First off, I just want to say that I loved this section of the D+C. It had some beautiful and wonderful things to share; now, I want to share with you a few of my thoughts on forgiveness, the calling of Zion, and the importance of honest tithing. I will also mix in some excellent quotes from men much wiser than myself.
Assignment Step 1: Use the LDS Scripture Citation Index (scriptures.byu.edu) to find inspiring and edifying teachings (two quotes each for a total of six) from General Authorities related to the references:
D+C 64: 9–11(Requirements of Forgiveness):
In this section, God commands that we are required to forgive all men their trespasses just as our Father in Heaven forgives us our sins. I think that the below quote helps us to better understand the beauty of forgiveness because God really truly wants to to put all of the man made negative energy to use. Our Heavenly Father does not want us to waste our days being resentful to other people when we could use that energy for the building up of the kingdom. Enjoy the quotes.
“Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves. If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being.”
James E Faust, The Healing Power of Forgiveness, April 2007.
“Somehow forgiveness, with love and tolerance, accomplishes miracles that can happen in no other way.”
Gordon B. Hinckley, Forgiveness, October 2005.
D+C 64: 33–34 (Calling of a Zion-like people):
This section of scripture describes the attributes of being Zion-like and describes the importance of holding to those qualities. It also talks about how those qualities can help to further the kingdom and how it is our calling, as members, to do just that. These quotes just focus on how having those qualities will make us better people, which is what God has in mind for us to begin with.
“You can do so much good that it will astound you as you are changed and as you see others changed.”
James M Paramore, The Heart and Willing Mind, April 1998.
“Those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit are willing to do anything and everything that God asks of them.”
Bruce D Porter, Broken Heart and Contrite Spirit, October 2007
D+C 64: 23 (tithing):
I think that tithing can pretty much speak for itself, but I do want to share a story about how tithing blessed our lives lately. So on Sunday, my husband paid our tithing on a sale that we had made. We were downsizing the computer in order to better live within our means and have the dough needed to pay bills this month. Well, then last night, my husband lost if cell phone. If you know us, we are notorious for losing and breaking cell phones. Well, we were pretty upset because there was no way we could afford to replace the phone. So, we said a silent pray and humbly reminded Father that our tithing was paid and that we could really use him to open that door for us so that we wouldn't have to replace the phone. (We were freaking out because it had been lost on the campus). Well, don't know how this happened, but my husband found the phone underneath our kitchen counters! Not even on the campus! Tithing-love it, pay it, and you will be blessed.
“Would any of us intentionally reject an outpouring of blessings from the Lord? Sadly, this is what we do when we fail to pay our tithing. We say no to the very blessings we are seeking and praying to receive. If you are one who has doubted the blessings of tithing, I encourage you to accept the Lord’s invitation to “prove [Him] now herewith.” Pay your tithing. Unlock the windows of heaven. You will be abundantly blessed for your obedience and faithfulness to the Lord’s laws and commandments.”
Robert D Hales, Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings, October 2002.
“President Heber J. Grant stated, ‘I want to say to you, if you will be honest with the Lord, paying your tithing and keeping His commandments, He will not only bless you with the light and inspiration of His Holy Spirit, but you will be blessed in dollars and cents; you will be enabled to pay your debts, and the Lord will pour out temporal blessings upon you in great abundance.’”
Sheldon F Child, The Best Investment, April 2008.
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