I Did Frankly Forgive Them 1 Nephi 7

My last post contained a record of my observations regarding Nephi’s character as I have observed it. It was as follows:

"At this point I would like to interject a possible concern. There have been times when I have wondered how the same incidence, if told in the perspective of Laman and Lemuel, might have differed. Since this record is that of Nephi, I have felt at times that he seems to make sure the record is really slanted in his favor. This perspective changed for me when I realized that Nephi had, I believe, already at this point in his history, progressed to the point that he had received the sealing power. The understanding that I have of this power allows me to now view Nephi quite differently. Suddenly every word that Nephi speaks is as if the Lord himself were speaking. No longer do I view Nephi as boastful, but as a representative of God in every word and deed. This exchange between Nephi and his brothers, or the rebellious, has become a way for me to understand the nature and character of the Lord much better, as it is illustrated by Nephi’s very words and actions."

This point of view could not be given better illustration, in my opinion, than what is seen in the closing incidents of 1 Nephi chapter 7.

Nephi, after outlining the consequences of their choice, required that his brothers choose to return to Jerusalem and perish, or return to their father Lehi and live. The information Nephi gave to his brothers regarding the choice they were to make caused them to act violently toward him. They were “exceedingly wroth” which resulted in them “laying hands on him” and “binding him with cords”. They also “sought to take his life” by “leaving him in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts”. An interesting comparison might even be made between Nephi and Joseph of Egypt in this case. Both were treated similarly by their brothers, and ultimately both would act as “saviors” for their entire families. When we observe these similarities we should also remember to look for similarities in priesthood power as well.

As Nephi is bound, he prays for an interesting solution to his problem. Look for exactly what he asks for:

1 Nephi 7: 17 But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound.

Instead of asking for the Lord to jump in and handle the situation, he simply asked for the strength to overcome his enemies himself. He prefaces this request with the declaration of his faith in the Lord, and his reliance on His power to save. Nephi knew that because of the power in the priesthood, which had been given him by the Lord, he could do what was required to progress by simply asking for it. His words would supply the means of deliverance.

Notice what happens when he speaks the words of his prayer, or request:

1 Nephi 7: 18 And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my brethren, and I spake unto them again.

We are shown the power Nephi had just by speaking the words. When he spoke the word the bands were loosed. The confidence that Nephi had in his priesthood power is a lesson for all of us to learn. Nephi did not need an angel to come and loosen the cords; he gained power himself to do it. I marvel at the faith and knowledge that Nephi had to preform that simple act.

Although through the priesthood power Nephi was free from the restraints that bound him, it still took some humbling for his brothers to acknowledge their mistake in acting harshly toward him. After some persuasion, ultimately their hearts were softened and they desired, and asked, Nephi to forgive them for what they had done.

1 Nephi 7: 20 And it came to pass that they were sorrowful, because of their wickedness, insomuch that they did bow down before me, and did plead with me that I would forgive them of the thing that they had done against me.

It is at this point I have always thought of Nephi as somewhat boastful in the manner he responded, but understanding that Nephi is speaking as if the Lord himself were speaking, the perspective changes for me, when he tells us that he “did frankly forgive them all that they had done.” I believe that all that is required of us, for the Lord to forgive us of our sins, is a change of heart, the humble acknowledgment of Him as our Savior and Redeemer, and the request for his grace, which is the application of the Atonement in our lives. When we experience this “mighty change”, He too will “frankly forgive” us of all that we have done. Nephi becomes a beautiful illustration of the Savior himself, allowing us to come to know the Lord better by his example.

Because of the act of forgiveness on the part of Nephi, they were all given the blessing of moving forward on their journey in harmony. Nephi showed us that not only is the Lord quick to forgive, but we should be likewise, quick to forgive.

For me this is a literal teaching of the term, “grace for grace”.

Unkind Feelings Resolved

In the midst of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his disciples how to pray in the form of the Lord’s Prayer. One line in that prayer deals specifically with relationships that we are to foster with our fellow brothers and sisters in the gospel.

Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

In modern vernacular that verse may be stated simply, forgive us in the same manner we forgive others. This is the spring board for the discussion that ensued in my Institute class regarding the counsel given in Section 46 of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Historically speaking the early saints were curious about who should be allowed to attend their sacred services of Sacrament meetings and Confirmation meetings. On a side note, Confirmation meetings were gatherings when those who had recently been baptized received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, or were confirmed members of the Church. At that time people were baptized and then allowed a “proving” time to see if they could live up to the covenants they had just made before they actually received the gift of the Holy Ghost. In any event these two types of meetings were considered sacred enough for Joseph to inquire of the Lord who should be allowed to attend. The Lord’s response is contained in the first seven verses of Section 46.

1 Hearken, O ye people of my church; for verily I say unto you that these things were spoken unto you for your profit and learning.

2 But notwithstanding those things which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit.

3 Nevertheless ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public meetings, which are held before the world.

4 Ye are also commanded not to cast any one who belongeth to the church out of your sacrament meetings; nevertheless, if any have trespassed, let him not partake until he makes reconciliation.

5 And again I say unto you, ye shall not cast any out of your sacrament meetings who are earnestly seeking the kingdom—I speak this concerning those who are not of the church.

6 And again I say unto you, concerning your confirmation meetings, that if there be any that are not of the church, that are earnestly seeking after the kingdom, ye shall not cast them out.

7 But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.

This instruction for Church attendance, placed in the very first part of the Section that is known for the beautiful instruction about the consecration of our Spiritual Gifts, might at first seem out of place. The beauty of this placement is seen as one comes to understand that the Lord chooses his teaching methods perfectly, to instruct us more fully in all aspects of His gospel.

Even though the Lord makes it very clear that the meetings of the Church are open for any who desires to attend, He also is very specific about who should be allowed to partake of the ordinance of the Sacrament itself, which is administered during the meetings. In verse four He states, “if any have trespassed, let him not partake until he makes reconciliation”

The footnote reference in Section 46, for verse four, adds some clarity about what is meant by the words “trespass” and “reconciliation”.

3 Nephi 12: 23 Therefore, if ye shall come unto me, or shall desire to come unto me, and rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee—

24 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.

Is the Lord actually instructing us that if we have any unkind feelings towards those in our congregation we truly cannot partake of the Sacrament worthily?

For me, this question was a very big eye opener when pondering how important the ordinance of the Sacrament really is. The Sacrament is the ordinance that we participate in which allows Jesus Christ to grant us the gift of His Spirit. It is a foreshadow of another event where we are gathered together as one, in fellowship with other Saints requiring this purity of feelings towards one another, where we are participating in an ordinance in which we desire to gain something from Jesus Christ as well. Both of these situations are of great importance to our individual growth and to the blessings of Zion as a whole.

But in reality, what does this have to do with our Spiritual Gifts?

The Lord, before teaching us the potential we have of becoming a Zion society by consecrating our Spiritual Gifts for the good of the Church, wants us to understand the importance of unity in our relationships. He wants us to understand that before those Spiritual Gifts He has given us can benefit the “whole”, the “whole” must be in harmony one with another. There can be no feelings of malice, or hatred, or simply unkind feelings, if the Spirit is to be “unrestrained” and the Gifts facilitated through it are to work in unison benefiting all who would partake.

This clarity of teaching was something I did not consider fully enough before. I am grateful for the Gift of the Spirit of learning; for there is so much more I need to know before I really understand!

Our challenge for today is to repair damaged relationships and allow the Spirit to work miracles in our lives.