3-17-13

Greetings! Happy St. Patricks Day! ... A day late! ... I had actually forgotten, but I did happen to wear a green/white tie that day. Turned out well. :) Hope you guys are all doing well.

Been meeting with a Catholic guy. Very interesting. Haven't gotten much chance to learn about other religions until my misson. Fascinating stuff. Wonderful to see what people are doing with what light they have. How much they are putting towards their God. :)

Today's spiritual thought comes from John 7:24 and Matt 7:2

"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement."

"For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you again."

There are many wonderful people on this earth trying very hard to do good things. However, sometimes these good things are not so visible. It is much easier to notice spatters of dirt on a white wall than it is to notice the blank white spaces.

Every man will be judged according to that which he understands, and according to his weakness. When someone does not completely understand a law or what they should be doing, how can we condemn them when they do not? Similarly, when someone is weak in some point, and it is harder for them to overcome a specific thing, how can we truly blame them when they fall short?

I once had a thought as I was walking around doing doors. I realized that I am struggling and make mistakes and am weak as the next guy. I am no exception to imperfection. I started to realize that sometimes as people we decide that we don't like someone because they are doing something wrong that we don't think they should be doing. Sometimes we have become strong in something, and, when we are not careful, begin to be intolerant to those who, though working on it, have not yet overcome the same struggle.

I testify that God loves each and every one of His children. I testify that we are given weaknesses that we may be tried and grow. God sends us hard times to lift us higher. We have to work our muscles to climb a mountain, it is not easy. We must strain ourselves spiritually, continually improving and learning as we move up towards God. :) Those who are falling short are sometimes seen as bad. Looked down upon. I submit that any man who you see climbing the mountain near you, even if they are falling short and not making as much progress, deserve help, encouragement, and love. Not condemnation or belittlement.

Luke 5:31-32

31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

When you see a fellowman struggling, help him up. :) Show love. Try to assume good about someone. It is true that some are choosing evil on purpose, but who are we to say? How would we know? Everyone has reasons for what they do. Hate the sin, but love the sinner. Try to help him. You have the light. Share it. :)

I know that each of us has the Love of God in us. We are capable of bringing about great good in those around us. I also testify that God loves us. Loves -you-. Let us continue to develop our love for Him, and for each other. You will be happier.

And I say these things in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.

I wish you guys a wonderful week. I challenge you to do something cool. :) Love you guys. God bless you.

- Elder Michael Miles