Busy week? Me too. LDS Living is here to catch you up and get you ready for discussions on Sunday. Here’s a nugget of wisdom from this week’s Come, Follow Me study of 1 Nephi 6–10.
Lehi’s account of his vision of the Tree of Life is found in this week’s reading, and Nephi’s revelation on its interpretation is found in next week’s lesson. You can find insights on that story everywhere, from Primary lessons to seminary manuals. But my ah-ha moment from this week’s reading came from one word found in the family conflict immediately preceding Lehi’s vision.
Frankly Forgive
Lehi’s concern over the disobedience of some of his sons weighs heavily on him throughout this vision. In the chapter just before, Laman and Lemuel are once again persecuting Nephi. Then when they are faced with yet another demonstration of the Lord’s strength, they respond with anger. Once the situation cools and their hearts are softened, Nephi takes an opportunity to respond, and we can read it in verse 21.
1 Nephi 7:21
And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they had done …
The Webster’s Dictionary from 1828 defines frankly as “openly, freely, without reserve, or readily.” Nephi was wronged repeatedly by his brothers and never lost the patience to forgive them immediately.
Forgiveness can feel challenging at times, but Nephi has set the example that even in a repeat situation—even to family members that he was around constantly in the wilderness and even in the face of dire offenses—he frankly forgave. And after he forgave them, he moved on to thank God. Verse 21 continues:
1 Nephi 7:21
And after they had done praying unto the Lord we did again travel on our journey towards the tent of our father.
Mr. Go and Do has better things on his plate than to hold a grudge and linger over offenses. He forgave them and packed up his things because great things were waiting for them at their father’s tent. Pouting, waiting around for someone to feel really sorry for their mistakes, or giving his brothers the silent treatment didn’t fit into Nephi’s schedule.
Nephi’s example exhibits a command from revelation in Doctrine and Covenants.
Doctrine and Covenants 64:10
I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
This is what the Lord has commanded. How we forgive or heal may look different in every situation, but forgiveness is always the rule. And whenever possible, I hope to be able to forgive like Nephi. Frankly. And then move on to what the Lord has next.
Sunday on Monday is a Come, Follow Me podcast hosted by Tammy Uzelac Hall that is released every Monday to guide you through the scripture readings for the week. This week covers 1 Nephi 6-10. Our podcast guests this week were Gaylamarie Rosenberg and Sharon Staples. You can listen to full episodes on Deseret Bookshelf Plus and find out more at ldsliving.com/sundayonmonday.
