Faith to Forgive Grievous Harms: Accepting the Atonement as Restitution | James R. Rasband | 2012

00:29:00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yZ0hofXCGU

Summary

TLDRJames R. Rasband, Dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School, delivered a BYU devotional address focusing on the theme of forgiveness, particularly its relationship with the concept of atonement within Christian doctrine. He urges listeners to view forgiveness not merely as a noble act but as a necessary element of spiritual life. Rasband explains that forgiveness allows us to trust in the atonement of Jesus Christ, which provides restitution for the harms done to us by others. Through personal and legal examples, Rasband emphasizes that forgiving others is crucial for our own salvation. He uses a metaphor of a landlord rebuilding a tenant's destroyed home to illustrate how faith in atonement requires us to forgive, allowing both personal healing and divine justice. Additionally, Rasband clarifies that litigation is not inherently in conflict with forgiveness if approached with the right spirit. His message aims to help individuals reconcile the demands of justice with the need for forgiveness, underscoring faith in Christ's redemptive power.

Takeaways

  • šŸ™ Forgiveness is essential for spiritual growth and salvation.
  • šŸ•Šļø Atonement has dual purposes: addressing our sins and others'.
  • šŸ“œ The Mosaic Law's restitution component is fulfilled in Christ.
  • šŸ”„ Resentment can harm us more than holding on to justice.
  • šŸ‘Øā€āš–ļø Even within law, forgiveness should guide our actions.
  • šŸ› ļø Atonement offers restitution beyond human capabilities.
  • šŸ”„ Forgiveness embraces faith in divine justice and restoration.
  • šŸ’” Litigation isn't incompatible with forgiveness when right motives prevail.
  • šŸ•Æļø We must trust in the Lord's promise of restitution through atonement.
  • šŸŽ The ultimate restitution from atonement encompasses all loss.

Timeline

  • 00:00:00 - 00:05:00

    The introduction highlights James R. Rasband's educational background and professional achievements, emphasizing his contributions to BYU and his personal connection to the university. His address begins with a reflection on personal aspirations and how they align with reality, leading into the core theme of his speech: the importance and power of forgiveness, tied into legal practice and personal growth.

  • 00:05:00 - 00:10:00

    Rasband delves into the Biblical perspective on forgiveness, explaining its necessity for personal salvation and relationship with God. He poses the challenge of forgiving serious wrongs and interprets refusal to forgive as a lack of faith in the Atonement. The Atonement is presented as a solution not only for personal sins but also as a mechanism for healing damages caused by others, drawing a parallel between spiritual tenets and legal concepts of restitution.

  • 00:10:00 - 00:15:00

    Through a vivid analogy of a landlord and tenant, Rasband illustrates how the Atonement serves both as a means of personal restitution and forgiveness by God. He highlights the struggle in accepting divine promises over seeking personal retribution, stressing that recognizing the Atonement's dual role of addressing wrongs is fundamental to genuine forgiveness and personal peace.

  • 00:15:00 - 00:20:00

    Reflecting on the Mosaic Law, Rasband discusses how the Atonement fulfills legal and moral obligations, akin to fulfilling civil and criminal requirements of restitution. He argues that understanding the comprehensive scope of the Atonement, including its promise of complete restitution from spiritual offenses, encourages a deeper commitment to forgiveness, showing that trusting God's promises ensures justice beyond human capabilities.

  • 00:20:00 - 00:29:00

    Rasband concludes by asserting that forgiveness is not just ethically commendable but a necessary act of faith in the Atonement, emphasizing its potential to provide justice and restitution beyond earthly means. He bridges this theme to common societal misconceptions and challenges, asserting that the practice of law, when aligned with righteous principles, complements the divine call to forgive. The speech ends with Rasband reaffirming the interconnection between personal faith, forgiveness, and the power of Christ's Atonement.

Show more

Mind Map

Video Q&A

  • Who delivered this speech at BYU?

    The speech was delivered by James R. Rasband, Dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School.

  • What is the main topic of Rasband's speech?

    The main topic is 'Faith to Forgive Grievous Harms: Accepting the Atonement as Restitution.'

  • Why does Rasband discuss forgiveness in relation to law?

    Rasband discusses that forgiveness is a vital part of spiritual growth and suggests that even in the legal profession, a forgiving heart is important.

  • How does Rasband relate atonement to restitution?

    He argues that atonement satisfies our demands for justice against others, acting as a form of restitution for the harms we suffer.

  • What analogy does Rasband use to explain the atonement?

    Rasband uses the analogy of a landlord and tenant to illustrate atonement, suggesting that our heavenly home (life/soul) is restored through divine help just like a landlord who promises to rebuild a house.

  • What does Rasband say about the atonement's dual sides?

    He speaks of the atonement serving both to satisfy justice for our sins and to act as restitution for the harms caused by others.

  • Is litigation seen as incompatible with forgiveness in this speech?

    No, Rasband suggests that litigation, when conducted with civility and integrity, is compatible with the principles of forgiveness.

  • What Biblical story does Rasband refer to regarding forgiveness?

    He refers to the scripture of Matthew 18:21-22, where Jesus instructs to forgive 'seventy times seven.'

  • Why is the principle of forgiveness important, according to Rasband?

    Forgiveness is seen as a necessity for salvation, showing trust in the Lord's promise to make us whole through the atonement.

  • How does Rasband propose forgiveness affects personal salvation?

    Resband suggests that refusing to forgive others implies a rejection or mistrust of the atonement, which is vital for one's salvation.

