If it Offends Thee

The Content:

Alma 43

Verse 46

And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their fathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies.

The Comments:

Not only were the Nephites motivated by the list in the last verse, but here it says that they were fulfilling “the duty which they owed to their God.”

If you read on, you’ll find that the Lord had given the some specific instructions regarding war. (Not guilty of the 1^st or 2^nd offense, but they should not let themselves be slain by their enemies.)

First off, that’s awesome. To know that the Lord will guide you even in war.

Second, none of us have to be complete pacifists, although the people of Ammon were, and that’s okay, but we can defend ourselves, so to speak.

Third, liken that to how Satan comes after us.

Consider a more subtle approach—think of something that is in your life that is a negative influence: a friend, family member, job or other situation.  Even if you feel obligated to keep this “thing” around, there may come a point when you should not “suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies.”

There may be an option to put it away or keep it away from you. I’ve seen friends have to do it, and I have done it myself.  Sometimes it is painful, and severs connections, but the Lord will guide us through it.  Especially if we ask for His help and listen to His answers.