Book of Mormon: Day 32: Choosing Not to be Offended

Today’s reading: 1 Nephi 18:12-25, 19:1-12

9 And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.

Choosing to not be offended or to not be ashamed is one of life’s obstacles that no one is exempt from. We each face the decision each day to take offense or to forgive. We choose whether or not we will stand courageously for what we believe in, or if we will hide in shame.

There will always be someone who won’t consider your feelings or opinions. There will always be those who look down upon you for your beliefs or your choices. There will always be those internal thoughts whispering “You’re not good enough.”

But there will also always be someone who loves you deeply and has experienced everything you’ve gone through and more. He’s our Savior and our Brother, Jesus Christ.

Through all He went through, Jesus Christ chose not to be offended. He never shrunk in shame. He was judged as naught— He was mocked and abused, scourged and spit upon. Yet he suffered through it, because of the love he has for every single one of us.

He has counseled us to love our enemies and to do good to those that hate us. He’s pleaded with us to forgive all men. But the miracle of it is– we don’t have to do it alone. He will help us, every step of the way.

Who will you forgive this week? What shame will you let go of?

Though difficult, it is through this process of forgiveness and repentance that we become like Him.

And that’s kind of the point of it all, isn’t it?

“I promise you, as you choose not to be offended or ashamed, you will feel His love and approval. You will know that you are becoming more like Him.” – Neil L. Andersen