View more video summaries

Get instant access to free YouTube video summaries powered by AI!
Subtitles
en
Auto Scroll:
  • 00:00:02
    >> WHAT A THRILLING LIFE AWAITS YOU.
  • 00:00:05
    >> THE ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE IS A SACRED ACTIVITY.
  • 00:00:09
    >> THE TRULY EDUCATED MAN NEVER CEASES TO LEARN.
  • 00:00:13
    >> THE FUTURE IN IN OUR HANDS, THE OUTCOME IS UP TO YOU.
  • 00:00:17
    ā™Ŗā™Ŗ >>THIS BYU DEVOTIONAL
  • 00:00:22
    ADDRESS WITH JAMES RASBAND WAS GIVEN ON OCTOBER 23, 2012.
  • 00:00:35
    >> GOOD MORNING BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND WELCOME TO OUR
  • 00:00:36
    BYU DEVOTIONAL TODAY.
  • 00:00:38
    WE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF HEARING FROM BROTHER
  • 00:00:40
    JAMES R. RASBAND, DEAN OF THE J. REUBEN CLARK
  • 00:00:43
    LAW SCHOOL.
  • 00:00:44
    WE ESPECIALLY WELCOME HIS WIFE MARY WHO IS SEATED ON
  • 00:00:46
    THE STAND AS WELL AS THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
  • 00:00:49
    WHO HAVE JOINED US TODAY.
  • 00:00:51
    AS WELL AS OTHER DISTINGUISHED GUESTS.
  • 00:00:54
    JAMES R. RASBAND IS THE DEAN AND HUGH W. COLTON
  • 00:00:57
    PROFESSOR OF LAW AT THE J. REUBEN CLARK LAW SCHOOL.
  • 00:00:59
    HE RECEIVED HIS UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE FROM
  • 00:01:02
    BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY AND HIS LAW DEGREE FROM HARVARD
  • 00:01:04
    LAW SCHOOL.
  • 00:01:05
    FOLLOWING LAW SCHOOL, HE CLERKED FOR JUDGE
  • 00:01:09
    J. CLIFFORD WALLACE OF THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR
  • 00:01:11
    THE NINTH CIRCUIT AND THEN PRACTICED LAW IN SEATTLE,
  • 00:01:13
    WASHINGTON, WHERE HIS PRACTICE FOCUSED
  • 00:01:15
    ON INDIAN TREATY LITIGATION.
  • 00:01:17
    HE JOINED THE LAW SCHOOL FACULTY IN 1995 AND HAS BEEN
  • 00:01:21
    SERVING AS DEAN OF THE LAW SCHOOL SINCE 2009.
  • 00:01:25
    DEAN RASBAND'S RESEARCH AND TEACHING HAS CENTERED ON
  • 00:01:28
    PUBLIC LAND LAW AND ON NATURAL RESOURCES LAW
  • 00:01:32
    AND POLICY.
  • 00:01:33
    HE HAS PUBLISHED MANY ARTICLES AND BOOK CHAPTERS
  • 00:01:36
    ON THESE SUBJECTS.
  • 00:01:37
    HE AND HIS WIFE, MARY WILLIAMS RASBAND,
  • 00:01:39
    WHO TEACHES PART-TIME IN BYU'S CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
  • 00:01:42
    DEPARTMENT, ARE THE PARENTS OF
  • 00:01:44
    FOUR CHILDREN.
  • 00:01:53
    AND NOW WE'LL HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF HEARING FROM
  • 00:01:54
    BROTHER JIM RASBAND.
  • 00:02:04
    >>I MUST SAY, I NEVER IMAGINED MYSELF AT THIS PODIUM.
  • 00:02:08
    BUT I HAVE IMAGINED MYSELF ON THIS PLAYING FLOOR.
  • 00:02:11
    AND "IMAGINED" IS THE RIGHT WORD.
  • 00:02:13
    I'VE WONDERED WHAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE TO BE
  • 00:02:14
    DANNY AINGE, WHO, DURING MY FRESHMAN YEAR
  • 00:02:17
    AT BYU, WENT COAST-TO-COAST IN THE
  • 00:02:19
    CLOSING SECONDS OF A SWEET SIXTEEN GAME AGAINST NOTRE
  • 00:02:22
    DAME AND SCORED OVER ORLANDO WOOLRIDGE.
  • 00:02:25
    I'VE DREAMED WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO DRAIN A THREE
  • 00:02:27
    FROM JUST INSIDE HALF-COURT, LIKE JIMMER FREDETTE DID
  • 00:02:29
    AGAINST UTAH.
  • 00:02:30
    UNFORTUNATELY, MY ACTUAL SKILL SET WASN'T
  • 00:02:33
    A MATCH FOR SUCH IMAGINED HEROICS.
  • 00:02:36
    I'M QUITE SURE IT'S NOT A MATCH FOR THIS PODIUM EITHER.
  • 00:02:40
    STILL I CONSIDER IT A GREAT HONOR TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY
  • 00:02:42
    TO SPEAK TO YOU THIS MORNING.
  • 00:02:43
    I LOVE THIS UNIVERSITY.
  • 00:02:46
    I LOVE THE COOL CRISP AIR OF A LATE FALL FOOTBALL GAME
  • 00:02:50
    AND THE SOFT, GOLDEN LIGHT THAT FALLS ON
  • 00:02:52
    Y-MOUNTAIN AND ROCK CANYON JUST BEFORE SUNSET.
  • 00:02:57
    I LOVE WANDERING THE STACKS IN THE HAROLD B. LEE LIBRARY.
  • 00:03:00
    I COULD GO ON, BUT LET ME JUST SAY THAT
  • 00:03:03
    BYU HAS HAD A GREAT IMPACT ON MY LIFE.
  • 00:03:07
    MY FIRST EXPERIENCES AT BYU WERE IN THE LATE 1960'S.
  • 00:03:10
    EACH SUMMER MY MOTHER, MY BROTHER AND I CAME TO BYU
  • 00:03:13
    FROM OUR HOME IN PEBBLE BEACH,
  • 00:03:15
    CALIFORNIA FOR SPRING OR SUMMER TERM SO THAT MY MOM
  • 00:03:18
    COULD WORK ON COMPLETING HER DEGREE.
  • 00:03:20
    WE LIVED IN HERITAGE HALLS.
  • 00:03:22
    OR, TO BE MORE PRECISE, WE LIVED IN WHAT IS NOW
  • 00:03:24
    CALLED "CLASSIC HERITAGE" WHEN IT WAS ALMOST
  • 00:03:27
    NEW HERITAGE.
  • 00:03:30
    MY MOTHER ENDED UP COMPLETING HER ENGLISH
  • 00:03:32
    DEGREE AND OUR HOME WAS FOREVER ENRICHED BY WHAT
  • 00:03:34
    SHE LEARNED AT BYU.
  • 00:03:36
    I MENTION MY MOM'S EDUCATION AT BYU PARTLY BECAUSE
  • 00:03:38
    IMPORTANT PARTS OF MY THINKING ON TODAY'S TOPIC
  • 00:03:41
    ARE DERIVED FROM MY MOTHER'S THINKING AND WRITING ON
  • 00:03:43
    THIS TOPIC.
  • 00:03:44
    THE TITLE OF MY REMARKS IS "FAITH TO FORGIVE GRIEVOUS
  • 00:03:48
    HARMS: ACCEPTING THE ATONEMENT AS RESTITUTION."
  • 00:03:52
    NOW, TO SOME, ANY TALK FROM A LAWYER THAT
  • 00:03:55
    FOCUSES ON FORGIVENESS MAY SEEM ODD.
  • 00:03:59
    DON'T LAWYERS DEPEND UPON A LACK OF FORGIVENESS
  • 00:04:01
    TO FUNCTION?
  • 00:04:02
    IN LAWYER-SPEAK, IS A TALK ON THE NECESSITY
  • 00:04:05
    OF "FORGIVENESS" AN ADMISSION AGAINST INTEREST?
  • 00:04:08
    I AM CONVINCED THAT PRACTICING LAW WITH CIVILITY
  • 00:04:11
