Book of Mormon: Day 194: Ammon chooses love

Today’s Reading: Alma 26:35

 35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.

What an incredibly violent and tragic week it has been for the United States. As hate has intensified, anger and fear have taken hold of hearts. This week we mourn the innocent lives taken too soon. My heart has been weighed down with grief and worry for my country and for my sons’ future. We have been told that as the Second Coming of the Lord nears “all things shall be in commotion… (and) fear shall come upon all people” (D&C 88:91).

Today’s reading served as a reminder that Ammon also lived in a divisive society. At one point he served a mission among the “bloodthirsty” Lamanites. His mission was never easy. Troubles did not cease simply because he was on the Lord’s errand. In fact, he faced imprisonment, withstood unfair accusations, and endured all manner of opposition.

“…And we have been cast out, and mocked and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prision…” (Alma 26:29).

Despite such adverse circumstances and treatment, Ammon glories in the Lord, boldly declaring, “Now have we not reason to rejoice?” [1]  Here is a man who withstood adversity on all fronts, yet remained steadfast. He didn’t desire for his audience to know every painful detail of his mission, nor how unfair it had been. Instead, his intent was on “boasting”, as he said, “in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being…” [2]

Ammon’s ability to endure such hardships and his capacity to love, even those who were cruel to him, was because his heart and mind were fixed on the Savior, Jesus Christ. He explained that the source of his love, even for his enemies, was a correct knowledge of the character of God:

“God is mindful of every people, whatsovever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth…” [3]

What a powerful reminder! God is mindful of all people, including people who look different, those who vote different, and those who behave differently. Though our cultures, religions, or race may be distinctly different, we are each children of a loving God, literal brothers and sisters. Especially during these fragile days, let us choose love. When choosing anger tempts us, let us choose love. Let our words and actions be filled with the love of Christ.

When filled with God’s love, we can do and see and understand things that we could not otherwise do or see or understand. Filled with His love, we can endure pain, quell fear, forgive freely, avoid contention, renew strength, and bless and help others in ways surprising even to us… He invites us to follow Him and partake of His unlimited love so we too may rise above the pain and cruelty and injustice of this world and help and forgive and bless. [4]

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