Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

[Adapted from “What the Cross Means to Me” by Tom Roberts, February 2016 Herald, p. 34]

When we look at quantum physics, we understand that we all are connected. When one person receives a blessing, we all receive a blessing. Such instances are subtle, and we seldom acknowledge them. But in essence we are one.

Unconditional forgiveness is as necessary as unconditional love, and both are difficult to accomplish.

We are usually amazed by Job, a righteous man. All of Job’s wealth and his 10 children are wiped out. Job states, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21 NRSV). Job is afflicted with disease, and his wife urges him to curse God. He rebuffs her, saying, “Should we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” (Job 2:10 NRSV).

Only when Job’s three friends tell him they believe suffering is punishment for sin, does Job protest and question why an innocent man should suffer. God’s silence leaves Job in despair. Some answers are beyond us, and this story does not offer easy answers about suffering, but faith must remain—even when understanding fails.

God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s will (Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a).

When Jesus overcame suffering and death, his focus was on unconditional forgiveness and unconditional love. Such forgiveness and love present us with hope and trust in God. We are responsible for each other. We are one.

Prayer Phrase

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Romans 13:9).

Spiritual Practice

Healing for Broken Spirits

Begin with quiet prayer. Ask God to help you detect some “sore places” in the body of Christ and God’s creation. Become aware of people who feel separated, wounded, or left out. Reflect on or write a short journal entry of healing words to at least one person who comes to mind. Ask God for words that will touch this person’s broken spirit like healing ointment. Keep this person in your heart and prayers today and act on any ideas that come to bring blessing and wholeness.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.