    AND INTEGRITY IS A NOBLE ENDEAVOR AND FULLY COMPATIBLE
  • 00:04:14
    WITH A FORGIVING HEART.
  • 00:04:16
    AND I'LL HAVE A BIT MORE TO SAY ABOUT THIS LATER.
  • 00:04:20
    INDEED, BEFORE YOU BECOME TOO CRITICAL OF LAWYERS,
  • 00:04:23
    LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF MY GOOD FRIEND, JIM GORDON:
  • 00:04:26
    "IT IS TRUE THAT SOME LAWYERS "ARE DISHONEST, ARROGANT,
  • 00:04:31
    "GREEDY, VENAL, AMORAL, "RUTHLESS BUCKETS OF
  • 00:04:33
    "TOXIC SLIME.
  • 00:04:35
    "ON THE OTHER HAND, "IT IS UNFAIR TO JUDGE THE
  • 00:04:38
    "ENTIRE PROFESSION BY A FEW "HUNDRED THOUSAND
  • 00:04:40
    "BAD APPLES."
  • 00:04:44
    SUCH QUIPS CAN BE A BIT TOUGH FOR THOSE OF US
  • 00:04:47
    WHO ARE ATTORNEYS, BUT HOW MUCH WORSE CAN IT
  • 00:04:49
    GET GIVEN THE NUMBER OF US WHOSE PARENTS,
  • 00:04:52
    WHEN WE DECIDED TO GO TO LAW SCHOOL,
  • 00:04:54
    MADE SURE TO SCRAPE OFF THEIR CAR THE "ASK ME ABOUT
  • 00:04:57
    MY CHILDREN" BUMPER STICKER?
  • 00:04:58
    OKAY, ON TO THE CONCEPT OF FORGIVENESS.
  • 00:05:04
    LET ME START WITH A FAMILIAR SCRIPTURE.
  • 00:05:05
    MATTHEW 18: 21-22 READS: "THEN CAME PETER TO HIM,
  • 00:05:09
    "AND SAID, LORD, "HOW OFT SHALL MY BROTHER
  • 00:05:12
    "SIN AGAINST ME, "AND I FORGIVE HIM?
  • 00:05:15
    "TILL SEVEN TIMES?
  • 00:05:17
    "JESUS SAITH UNTO HIM, "I SAY NOT UNTO THEE,
  • 00:05:20
    "UNTIL SEVEN TIMES: BUT, "UNTIL SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN."
  • 00:05:25
    HAVE YOU, OR A FAMILY MEMBER, OR A FRIEND,
  • 00:05:28
    EVER BEEN TERRIBLY HURT BY SOMEONE AND FOUND IT
  • 00:05:30
    DIFFICULT TO FORGIVE, EVEN ONCE,
  • 00:05:33
    LET ALONE "UNTIL SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN"?
  • 00:05:36
    IN SUCH CASES, DO WE SAY TO OURSELVES: THE
  • 00:05:38
    LORD CAN'T REALLY MEAN THAT I SHOULD FORGIVE THAT SORT
  • 00:05:41
    OF SIN OR ABUSE.
  • 00:05:43
    YET IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT THE LORD REALLY DOES MEAN IT.
  • 00:05:46
    OUR VERY SALVATION DEPENDS UPON US BEING WILLING TO
  • 00:05:49
    FORGIVE OTHERS.
  • 00:05:53
    AS CHRIST TAUGHT: "FOR IF YE FORGIVE MEN
  • 00:05:55
    "THEIR TRESPASSES, "YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL
  • 00:05:57
    "ALSO FORGIVE YOU: "BUT IF YE FORGIVE NOT MEN
  • 00:06:00
    "THEIR TRESPASSES, "NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER
  • 00:06:03
    "FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES."
  • 00:06:07
    THAT OUR OWN FORGIVENESS SHOULD BE CONDITIONED ON
  • 00:06:09
    FORGIVING OTHERS CAN BE A HARD DOCTRINE,
  • 00:06:12
    PARTICULARLY IF THE SIN AGAINST US WAS HORRIBLY
  • 00:06:15
    WRONG AND OUT OF ALL PROPORTION TO ANY HARM
  • 00:06:17
    WE'VE EVER COMMITTED.
  • 00:06:20
    EVEN HARDER, THE LORD HAS INDICATED IN
  • 00:06:21
    MODERN REVELATION: "HE THAT FORGIVETH NOT
  • 00:06:25
    "HIS BROTHER HIS TRESPASSES "STANDETH CONDEMNED
  • 00:06:29
    "BEFORE THE LORD; "FOR THERE REMAINETH IN HIM
  • 00:06:31
    "THE GREATER SIN."
  • 00:06:33
    THIS IS A VERY STRONG STATEMENT.
  • 00:06:36
    IF WE REFUSE TO FORGIVE, THERE REMAINETH IN US THE
  • 00:06:39
    GREATER SIN.
  • 00:06:42
    HOW CAN THIS BE?
  • 00:06:43
    AS I HOPE TO EXPLAIN, OUR SALVATION IS CONDITIONED
  • 00:06:46
    ON FORGIVING OTHERS BECAUSE, WHEN WE REFUSE TO FORGIVE,
  • 00:06:50
    WHAT WE ARE REALLY SAYING IS THAT WE REJECT,
  • 00:06:54
    OR DON'T QUITE TRUST, THE ATONEMENT.
  • 00:06:58
    AND IT IS OUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE ATONEMENT THAT
  • 00:06:59
    ULTIMATELY SAVES US.
  • 00:07:01
    WHY IS IT THAT WE SOMETIMES HAVE TROUBLE ACCEPTING THE
  • 00:07:04
    ATONEMENT AS RECOMPENSE FOR THE HARMS WE SUFFER AT
  • 00:07:07
    OTHER'S HANDS?
  • 00:07:10
    MY EXPERIENCE IS THAT WE CAN SOMETIMES FORGET THAT THE
  • 00:07:12
    ATONEMENT HAS TWO SIDES.
  • 00:07:14
    USUALLY, WHEN WE THINK ABOUT THE ATONEMENT,
  • 00:07:16
    WE FOCUS ON HOW MERCY CAN SATISFY THE DEMANDS THAT
  • 00:07:19
    JUSTICE WOULD IMPOSE UPON US.
  • 00:07:22
    WE ARE TYPICALLY QUICKER TO ACCEPT THE IDEA THAT,
  • 00:07:24
    WHEN WE SIN AND MAKE MISTAKES,
  • 00:07:27
    THE ATONEMENT IS AVAILABLE TO PAY OUR DEBTS.
  • 00:07:30
    FORGIVENESS REQUIRES US TO CONSIDER THE OTHER SIDE OF
  • 00:07:32
    THE ATONEMENT, A SIDE THAT WE DON'T THINK
  • 00:07:35
    ABOUT AS OFTEN, BUT THAT IS EQUALLY CRITICAL-
  • 00:07:39
    THAT IS, THE ATONEMENT'S POWER TO SATISFY OUR DEMANDS
  • 00:07:42
    OF JUSTICE AGAINST OTHERS, TO FULFILL OUR RIGHTS TO
  • 00:07:45
    RESTITUTION AND BEING MADE WHOLE.
  • 00:07:48
    WE OFTEN DON'T QUITE SEE HOW THE ATONEMENT SATISFIES OUR
  • 00:07:51
    OWN DEMANDS FOR JUSTICE.
  • 00:07:55
    YET IT DOES SO.
  • 00:07:56
    IT HEALS US NOT ONLY FOR THE GUILT WE SUFFER WHEN WE SIN,
  • 00:07:58
    BUT IT ALSO HEALS US FROM THE SINS AND HURTS OF OTHERS.
  • 00:08:03
    TO HELP EXPLAIN THE TWO SIDES OF THE ATONEMENT,
  • 00:08:05
    LET ME TRY A RATHER HOMELY ANALOGY.
  • 00:08:08
    LIKE MOST ANALOGIES AND METAPHORS,
  • 00:08:10
    IT IS NOT PERFECT IN ALL RESPECTS.
  • 00:08:12
    I HOPE, THOUGH, THAT IT CAN AID UNDERSTANDING.
  • 00:08:15
    SUPPOSE I FIND MYSELF IN A HOME BUILT FOR ME BY A VERY
  • 00:08:19
    GENEROUS LANDLORD.
  • 00:08:20
    IT IS A NICE HOME.
  • 00:08:21
    HE ENCOURAGES ME TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE HOME AND
