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The LDS Daily WOOL© Archive - The Golden Rule

(8/20/04)
"Jesus taught the doctrine that we should pray for those that despitefully use us; that we should love our enemies; that we should do good to them that do evil to us; that we should not return evil for evil, but good for evil. There is no particular credit due to any person who returns good for good. Even the publicans and sinners did this, but it is somewhat difficult to return good for evil. Nevertheless to do so was enjoined by the commandments of the Lord Jesus. We are to love our enemies; do good to them that hate and persecute us; and when we are persecuted, persecute not again; when we are derided, deride not in return; if we are injured, seek not to injure those who injure us; that which is required at our hands is to establish peace on earth and good will to man. Hence, when we forget the object of our calling and step out of the path of duty to return blow for blow, to inflict evil for evil, to persecute because we may be persecuted, we forget the injunction of the Lord and the covenants we have made with God, to keep His commandments." - Joseph F. Smith, "Journal of Discourses, 26 vols." [London: Latter-day Saints' Book Depot, 1854-1886], 23:285-286

8/2/06
"It may seem natural to react to a situation by giving back what is given to us. But it doesn't have to be that way. Reflecting on his horrendous wartime experiences, Viktor Frankl recalled: 'We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way' (Man's Search for Meaning [1985], 86; emphasis added).

"That is noble behavior and a high expectation, but Jesus expects no less of us. 'Love your enemies,' He said, 'bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you' (Matt. 5:44)." - Wayne S. Peterson, "Our Actions Determine Our Character," Ensign (CR), November 2001, p.83

9/9/06
"In the first section of the Doctrine and Covenants we read 'that the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man according to his work, and measure to every man according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow man.' (D&C 1:10.)

"This teaching deserves the most careful consideration, for on judgment day the Lord will mete out to us precisely as we have dealt with our fellowmen, unless we have fully repented. It is a staggering thought, and yet it is an integral factor in the Lords method of judgment. Do we realize its broad significance? Do we see how we shall reap what we sow?

"This principle, showing the manner by which God will judge us, puts a new light upon the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, and should persuade us to take that law seriously.

"It also helps us to understand the deep meaning of the Golden Rule: 'All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.' This is a commandment, and to further emphasize it the Lord said: 'This is the law and the prophets.' (3 Ne. 14:12.)" - Mark E. Petersen, "Do Unto Others...," Ensign (CR), May 1977, p.73

 
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R. Scott Birk
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