Every term the boys sign up for their college classes and it changes our family's schedule. Usually we are able to make the adjustment without any problems, but this term is presenting some extra challenges. I've been trying to think of ways to help the situation, but it still doesn't feel like we've got it quite right, so I figured it is time to ask for some help. So my prayer this morning was first filled with gratitude for my family and the opportunities that we have, and then a discussion on what's going on and our desire to work together to make the best of the situation. I asked Him to please bless us with the wisdom we need in order for our home to be the place we need it to be, a place with less stress and more peace!
Genesis 45:1-15
This is the moment of truth. Joseph has been working with his brothers. He has brought them to a place of conviction, compassion and confession. He has been testing them to see whether or not they have truly changed their ways. He sees that they have and he reveals himself to them.
This is a tense moment for the brothers of Joseph. Can you imagine the fear they felt as they stood before the brother they had wronged and sold as a slave all those years ago? They know who he is and they know that he has the power to send them to prison, or even to their death, if he so chooses. What happens next is a great picture of grace.
Joseph's brothers stand before him expecting and deserving punishment, but instead they receive love and mercy.
The Bible Dictionary defines grace as: “The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.” (P. 697.)
To show grace is to show godly mercy and love. It makes sense that Joseph would show these godly attributes, remember he is a 'type' of Christ. His decision to show grace saved the lives of his family by bringing them salvation during the difficult time of the famine.
I wanted to know more about how God's grace plays a part in my salvation. I found an article in the July 1989 Ensign under the I Have a Question section on this topic. The author, Robert E. Parsons, states six clear and simple statements regarding grace from the Book of Mormon:
1. Salvation is free to all who truly accept Christ. (2 Ne 2:4–6)
2. Though salvation is free (fully available and not withheld from anyone because of time, location, or lineage), we must reconcile ourselves to God. (2 Ne 25:23)
3. To reconcile ourselves to God, we must accept Christ as our Savior and his gospel as the means of salvation. (2 Ne 9:21-23)
4. We have agency to choose Christ and his gospel. (2 Ne 2:27)
5. We have the power to keep God’s commandments and must do so in order to be saved in his kingdom. (2 Ne 31:13-21)
6. Physical and spiritual death are both overcome for us by the atonement of Christ. (Alma 5:10-21; Hel 14:15-19)
As I read through these six points and their accompanying scriptural references I was in awe of the fact that when we are willing to do all that we can to meet the conditions for grace, "God’s grace cleanses us from our sins, gives us the gift of the Holy Ghost, and blesses us to enable us to dwell in peace and holiness in the celestial kingdom forever." What marvelous blessings!
The article made another statement that really stood out to me: "The crowning teaching about grace is that mankind may become perfect through Christ." (Mor 10:32-33)
Wow, what amazing gifts are in the message of grace! It is a message that can change lives and brings eternal blessings. It is a message of love, mercy, and hope. We, like Joseph, have the opportunity to be an example of the message of grace to those around us. It is a message that everyone needs to hear, and it is a message that every Christian can share!
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