Alive through the Love of God (2)

Anna wrote a comment to Alive through the Love of God, and asked some really good questions. I was trying to keep my reply short, but was only half successful, so I’m copying these words into a new post instead. (I think I will do that also in the future with my longer replies, in case someone else wants to read them.)

Here are Anna’s two question:
“a) If trials and sufferings leads to something good for other people, does that mean that we shall not try to take away these sufferings (like poverty in the world, or the neighbor abusing his family)?
b) If trials and suffering might lead to something good for us, does that mean that we shouldn´t try to have better lives, that we should just try to endure no matter what?”

Here is her own answer:
“To both these 2 questions, I would definitively say: No! One good thing with the evil in the world is that it gives us something to fight, opportunities to do good, to show mercy and love towards ourselves and others, that need a helping hand to get out of their suffering.”

I put the last part in italics, because those are important words. I totally agree that the answer is no to both questions. But I’m glad it was brought up so I can expand just a little, to avoid any misunderstandings about my view of (my) LDS faith.

a) Just because we can grow from trails doesn’t mean that we should seek them out (like the time when I felt so blessed in my life that I prayed to God, asking for a trail to teach me humility, and I came home that evening only to find that burglars had broken in). It doesn’t mean that we should want anyone else to suffer either. The thing is: trails and suffering find their own way into people’s lives; it doesn’t have to be through a bad choice they make; it can be through a bad choice of someone else; or living in Burma (where millions are victims of the latest cyclone)… or whatever. So of course we have to easy the burdens of others. It’s the Christian way. To all of us, it should be the only way!

b) No to this question also. In fact, the LDS view is that we should strive every day to become better than the day before. Our last prophet, Gordon B Hinckley always talked about becoming a little bit better, being more kind to each other, and standing a little taller. We believe there is a God-given potential within all human beings, and its our responsibility to try our best to live up to who we really are, or can become. Although the scripture often talk about “enduring to the end”, we don’t interpret that to mean “suffer to the end”, but rather, keep the faith always and find joy - even when it’s hard - to keep the commandments of God.

Note: Please read Linda’s last (and first) comment to Alive through the Love of God. (I didn’t see that until I had posted this one.) I like the perspective Jeanette gives also, about Christ’s role.

Loosing Agnes, Gaining Love

A week ago we lost one of our oldest, but dearest members of our congregation, Agnes Traviss. Yesterday her funeral was held. Until my release two months ago, I had been her bishop for many years. I had truly enjoyed her company. She always wore that gleaming smile on her face that would make you forget your own worries for a moment. Often when I looked at her from the stand I thought about her life as a single woman, struggling to get by. She had had many reason to complain, but never once did I hear a bitter word from her lips. On the contrary, she always gave thanks and praise, especially to her Lord Jesus, who had given her the richest of lives. This was the lasting impression and legacy she left to my heart: her perfect example of gratitude. Imaging if we all could adopt this feeling of appreciation for life, and not think so much on what we are missing, but rather about the wonderful gifts already in our hands.

As awkward as it sounds, I believe her death has actually increased my love. I was given a chance to sing at her funeral. For obvious reasons, I usually get quite choked up when singing at funerals, but yesterday was different. I felt a great calm come over me, especially as I thought of Agnes. The thought came to mind of the last time I saw her alive. I had gone to visit her in the hospital on a Sunday, and taken with me some youth from Church. We had chatted about life for awhile, after which we sang two hymns for her. Then we blessed the sacrament (communion) and gave it to her. I remember how happy she was. It didn’t seem to matter to her that her whole body was on the brink of destruction, now that her spirit had been renewed. Again the gratitude. Again the love to her Saviour.

As I thought of this during my song, and in the following moments, I came to understand more clearly how important each individual is, and how we have to impart unconditional love to all we come in contact with. This is what Jesus taught, especially the kind of love shown to the needy. In James 1:27 we read:

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

So when it comes down to it, it matters little about the amount of knowledge we possess, or how load we shout the name of Jesus (as some people do, thinking this act will save them somehow). “Pure religion” is something else: It’s not knowing or saying - it’s doing; it’s caring about the poor and the needy, or the lonely, as in Agnes’ case. If we don’t care for the needy in the spirit of true charity then we are just as Paul described, a “tinkling cymbal” (I Cor 13:1), a person making a lot of noise, but doing no good.

So yes, I carry a sadness in my heart today for the loss of Agnes. But I am also happy she helped me realize what the power of love can do to a person. And although I am only human, I hope through the grace of God that my eyes will be opened so I can truly see the needs of others. I pray we all can.

This is a picture of Agnes with some friends from Church at our traditional, Swedish lobster party last year. You will notice her smile, something she always wore.

Mormon Missionaries Forgive Attackers

For those who read the sad news in an earlier blog, Skinheads Assault Mormon Missionaries, about my nephew and his companion who are serving as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, there’s this article from Bolton News that might interest you.

Both of the young Elders impress me. To be a part of such a beating, and then to unconditionally forgive your offenders, I think that exemplifies charity, the true love of Christ.

From what I understand Elder’s Herrey and Woolsey are feeling better and are happy in continuing their work, teaching the gospel of Christ - the gospel of peace. Of course, happenings such as this leave a mark on the soul, so it’s just my wish that we keep praying for them, that the Lord’s strength will keep them and guide them always.

Brother Louis