Life Lessons

Warning, this blog post has religious undertones. If you are sensitive to that, I suggest you discontinue reading. As most, if not all of you know, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormon for those of you not familiar with that name. One of the fundamental teachings of our church is to try and live a life that would exemplify the teachings of Jesus Christ. I made a post last week regarding the hatred I felt in my heart toward a Taliban detainee who was receiving medical care in our clinic. Not a very Christ-like attribute or feeling. That said, I was the recipient of several personal emails from people I hold very close to my heart. They were emails of both wise counsel and encouragement. I would like to share some of that with you in hopes that it too may inspire you as it did me, to live with more love in your heart.

The first piece of counseling was:

"The things you are learning over there may be for your benefit only, but I think you will be able to identify when you get back with those on the American soil who are going through rough times and facing their enemy every day. You will have empathy for those struggling and yet you will be able to look above that and see the sacrifices and dedication of those trying to make it every day. Remember what Christ said about the people that killed him, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

The second piece of counsel was the following:

"As for the wounded Taiban that have to be provided medical care, don't give them the real estate in your heart that hate requires. If you do, they are wounding you without lifting a finger. Focus on the good you-all do."

"I offered the following response.."As for loving the Taliban, I'm just not there yet. I know what I should do. I know what the Lord tells me through scripture to do. But, I'm not there right now.....I see the damage they do to innocent people, to people who don't deserve to die. This all makes it extremely difficult to exemplify that Christ-like characteristic of loving everyone. But right now, I do not love my enemies. I do not love those who want to kill me. I do not love those who kill innocent people."

I suppose that on some level, my explanation is also a justification of my hatred, a way to convince myself that it is ok to hate them because they hate me. How foolish am I? I have spent the past few days pondering the counsel and seeking out my own answers as well. As I read through both the Book of Mormon (BOM) and the New Testament, I came across several superior examples of those who loved their enemies, regardless of their circumstances.

From the BOM, Nephi and his family were commanded by the Lord to leave Jerusalem before it was destroyed. As they traveled through the wilderness they experienced much tribulation. So much so that his brothers began to rebel and sought to take his life on several occassions. Over the years, they separated into 2 separate tribes. Nephi's brothers constantly brought battle to him and his people over religious differences. I really appreciate the following perspective Nephi offered:

27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
29 Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.
30 Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Secondly, I read in the New Testament about the ultimate example of loving everyone, the Savior Jesus Christ. While hanging on the cross:

34 ¶Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do...

What an incredible pair of examples to learn from. Regardless of your religous affiliation, the message is the same.

Every time we allow hatred for our enemy (whatever/whoever that may be) to enter our heart, it is impossible to move forward spiritually because we are simultaneously allowing the enemy of our soul to control our feelings and ultimately control us. On some level I suppose my explanation of why I feel like I do is also an attempt to justify my hatred, which is exactly what Satan wants me to do. Matthew 6:24 says "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other." It is impossible to harbor hate and progress spiritually at the same time. The longer I am here and the more experiences I live, the more the counsel I recieved rings true, and the more I need to hold tight to the teachings of Christ, regardless of how incredibly difficult that is.