone else, blaming them for our foul mood. Sometimes we withhold love and acceptance because of fear, hurt or our own need to control a situation that may not be within our control. If we spend time tearing someone else down or even participating in stirring up contention we can physically feel it. The literal tension, dark or gray mood, agitation or grumpiness can all be witnesses to us that we must quickly change our course.

Thinking before we speak or write something may help. Words can be felt even if they are not heard. If it doesn't come out of a place of love and flow naturally from the Spirit we must learn to hold our tongue and pray for hostile feelings to pass from us.

Merely ridding ourselves of enmity through repentance is not always enough. To truly change our hearts, we must go a step further and replace it with Charity, which is the pure love of Christ. As we do this peace is returned and we begin to enjoy the companionship not only of the Spirit, but also of those whom we need to love most.

May we all learn to work on rooting out enmity from our hearts and replace it with the love that was exemplified by our Savior Jesus Christ. Infusing our hearts and homes with love can be healing to all of our relationships!

 

Trust God

These signs are quite popular now. I particularly love the message of this one.

It is a good thing to remember. When things seem beyond our control, which they often are, I try to turn things over to the Lord and truly trust in His ability to take care of the situation or person I may be worrying about. 

This also works if someone has offended you in anyway, immediately turn them over to the Lord and pray that He in his merciful way will make things right.

He is wiser than I am.
More dependable.
Full of understanding
and more love
and therefore
able to judge fairly.
He is strong enough to carry it all. 

When I remember this, I sleep much better and it frees me up from negativity and worry.  I can then begin to focus on all of the positive and good things I can be doing each day! 

 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.  

                        -Proverbs 3:5-6