  • 00:08:24
    GIVES ME A NUMBER OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING THE
  • 00:08:27
    HOME A NICE PLACE TO LIVE.
  • 00:08:29
    OVER THE YEARS, I SOMETIMES IMPROVE THE HOME,
  • 00:08:31
    BUT OTHER TIMES, THROUGH MY NEGLIGENCE,
  • 00:08:34
    I MAKE IT WORSE.
  • 00:08:35
    ONE TIME, I FLOOD THE HOME WHEN I FAIL
  • 00:08:37
    TO SET THE FAUCETS TO DRIP DURING A FREEZE.
  • 00:08:39
    ANOTHER TIME, MY KITCHEN CATCHES FIRE
  • 00:08:41
    BECAUSE I FAIL TO TURN OFF A BURNER ON THE STOVE.
  • 00:08:44
    A COUPLE OF TIMES, I LOSE MY TEMPER AND PUT
  • 00:08:46
    MY FIST THROUGH A WALL.
  • 00:08:49
    IN EACH INSTANCE, THE LANDLORD FORGIVES ME AND
  • 00:08:51
    ENCOURAGES ME TO PAY A LITTLE CLOSER ATTENTION TO
  • 00:08:53
    MY HOME AND TO HIS INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING THE
  • 00:08:56
    HOME A JOYFUL PLACE TO LIVE.
  • 00:08:58
    HE DOES NOT CHARGE ME FOR THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY
  • 00:09:00
    MY MISTAKES.
  • 00:09:01
    INSTEAD, SOMETIMES HE IS PATIENT
  • 00:09:04
    WHILE I FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THINGS ON MY OWN;
  • 00:09:07
    SOMETIMES HE SENDS SOMEONE OVER TO FIX THE PROBLEM;
  • 00:09:09
    AND, SOMETIMES, I WAKE UP AND THINGS ARE
  • 00:09:13
    FIXED IN WAYS I DON'T QUITE UNDERSTAND.
  • 00:09:15
    THIS SAME LANDLORD HAPPENS TO HAVE A SON WHO IS
  • 00:09:17
    QUITE WAYWARD.
  • 00:09:19
    THE SON IS ALWAYS UP TO NO GOOD AND I DON'T
  • 00:09:21
    PARTICULARLY LIKE OR RESPECT HIM.
  • 00:09:23
    ONE NIGHT, THE LANDLORD'S SON, AS A PRANK,
  • 00:09:25
    SETS FIRE TO THE SHED ATTACHED TO THE BACK OF
  • 00:09:27
    MY HOUSE.
  • 00:09:28
    THE FIRE GETS OUT OF CONTROL AND THE ENTIRE HOUSE
  • 00:09:30
    BURNS DOWN.
  • 00:09:32
    I LOSE THE HOME.
  • 00:09:33
    I LOSE ALL OF MY POSSESSIONS, INCLUDING SOME PARTICULARLY
  • 00:09:36
    VALUABLE POSSESSIONS THAT I CAN'T REPLACE,
  • 00:09:38
    SUCH AS PHOTOS AND HEIRLOOMS.
  • 00:09:41
    I'M ANGRY AND DISTRAUGHT.
  • 00:09:42
    I WANT THE NO GOOD SON TO PAY.
  • 00:09:45
    I WANT HIM TO FIX THINGS AND TO MAKE ME WHOLE.
  • 00:09:48
    A PART OF ME KNOWS HE CAN'T REALLY MAKE IT BETTER.
  • 00:09:52
    HE MAY NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES TO REBUILD THE HOUSE,
  • 00:09:54
    AND EVEN IF HE COULD REBUILD THE HOUSE,
  • 00:09:56
    HE CAN'T RETRIEVE THE PHOTOS AND HEIRLOOMS.
  • 00:09:59
    AND THAT MAKES ME EVEN ANGRIER.
  • 00:10:01
    AS I SIT IN ANGER, THE LANDLORD COMES TO
  • 00:10:03
    VISIT ME.
  • 00:10:04
    HE REMINDS ME THAT HE HAS PROMISED TO TAKE CARE OF ME.
  • 00:10:07
    HE PROMISES ME THAT HE IS WILLING TO REBUILD MY HOUSE.
  • 00:10:10
    IN FACT, HE SAYS THAT HE WILL DO MORE
  • 00:10:13
    THAN THAT.
  • 00:10:14
    HE WILL REPLACE MY HOUSE WITH A CASTLE AND THEN GIVE
  • 00:10:16
    ME ALL THAT HE HIMSELF HAS.
  • 00:10:19
    HE SAYS THAT THIS MIGHT TAKE A WHILE BUT HE PROMISES IT
  • 00:10:21
    WILL HAPPEN.
  • 00:10:23
    WHAT'S THE CATCH?
  • 00:10:24
    I SAY.
  • 00:10:25
    HERE ARE THE CONDITIONS, HE SAYS.
  • 00:10:28
    FIRST, YOU NEED TO PUT YOUR FAITH IN ME AND TRUST THAT
  • 00:10:30
    I REALLY WILL BUILD YOU THAT CASTLE AND RESTORE ALL
  • 00:10:32
    THAT YOU HAVE LOST.
  • 00:10:34
    SECOND, YOU NEED TO CONTINUE TO WORK ON
  • 00:10:36
    IMPLEMENTING THE INSTRUCTIONS I GAVE YOU
  • 00:10:38
    ABOUT KEEPING UP YOUR HOUSE.
  • 00:10:40
    FINALLY, YOU NEED TO FORGIVE MY ARSONIST SON,
  • 00:10:44
    JUST AS I HAVE FORGIVEN YOU ALL THESE MANY YEARS.
  • 00:10:47
    SOUNDS EASY ENOUGH AND SEEMS LIKE AN OBVIOUSLY GREAT DEAL,
  • 00:10:50
    BUT WHY MIGHT IT BE HARD FOR THE TENANT TO ACCEPT THE
  • 00:10:53
    LANDLORD'S OFFER?
  • 00:10:55
    OR, TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE ANALOGY,
  • 00:10:57
    WHY IS IT SOMETIMES SO HARD FOR US TO FORGIVE OTHERS?
  • 00:11:02
    LET ME SUGGEST SOME REASONS: FIRST, WE ARE PROBABLY ANGRY.
  • 00:11:05
    WE WANT THE ARSONIST TO PAY.
  • 00:11:06
    BUT IF WE HARBOR THIS SORT OF ANGER,
  • 00:11:09
    WE MAY SPEND SO MUCH TIME PURSUING THE PERSON WHO
  • 00:11:12
    BURNED DOWN OUR HOUSE, THAT WE DON'T GET AROUND TO
  • 00:11:13
    REBUILDING OUR HOUSE.
  • 00:11:16
    AS SOMEONE ONCE SAID: "RESENTMENT IS LIKE TAKING
  • 00:11:18
    "POISON AND HOPING THE OTHER "PERSON DIES."
  • 00:11:21
    IT MIGHT ALSO BE HARD TO FORGIVE BECAUSE
  • 00:11:24
    WE CAN'T QUITE BELIEVE THE LANDLORD WILL FULFILL
  • 00:11:26
    HIS PROMISE.
  • 00:11:27
    HE'S NEVER FAILED US WHEN WE'VE MESSED UP
  • 00:11:29
    THE HOUSE BEFORE, BUT WHAT ABOUT THIS TIME?
  • 00:11:33
    BESIDES, IT IS USUALLY EASIER FOR US
  • 00:11:34
    TO BELIEVE THAT THE LORD WILL FORGIVE OUR MISTAKES.
  • 00:11:36
    THIS TIME IT IS SOMEONE ELSE'S MISTAKE.
  • 00:11:39
    TRUST CAN BE PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT IF THE REBUILDING
  • 00:11:42
    PROJECT WILL TAKE TIME.
  • 00:11:43
    WE WANT THINGS FIXED NOW, NOT LATER.
  • 00:11:47
    TRUST MAY ALSO BE HARDER IN THE CASE OF LOSSES AND HURTS
  • 00:11:50
    THAT DO NOT SEEM EASILY FIXABLE.
  • 00:11:52
    PERHAPS THE LANDLORD CAN REBUILD THE HOME,
  • 00:11:55
    BUT CAN HE REALLY REPLACE THE PHOTOS AND HEIRLOOMS?
  • 00:11:57
    WHAT IF WE LOST A CHILD IN THE FIRE,
  • 00:12:01
    CAN HE REALLY TAKE AWAY THAT PAIN?
  • 00:12:04
    MY TESTIMONY IS THAT THE ATONEMENT REALLY CAN MAKE US
