"Reconciliation"

God taught me a truth, that I learned in five days.
But it came as I knelt, and pondered, and prayed.

Misjudged, upset, and wounded, I stayed.
For my friend said things, that would not lay.

They stood in my mind and the pain increased.
He tried to offer solace, it gave no release.

Imposing expectations, and misplaced demands.
I thought,"he must change, to receive my hand!"

The days then passed, I continued in prayer.
To seek comfort from hurt, now too hard to bear.

Through reconciliation, I soon sought relief.
Realizing more prayer, would heal my grief.

And then when humility, finally obliged.
Tears washed out, the hidden mote deep inside.

My eyes saw clearly, my friend's good intent.
The fault I accused, was now my lament.

"Forgive me my friend, for I have sinned.
The error I saw in thee, I discovered within."

And my friend with his hands, outstretched to me.
Gave me the peace, that let me be free!

POET'S COMMENTS

Most of us, as we struggle on earth to become like the Son of Man, will experience conflict with a brother or a sister. In these conflicts, there is a great opportunity to show humility, an increase in our capacity to forgive, and an opportunity to love as the Savior loved.

Too often our misunderstandings, are founded on poor communication, false expectations, and misinterpretation. We get our feelings hurt, when no hurt was intended. Many relationships that could be blessed and eternal, are damaged permanently, simply because reconciliation does not occur.

God would have us know that each human being is literally a brother or a sister. God's laws require that we pull together in love, and not pull apart in anger. Forgiveness is divine.

Reconciliation brings forth the the fruits of repentance, which are very sweet. The prophet Joseph Smith described the results of reconciliation, "showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death." (D&C 121:43-45) The scripture goes on to say, "let thy bowels be full of charity towards all man..." Then the blessing of the Holy Ghost can distill upon that man, and the Spirit of God can return unto that man. How wonderful that feeling of freedom, and oneness with God is!

The description of charity can be found in the New Testament.

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up... Doth not behave itself unseemingly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;" (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

The danger in anger and hurt feelings is that it can lead to judging the alleged offender. Then the offended becomes a victim to his or her own sin. In reconciliation charity is learned. The mote in the eye of oneself is cast out. He or she is not condemned by judging unfairly.

"But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore, if ye shall come unto me, or shall desire to come unto me, and rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee-Go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I will receive you". (See 3 Nephi 12:22-24, Matthew 5:22-25)

The principle of reconciliation can be a great healer when put into practice. It invites the blessings of heaven to be restored. May each of us be blessed by seeking reconciliation to all, that the pure love of Christ and charity may fill our hearts, that we may stand clean before our Savior in the final day of judgment!