 |
Gramps,
I know we are supposed to love our neighbor and our enemies as ourselves.
But I have found myself struggling with a person who has just
joined the Church and who plays one person against another where I work.
This is bringing several comments about this person and the Mormons. This person seems to relish in causing conflict among people
and in getting people to feel sorry for her. I keep trying to love her as
a sister and hate her actions but have found several times that she has
raised my anger. What scriptures could I read to learn how to deal with
this behavior and to prevent loosing self control and temper? Harry, from
Texas |
Dear
Harry,
Gaining
self-control, including controlling one’s temper, is indeed a noble goal. In
fact, it lies at the heart of the purpose of our existence in mortality. The
Lord said,
And
there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who
were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of
these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we
will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the
Lord their God shall command them; And they who keep their first estate
shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have
glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they
who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever
and ever Abraham 3:24-26).
One
of the principle purposes of mortality, other than gaining a body, is to gain
control over that body such that it becomes subject to the will of the spirit.
The Lord influences us through the spirit or the intellect; Satan influences
us through the body or the emotions.
So
the vital question is, as you asked, how do we gain self-control? All skills
are gained by practice. So, I guess one answer to your question is practice,
practice, and practice! If you were in an environment of all sweetness and
light where nothing contrary or disturbing ever happened, you would have no
opportunity for growth. So being placed in the company of one who tends to
unsettle your equilibrium is actually a blessing; it provides the opportunity
to practice self-control. In all these matters the Savior is the Great
Exemplar. We are instructed,
Therefore
I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven
is perfect (3 Nephi 12:48).
Therefore,
hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light
which ye shall hold up--that which ye have seen me do
3 Nephi 18:24
Then
said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do
(Luke 23:34).
If
He forgave those who put him to death, can we not forgive those of whose
actions we do not approve? Without condoning inappropriate behavior can we
show love and concern for such a person when the Savior has commanded us to Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and
pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you
(Matthew 5:44)?
Gramps