  • 00:12:06
    COMPLETELY WHOLE, EVEN FOR THOSE THINGS THAT
  • 00:12:09
    SEEM LIKE THEY CAN'T BE FIXED OR REPAIRED.
  • 00:12:13
    AS ISAIAH FORETOLD OF THE SAVIOR:
  • 00:12:15
    "THE LORD HATH ANOINTED ME "TO PREACH GOOD TIDINGS
  • 00:12:19
    "UNTO THE MEEK; "HE HATH SENT ME TO BIND UP
  • 00:12:21
    "THE BROKENHEARTED, "TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY TO
  • 00:12:23
    "THE CAPTIVES, "TO COMFORT ALL THAT MOURN;
  • 00:12:26
    "TO GIVE UNTO THEM BEAUTY "FOR ASHES,
  • 00:12:28
    "THE OIL OF JOY FOR MOURNING."
  • 00:12:31
    I RECOGNIZE THAT THIS DOCTRINE- THAT THE
  • 00:12:34
    ATONEMENT CAN HEAL US FROM THE HURTS OF OTHERS-
  • 00:12:37
    IS WELL-ESTABLISHED.
  • 00:12:39
    YET, IN MY EXPERIENCE IT REMAINS DIFFICULT TO TRUST
  • 00:12:42
    AND ACCEPT THAT THE ATONEMENT SERVES THIS PURPOSE.
  • 00:12:46
    MY HOPE IS THAT I CAN ADD TO WHAT HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN
  • 00:12:49
    SAID ON THIS TOPIC AND HELP REMOVE SOME BARRIERS TO
  • 00:12:51
    FORGIVENESS BY OFFERING SOME REASONS WHY WE SHOULD TRUST
  • 00:12:54
    THE LORD'S PROMISE.
  • 00:12:58
    I TURN FIRST TO THE MOSAIC LAW AND TO AN INSIGHT I OWE
  • 00:13:00
    TO MY MOTHER.
  • 00:13:02
    REMEMBER THAT PAUL TAUGHT THAT THE MOSAIC LAW "WAS OUR
  • 00:13:05
    SCHOOLMASTER TO BRING US UNTO CHRIST."
  • 00:13:09
    REMEMBER ALSO CHRIST'S STATEMENT TO HIS DISCIPLES
  • 00:13:11
    IN HIS SERMON ON THE MOUNT: "THINK NOT THAT I AM COME
  • 00:13:14
    "TO DESTROY THE LAW, "OR THE PROPHETS:
  • 00:13:17
    "I AM NOT COME TO DESTROY, "BUT TO FULFILL.
  • 00:13:20
    "FOR VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, "TILL HEAVEN AND EARTH PASS,
  • 00:13:23
    "ONE JOT OR ONE TITTLE SHALL "IN NO WISE PASS FROM THE LAW,
  • 00:13:27
    "TILL ALL BE FULFILLED."
  • 00:13:31
    THINK ABOUT CHRIST'S STATEMENT FOR A MINUTE.
  • 00:13:35
    CHRIST WAS COMFORTING HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES-
  • 00:13:37
    THOSE WHO LOVED AND REVERED THE LAW OF MOSES.
  • 00:13:41
    HE WAS MAKING SURE THEY KNEW THAT HIS PLAN WAS TO FULFILL
  • 00:13:44
    ALL THE TERMS OF THE MOSAIC LAW.
  • 00:13:47
    BUT WHAT EXACTLY WERE THOSE TERMS THAT HE WOULD FULFILL?
  • 00:13:51
    OUR ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION TYPICALLY FOCUSES ON THE
  • 00:13:54
    PORTION OF THE MOSAIC LAW THAT ADDRESSED ISRAEL'S
  • 00:13:57
    OBLIGATION TO MAKE SACRIFICES.
  • 00:14:00
    WE TEND TO EMPHASIZE THE SAVIOR'S ADMONITION THAT
  • 00:14:02
    "YOUR SACRIFICES AND YOUR BURNT OFFERINGS SHALL
  • 00:14:05
    BE DONE AWAY, AND THAT INSTEAD WE SHOULD
  • 00:14:08
    "OFFER FOR A SACRIFICE A BROKEN HEART AND
  • 00:14:11
    A CONTRITE SPIRIT."
  • 00:14:13
    OUR USUAL FOCUS ON THE LAW OF SACRIFICE IS
  • 00:14:17
    AGAIN ON OURSELVES- WHAT SACRIFICES WE NEED TO OFFER
  • 00:14:20
    UP TO ACCESS THE POWER OF THE ATONEMENT AND HEAL OUR
  • 00:14:24
    FEELINGS OF GUILT AND REMORSE.
  • 00:14:28
    BUT THE LAW OF SACRIFICE WAS JUST ONE COMPONENT OF THE
  • 00:14:30
    MOSAIC LAW.
  • 00:14:32
    THE MOSAIC LAW ALSO INCLUDED DIETARY LAWS AND
  • 00:14:34
    CRIMINAL LAWS; REMEMBER THE LEX TALIONIS,
  • 00:14:37
    OF AN EYE-FOR-AN-EYE AND A TOOTH-FOR-A-TOOTH.
  • 00:14:41
    IT ALSO INCLUDED FAMILY LAW, AND VARIOUS CIVIL LAWS THAT
  • 00:14:44
    WE TODAY MIGHT RECOGNIZE AS TORT OR CONTRACT LAW.
  • 00:14:47
    ISN'T IT PLAUSIBLE THAT WHEN THE SAVIOR SAID HE CAME TO
  • 00:14:49
    FULFILL THE LAW, HE WAS TALKING ABOUT MORE
  • 00:14:52
    THAN JUST THE LAW OF SACRIFICE?
  • 00:14:55
    SHOULDN'T WE TAKE HIM AT HIS WORD THAT "ONE JOT OR ONE
  • 00:14:58
    TITTLE SHALL IN NO WISE PASS FROM THE LAW,
  • 00:15:00
    TILL ALL BE FULFILLED"?
  • 00:15:03
    ALTHOUGH I AM NOT AN EXPERT ON THE MOSAIC LAW AND SURELY
  • 00:15:06
    DO NOT UNDERSTAND EXACTLY HOW CHRIST FULFILLED THE LAW
  • 00:15:09
    IN ALL ITS DIMENSIONS, LET ME SUGGEST THAT THE
  • 00:15:12
    ATONEMENT DID, IN FACT, ANSWER OTHER DEMANDS OF
  • 00:15:14
    THE MOSAIC LAW.
  • 00:15:17
    SPECIFICALLY, I WANT TO FOCUS ON THE CIVIL
  • 00:15:19
    LAW COMPONENT OF THE MOSAIC LAW AND ITS REQUIREMENT THAT
  • 00:15:22
    RESTITUTION BE MADE TO PERSONS HARMED BY THE
  • 00:15:25
    WRONGFUL ACTIONS OF ANOTHER.
  • 00:15:26
    I DO SO BECAUSE THE RESTITUTION REQUIREMENT IS
  • 00:15:30
    SO IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTANDING THE DOCTRINE
  • 00:15:32
    OF FORGIVENESS.
  • 00:15:34
    EXODUS 21 AND 22 SET FORTH SEVERAL SUCH REQUIREMENTS.
  • 00:15:39
    CONSIDER TWO OF MANY EXAMPLES.
  • 00:15:41
    IF A PERSON CAUSED A FIRE TO BREAK OUT SO THAT THE
  • 00:15:44
    "STANDING CORN, OR THE FIELD,
  • 00:15:47
    BE CONSUMED THEREWITH; HE THAT KINDLED THE FIRE"
  • 00:15:50
    WAS REQUIRED TO "MAKE RESTITUTION."
  • 00:15:53
    SIMILARLY, IF SOMEONE CAUSED HIS LIVESTOCK TO GRAZE IN
  • 00:15:56
    THE FIELD OR VINEYARD OF ANOTHER,
  • 00:15:58
    HE WAS OBLIGATED TO MAKE RESTITUTION OUT OF THE BEST
  • 00:16:02
    OF HIS OWN FIELD, AND OF THE BEST OF HIS OWN VINEYARD.
  • 00:16:06
    THIS CONCEPT OF RESTITUTION REMAINS A KEY PART OF
  • 00:16:11
    OUR LAW TODAY.
  • 00:16:12
    UNDER TORT LAW, WHICH IS JUST ANOTHER WORD
  • 00:16:14
    FOR PERSONAL INJURY LAW, COURTS CAN AWARD DAMAGES TO
  • 00:16:17
    PERSONS INJURED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF ANOTHER;
  • 00:16:19
