Jacob 3:1-2 (#107)
Question
Have you ever found that you were kept from “feasting“ upon the love of God because you hadn’t been able to forgive someone (as Elder Duncan suggests)? How does knowing that justice will be served, even if you forgive and forget, impact your willingness to forgive all people?
Scripture
1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.
Jacob 3:1-2
Quote
I am convinced that most of us want to forgive, but we find it very hard to do. When we have experienced an injustice, we may be quick to say, “That person did wrong. They deserve punishment. Where is the justice?” We mistakenly think that if we forgive, somehow justice will not be served and punishments will be avoided.
This simply is not the case. God will mete out a punishment that is fair, for mercy cannot rob justice. God lovingly assures you and me: “Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. [But let] peace be with you”. The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob also promised that God “will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction”
Elder Duncan