Trial and Tribulation

Elders, 

We have witnessed a significant amount of hatred directed towards good people this month. The murder of Charlie Kurk, the attack on an LDS church in Alabama and Michigan, but we have seen people trying to be good, too, in their own trials. When tragedy strikes good and innocent people, the urge to hate or be afraid is prevalent. Satan wants that, but remember three quotes...

Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.
-Yoda

And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consumed in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames. 

But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.
(Alma 14:10-11)

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you". (Matthew 5:44; Luke 4:27-28)

When you want to reach out your hand and stop all the bullets and all wickedness, remember the Lord receives these souls into Himself. It is for us to bear one another's burdens and lift those who are left behind. We should not curse with anger and fear for ourselves and others. You are sons of a loving Father who has sent you on a mission to teach repentance and faith (loyalty and trust). You are on a mission to lift and magnify others by magnifying your own calling. You are asked to preach repentance and baptism like Alma and Peter of old. In that teaching, teach hope. Hope that Christ has a plan for us, not just collectively but individually. Tragedy will hit us all. It's part of the plan, but so is hope and redemption.

Elders, work hard and pray, really talking to Him who sent you. You witness a growth in your faith and hope. Daily seek conversation and repentance. You are good men in, at times, a wicked place. Be the example that Christ needs you to be.

Brother Bingham 

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