    SIMILARLY, UNDER CONTRACT LAW,
  • 00:16:21
    DAMAGES MAY BE AWARDED TO THOSE HARMED BY A BREACH
  • 00:16:23
    OF CONTRACT.
  • 00:16:24
    IN THE CRIMINAL CONTEXT, MANY STATES ALLOW CRIME
  • 00:16:27
    VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO PREPARE VICTIM IMPACT
  • 00:16:30
    STATEMENTS WHICH DESCRIBE THE WAY IN WHICH THEY HAVE
  • 00:16:33
    BEEN HARMED.
  • 00:16:34
    THE BASIC POINT IS THAT, JUST LIKE CURRENT LAW,
  • 00:16:37
    THE MOSAIC LAW WAS NOT DESIGNED ONLY TO PUNISH
  • 00:16:41
    THE WRONG-DOER.
  • 00:16:43
    THE MOSAIC LAW ALSO EXISTED TO PROTECT,
  • 00:16:45
    COMPENSATE AND MAKE WHOLE THOSE HARMED BY OTHERS,
  • 00:16:50
    WHETHER INTENTIONALLY OR NEGLIGENTLY.
  • 00:16:53
    IF CHRIST CAME TO FULFILL ALL THE TERMS OF THE LAW,
  • 00:16:56
    THIS PART OF THE MOSAIC LAW SHOULD ALSO BE FULFILLED BY
  • 00:16:59
    THE ATONEMENT.
  • 00:17:01
    IF THE MOSAIC LAW SCHOOLS US THAT CHRIST INTENDED TO MAKE
  • 00:17:05
    FULL RESTITUTION FOR THE HARMS WE SUFFERED,
  • 00:17:08
    IT DOES NOT INDICATE HOW THAT COULD HAPPEN.
  • 00:17:11
    JUST LIKE IT IS DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND EXACTLY HOW THE
  • 00:17:14
    ATONEMENT SATISFIES THE DEMANDS OF JUSTICE FOR
  • 00:17:16
    OUR SINS, IT IS CHALLENGING TO GRASP
  • 00:17:19
    HOW THE ATONEMENT WORKS TO MAKE RESTITUTION TO US FOR
  • 00:17:22
    THE SINS OF OTHERS.
  • 00:17:24
    AS IS THE CASE WITH MOST SUCH "HOW" QUESTIONS
  • 00:17:27
    IN THE GOSPEL, WE MUST ULTIMATELY FALL BACK
  • 00:17:29
    ON OUR FAITH AND TRUST THE LORD THAT HIS PROMISES ARE
  • 00:17:32
    TRUE EVEN IF THE MECHANISM IS UNCERTAIN.
  • 00:17:36
    BUT AS AN AID TO OUR FAITH, LET ME SUGGEST A COUPLE OF
  • 00:17:39
    WAYS IN WHICH THE ATONEMENT CAN BE UNDERSTOOD AS MAKING
  • 00:17:42
    RESTITUTION.
  • 00:17:44
    FIRST, EVEN FOR SOMETHING AS HORRIBLE AS LOSING A CHILD
  • 00:17:47
    BECAUSE OF ANOTHER'S SIN, THE ATONEMENT INSURES
  • 00:17:50
    SIGNIFICANT RESTITUTION THROUGH THE RESURRECTION.
  • 00:17:53
    WE ARE PROMISED THAT EVERY THING SHALL BE RESTORED TO
  • 00:17:58
    ITS PERFECT FRAME.
  • 00:18:00
    IN ADDITION, JUST LIKE THE WEALTHY
  • 00:18:04
    LANDLORD IN MY ANALOGY PROMISED NOT ONLY THAT HE
  • 00:18:06
    WOULD BUILD THE TENANT A CASTLE BUT ALSO GIVE THE
  • 00:18:09
    TENANT ALL THAT HE HAD, IN SCRIPTURE AFTER SCRIPTURE,
  • 00:18:12
    THE LORD PROMISES US ALL THAT HE HAS.
  • 00:18:16
    D&C 88:107 STATES: "AND THEN "SHALL THE ANGELS BE CROWNED
  • 00:18:20
    "WITH THE GLORY OF HIS MIGHT, "AND THE SAINTS FILLED WITH
  • 00:18:23
    "HIS GLORY, "AND RECEIVE THEIR
  • 00:18:25
    "INHERITANCE AND BE MADE "EQUAL TO HIM."
  • 00:18:29
    D&C 84:37-38 PROVIDES: "HE THAT RECEIVETH ME
  • 00:18:33
    "RECEIVETH MY FATHER; "AND HE THAT RECEIVETH MY
  • 00:18:36
    "FATHER RECEIVETH MY "FATHER'S KINGDOM;
  • 00:18:38
    "THEREFORE ALL THAT MY FATHER "HATH SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO HIM."
  • 00:18:41
    IF WE CAN INHERIT ALL THE FATHER HAS,
  • 00:18:46
    AND IF ALL WILL BE RESTORED TO ITS PERFECT FRAME,
  • 00:18:49
    IS THERE A REASON WE SHOULD INSIST THAT THE PERSON WHO
  • 00:18:51
    HURT US PAY US BACK.
  • 00:18:52
    HASN'T JUSTICE BEEN SATISFIED?
  • 00:18:56
    IT IS CRITICAL TO UNDERSTAND THAT FORGIVING OTHERS IS NOT
  • 00:19:00
    JUST A PRACTICAL VIRTUE.
  • 00:19:03
    IT IS A PROFOUND ACT OF FAITH IN THE ATONEMENT AND
  • 00:19:06
    THE PROMISE THAT THE SAVIOR'S SACRIFICE REPAYS
  • 00:19:09
    NOT JUST OUR DEBTS TO OTHERS BUT ALSO THE DEBTS OF
  • 00:19:12
    OTHERS TO US.
  • 00:19:14
    IN OUR LIVE-AND-LET-LIVE SOCIETY,
  • 00:19:17
    WE MAY BELIEVE THAT BEING FORGIVING IS JUST ETIQUETTE
  • 00:19:20
    AND GOOD MANNERS.
  • 00:19:21
    IT IS NOT.
  • 00:19:22
    WE MAY THINK THAT FORGIVENESS REQUIRES US TO
  • 00:19:24
    LET MERCY ROB JUSTICE.
  • 00:19:26
    IT DOES NOT.
  • 00:19:28
    FORGIVENESS DOES NOT REQUIRE US TO GIVE UP
  • 00:19:30
    OUR RIGHT TO RESTITUTION.
  • 00:19:31
    IT SIMPLY REQUIRES THAT WE LOOK TO A DIFFERENT SOURCE.
  • 00:19:36
    THE NON-JUDGMENTAL WORLDLY PHRASES,
  • 00:19:38
    DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT, AND NO BIG DEAL,
  • 00:19:40
    ARE NOT ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE DOCTRINE OF FORGIVENESS.
  • 00:19:44
    ON THE CONTRARY, WHEN A PERSON SINS AGAINST US,
  • 00:19:47
    IT CAN BE A VERY BIG DEAL.
  • 00:19:50
    THE POINT IS THAT THE ATONEMENT IS VERY BIG
  • 00:19:52
    COMPENSATION THAT CAN TAKE CARE OF VERY BIG HARMS.
  • 00:19:58
    FORGIVENESS DOESN'T MEAN MINIMIZING THE SIN;
  • 00:20:01
    IT MEANS MAXIMIZING OUR FAITH IN THE ATONEMENT.
  • 00:20:05
    MY GREATEST CONCERN IS THAT, IF WE WRONGLY BELIEVE
  • 00:20:09
    FORGIVENESS REQUIRES US TO MINIMIZE THE HARMS WE SUFFER,
  • 00:20:12
    THIS MISTAKEN BELIEF WILL BE A BARRIER TO DEVELOPING A
  • 00:20:15
    FORGIVING HEART.
  • 00:20:17
    IT IS OKAY TO RECOGNIZE HOW GRAVE A SIN IS AND TO DEMAND
  • 00:20:21
    OUR RIGHT TO JUSTICE IF OUR RECOGNITION TRIGGERS
  • 00:20:24
    GRATITUDE FOR THE ATONEMENT.
  • 00:20:26
    INDEED, THE GREATER THE SIN AGAINST US-
  • 00:20:29
    THE GREATER THE HARM WE SUFFER- THE MORE WE SHOULD
  • 00:20:31
    VALUE THE ATONEMENT.
  • 00:20:34
    CONSIDER CHRIST'S PARABLE OF THE TWO DEBTORS FROM LUKE
  • 00:20:37
    CHAPTER 7: 41-43: AND THERE WAS A CERTAIN
  • 00:20:40
