Have you ever seen an
angry driver who, when someone else makes a mistake, reacts as though that
person has insulted his honor, his family, his dog, and his ancestors all the
way back to Adam? Or have you had an encounter with an overhanging cupboard door
left open at the wrong place and the wrong time which has been cursed,
condemned, and avenged by a sore-headed victim?
While Elder Wirthlin was
not necessarily talking directly about loving ones brother
but the principle of learning to laugh, his main idea inherently is the same. This
idea is that we should not become angry or contentious with our
fellow man, or with the cupboard door. Instead the idea is to find a way
to seek to become more like the Lord, to show charity, kindness, and love.
These thoughts are
also reinforced by the teaching of John: "He that loveth his
brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness,
and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his
eyes" (2:10-11).
It is interesting to
note that those who are angry with the brother are considered to walking in
darkness. Have you ever been angry with someone? How did you feel?
What were you able to accomplish while you were angry? What were you able
to think about while you were angry? These feelings of hatred roar in
side us until like the all-encompassing storm they block out all light and
leave us stumbling on our way.
However, have you ever
just laughed at an insult and turned love on its way. There is a peace a
light and a focus that comes. We learn more about Christ and how He must
feel towards us and everything in our lives somehow seems to be enriched.
No comments:
Post a Comment