    CREDITOR WHICH HAD TWO DEBTORS:
  • 00:20:42
    THE ONE OWED FIVE HUNDRED PENCE, AND THE OTHER FIFTY.
  • 00:20:45
    AND WHEN THEY HAD NOTHING TO PAY,
  • 00:20:47
    HE FRANKLY FORGAVE THEM BOTH.
  • 00:20:49
    TELL ME THEREFORE, WHICH OF THEM WILL LOVE HIM
  • 00:20:51
    MOST?
  • 00:20:52
    SIMON ANSWERED AND SAID, I SUPPOSE THAT HE,
  • 00:20:55
    TO WHOM HE FORGAVE MOST.
  • 00:20:57
    AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, THOU HAST RIGHTLY JUDGED.
  • 00:21:02
    IF SIMON IS CORRECT THAT THE GREATER SINNER WILL LOVE THE
  • 00:21:06
    LORD EVEN MORE, DOESN'T THE SAME REASONING
  • 00:21:09
    SUGGEST THAT OUR LOVE FOR THE SAVIOR WILL INCREASE
  • 00:21:12
    WHEN HE PAYS A PARTICULARLY LARGE DEBT OWED TO US?
  • 00:21:16
    THERE IS LITTLE VALUE IN CLAIMING THAT A WRONG
  • 00:21:19
    AGAINST US IS SLIGHT.
  • 00:21:21
    INSTEAD, IF WE GIVE THE WRONG ITS FULL WEIGHT,
  • 00:21:24
    WE ARE BETTER ABLE TO GIVE THE LORD A FULL MEASURE OF
  • 00:21:27
    GRATITUDE FOR MAKING US WHOLE.
  • 00:21:31
    AND WHEN WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE LORD PROMISES US
  • 00:21:33
    RESTITUTION, WE CAN RECOGNIZE THAT OUR
  • 00:21:36
    ANGER AT OUR VICTIMIZER IS ULTIMATELY UNNECESSARY.
  • 00:21:40
    THIS IN TURN HELPS FREE US TO LOVE OUR ENEMY AS THE
  • 00:21:43
    SAVIOR COMMANDED.
  • 00:21:45
    IN SUM, THE PRINCIPLE OF FORGIVENESS
  • 00:21:48
    DOES NOT REQUIRE THAT WE GIVE UP OUR RIGHT TO JUSTICE
  • 00:21:50
    OR THAT WE GIVE UP OUR RIGHT TO RESTITUTION.
  • 00:21:53
    CHRIST ANSWERS THE DEMANDS OF THE LAW FOR OUR SINS AND
  • 00:21:57
    FOR THE SINS OF OTHERS.
  • 00:21:59
    WE JUST HAVE TO BE WILLING TO ACCEPT THAT HE HAS THE
  • 00:22:01
    POWER TO DO SO.
  • 00:22:05
    NOW, LET ME RETURN BRIEFLY TO A SUBJECT I RAISED AT THE
  • 00:22:08
    BEGINNING OF MY REMARKS.
  • 00:22:09
    SPECIFICALLY, SOME MAY STILL BE WONDERING
  • 00:22:11
    WHETHER FOCUSING ON THE COMMANDMENT OF FORGIVENESS
  • 00:22:13
    IS AN ADMISSION AGAINST INTEREST FOR A LAWYER.
  • 00:22:15
    TO PLACE THE QUESTION SQUARELY: DOES THE COMMANDMENT THAT
  • 00:22:18
    WE FORGIVE ALL MEN, MEAN THAT LITIGATION AND
  • 00:22:20
    LAWSUITS ARE INHERENTLY WRONG?
  • 00:22:23
    I BELIEVE THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION IS NO.
  • 00:22:26
    BUT IT IS AN IMPORTANT QUESTION THAT EVERY LAWYER
  • 00:22:27
    MUST ASK HERSELF AND THAT EVERY CLIENT SHOULD ALSO
  • 00:22:30
    CONFRONT.
  • 00:22:32
    INDEED, IT IS OFTEN A QUESTION WITH WHICH THOSE WHO HAVE
  • 00:22:35
    BEEN GRIEVOUSLY HARMED MUST WRESTLE.
  • 00:22:38
    ONE OF THE BEST EXPLORATIONS OF THIS ISSUE IS CONTAINED
  • 00:22:40
    IN A BOOK BY ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS,
  • 00:22:43
    ENTITLED "THE LORD'S WAY."
  • 00:22:44
    ELDER OAKS BEGINS BY REJECTING WHAT HE DESCRIBES
  • 00:22:47
    AS TWO "EXTREME" VIEWS- FIRST, THAT A CHRISTIAN
  • 00:22:51
    SHOULD NEVER USE COURTS TO RESOLVE DISPUTES,
  • 00:22:53
    AND SECOND, THAT THERE ARE NO RELIGIOUS
  • 00:22:56
    RESTRAINTS ON PARTICIPATING IN LITIGATION.
  • 00:22:59
    AS AN ASIDE, ISN'T IT INTERESTING HOW
  • 00:23:01
    SUCH TOUGH QUESTIONS OFTEN CANNOT BE REDUCED TO EASY
  • 00:23:04
    ALL-OR-NOTHING ANSWERS.
  • 00:23:06
    I HOPE IT IS NOT JUST THE LAWYER IN ME,
  • 00:23:08
    BUT I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND IT SIMULTANEOUSLY COMFORTING
  • 00:23:11
    AND STRESSFUL THAT THE RESTORED GOSPEL FREQUENTLY
  • 00:23:13
    REQUIRES US TO WRESTLE WITH UNDERSTANDING PRINCIPLES IN
  • 00:23:17
    APPARENT TENSION.
  • 00:23:19
    THUS, BOTH FAITH AND WORKS ARE NECESSARY FOR SALVATION;
  • 00:23:23
    BOTH FAITH AND REASON ARE THE WORK OF THIS UNIVERSITY;
  • 00:23:26
    BOTH THE BODY AND THE SPIRIT CONSTITUTE THE SOUL OF MAN;
  • 00:23:30
    BOTH PERSONAL INSPIRATION AND PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY ARE
  • 00:23:33
    IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTANDING GOD'S WILL.
  • 00:23:36
    WHEREAS THE WORLD OFTEN SUGGESTS THE ANSWER MUST
  • 00:23:38
    BE EITHER/OR, THE RESTORED GOSPEL FINDS A
  • 00:23:42
    WAY TO SAY BOTH/AND.
  • 00:23:44
    IT SEEMS THAT A CORE PRINCIPLE OF THE RESTORED
  • 00:23:46
    GOSPEL IS THAT WE MUST LEARN BY OUR EXPERIENCE TO
  • 00:23:49
    UNDERSTAND, OBEY, AND NAVIGATE ETERNAL TRUTHS
  • 00:23:51
    THAT MAY APPEAR TO BE IN SOME TENSION.
  • 00:23:55
    PERHAPS MORE ACCURATELY, WE ARE EXPECTED TO EMBRACE
  • 00:23:57
    BOTH SIDES OF SUCH APPARENTLY OPPOSING
  • 00:23:59
    PRINCIPLES.
  • 00:24:03
    ALTHOUGH ONE MIGHT BE ABLE TO CATEGORIZE SOME LAWSUITS
  • 00:24:06
    AS CLEARLY IN-BOUNDS OR OUT-OF-BOUNDS,
  • 00:24:08
    ELDER OAKS, UNSURPRISINGLY, LARGELY ESCHEWS
  • 00:24:11
    CATEGORIZATION AND INSTEAD FOCUSES ON PRINCIPLES OR
  • 00:24:14
    PRECONDITIONS THAT SHOULD GOVERN WHETHER TO FILE
  • 00:24:17
    A LAWSUIT.
  • 00:24:18
    FOR EXAMPLE, HE EMPHASIZES THAT WE MUST
  • 00:24:20
    BEGIN BY FORGIVING OUR ADVERSARY AND REMOVING
  • 00:24:22
    REVENGE AS A MOTIVE.
  • 00:24:24
    WE SHOULD THEN PURSUE SETTLEMENT AS A
  • 00:24:27
    MANIFESTATION OF THE PRINCIPLE ARTICULATED BY THE
  • 00:24:28
    SAVIOR IN MATTHEW CHAPTER 18, VERSE 15: "IF THY BROTHER
  • 00:24:32
    "SHALL TRESPASS AGAINST THEE, "GO AND TELL HIM HIS FAULT
  • 00:24:34
    "BETWEEN THEE AND HIM ALONE: "IF HE SHALL HEAR THEE,
  • 00:24:38
    "THOU HAST GAINED THY BROTHER."
  • 00:24:41
    ELDER OAKS ALSO IDENTIFIES A THIRD PRECONDITION -
  • 00:24:44
    THAT A LITIGANT SHOULD CONSIDER THE IMPACT A
  • 00:24:46
    LAWSUIT WILL HAVE ON OTHERS.
  • 00:24:48
    AGAIN, THIS IS SIMPLY A MANIFESTATION OF THE SAVIOR'S
  • 00:24:52
    TEACHING OF THE GOLDEN RULE: "ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER YE
  • 00:24:55
    WOULD THAT MEN SHOULD DO TO YOU,
  • 00:24:57
    DO YE EVEN SO TO THEM."
  • 00:24:58
    TODAY, LET ME SUGGEST ONE ADDITIONAL SET OF CRITERIA
  • 00:25:03
    BY WHICH THE CONDUCT OF A LAWYER SHOULD BE JUDGED.
  • 00:25:05
    THOSE CRITERIA COME FROM SECTION 121 OF THE DOCTRINE
  • 00:25:09
    & COVENANTS AND ITS TEACHINGS ON EXERCISING
  • 00:25:11
    POWER IN THE PRIESTHOOD.
  • 00:25:12
    NOW, I RECOGNIZE THAT A LICENSE TO PRACTICE LAW IS QUITE
  • 00:25:17
    DIFFERENT THAN THE PRIESTHOOD OF GOD.
  • 00:25:18
    PASSING THE BAR DOESN'T GIVE SOMEONE THE AUTHORITY TO
  • 00:25:21
    ACT IN GOD'S NAME, ALTHOUGH CRITICS MAY
  • 00:25:23
    OCCASIONALLY WONDER IF THAT'S WHAT SOME LAWYERS BELIEVE.
  • 00:25:27
    STILL, IF ONE STOPS AND THINKS ABOUT IT,
  • 00:25:30
    A LEGAL EDUCATION AND A LICENSE TO PRACTICE LAW ARE
  • 00:25:33
    INSTRUMENTS OF POWER.
  • 00:25:35
    THE POWER FLOWS NOT JUST, OR EVEN PRIMARILY,
  • 00:25:38
    FROM THE STATE'S EXCLUSIVE LICENSE TO GIVE LEGAL ADVICE,
  • 00:25:41
    BUT ALSO FROM THE REFINED CRITICAL AND ANALYTICAL
  • 00:25:44
    THINKING SKILLS, AND FROM PROBLEM-SOLVING
  • 00:25:46
    SKILLS, THAT CAUSE OTHERS TO LOOK TO
  • 00:25:48
    LAWYERS FOR HELP WITH THEIR MOST VEXING PROBLEMS.
  • 00:25:51
    IF, AS LAWYERS, WE HAVE POWER,
  • 00:25:54
    THE QUESTION IS HOW WE SHOULD USE IT OR,
  • 00:25:57
    FOR NON-LAWYERS, HOW YOU SHOULD EXPECT YOUR
  • 00:26:01
    LAWYER TO USE HIS OR HER POWER.
  • 00:26:04
    IN THAT REGARD, LET ME PARAPHRASE A FEW
  • 00:26:06
    FAMILIAR VERSES FROM SECTION 121:
  • 00:26:10
    THE POWER OF A LAWYER CANNOT BE CONTROLLED NOR
  • 00:26:13
    HANDLED ONLY UPON THE PRINCIPLES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
  • 00:26:17
    THAT A LICENSE TO PRACTICE MAY BE CONFERRED UPON US,
  • 00:26:19
    IT IS TRUE; BUT WHEN WE UNDERTAKE TO
  • 00:26:20
    COVER OUR SINS, OR TO GRATIFY OUR PRIDE,
  • 00:26:23
    OUR VAIN AMBITION, OR TO EXERCISE CONTROL OR
  • 00:26:24
    DOMINION OR COMPULSION UPON THE SOULS OF THE CHILDREN
  • 00:26:27
    OF MEN, IN ANY DEGREE OF
  • 00:26:29
    UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AMEN TO THE AUTHORITY OF
  • 00:26:31
    THAT LAWYER.
  • 00:26:33
    NO POWER OR INFLUENCE CAN OR OUGHT TO BE MAINTAINED BY
  • 00:26:36
    VIRTUE OF A LAWYER'S STATUS, ONLY BY PERSUASION,
  • 00:26:38
    BY LONG-SUFFERING, BY GENTLENESS AND MEEKNESS,
  • 00:26:40
    AND BY LOVE UNFEIGNED; BY KINDNESS,
  • 00:26:42
    AND PURE KNOWLEDGE, WHICH SHALL GREATLY ENLARGE
  • 00:26:45
    THE SOUL WITHOUT HYPOCRISY, AND WITHOUT GUILE.
  • 00:26:50
    MUCH MORE COULD BE SAID ON THIS TOPIC,
  • 00:26:53
    BUT TODAY I SIMPLY WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT,
  • 00:26:56
    IF LAWYERS USE THEIR POWER AND AUTHORITY CONSISTENT
  • 00:26:58
    WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF SECTION 121,
  • 00:27:01
    AND IF CLIENTS, WHO MAY HAVE BEEN VICTIMIZED,
  • 00:27:03
    LIKEWISE ADHERE TO THESE ETERNAL YET CHALLENGING
  • 00:27:06
    STANDARDS, LITIGATION NEED NOT STAND IN
  • 00:27:09
    OPPOSITION TO THE PRINCIPLE OF FORGIVENESS.
  • 00:27:11
    AS I FINISH, LET ME RETURN TO THE HEART
  • 00:27:15
    OF MY MESSAGE, WHICH IS THE SAVIOR'S
  • 00:27:17
    PROMISE IN MATTHEW THAT HE WILL "FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS
  • 00:27:20
    AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS."
  • 00:27:22
    THESE ARE TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN.
  • 00:27:25
    WE CAN'T HAVE FAITH IN ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE ATONEMENT.
  • 00:27:29
    TO BE EFFICACIOUS- TO HAVE SAVING POWER- OUR FAITH IN
  • 00:27:33
    CHRIST AND HIS ATONEMENT MUST INCLUDE BOTH HIS POWER
  • 00:27:36
    TO PAY FOR OUR SINS AND HIS POWER TO PAY FOR THE SINS
  • 00:27:40
    OF OTHERS.
  • 00:27:42
    HARKING BACK TO MY LANDLORD-TENANT ANALOGY,
  • 00:27:45
    SOMETIMES WE BURN THE HOUSE DOWN THROUGH OUR OWN
  • 00:27:48
    CARELESSNESS- WE PLAY WITH FIRE.
  • 00:27:51
    SOMETIMES THE HOUSE BURNS DOWN THROUGH NO FAULT
  • 00:27:53
    OF OUR OWN- LIGHTNING STRIKES AND THERE IS
  • 00:27:56
    NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT.
  • 00:27:58
    SOMETIMES OUR HOUSE BURNS DOWN BECAUSE OF THE
  • 00:28:00
    SINS OF OTHERS- THE LANDLORD'S ARSONIST
  • 00:28:02
    SON IN MY ANALOGY.
  • 00:28:04
    THE WONDER OF THE ATONEMENT IS THAT IT WORKS FOR ALL THREE.
  • 00:28:08
    BUT OUR OWN RECEIPT OF THE ATONEMENT IS CONDITIONAL ON
  • 00:28:11
    FORGIVING OTHERS.
  • 00:28:13
    IF WE DO THAT, ACCEPT CHRIST,
  • 00:28:16
    AND STRIVE TO KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS,
  • 00:28:18
    WE WILL RECEIVE THE CASTLE AND ALL ELSE THE FATHER HAS.
  • 00:28:24
    IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, AMEN.
  • 00:28:30
    >>THIS BYU DEVOTIONAL ADDRESS WITH JAMES RASBAND
  • 00:28:33
    WAS GIVEN ON OCTOBER 23, 2012.
Tags
  • forgiveness
  • atonement
  • restitution
  • faith
  • spiritual growth
  • salvation
  • Christianity
  • law
  • justice
  • devotional