Characteristics of Hate

This last week I began teaching the history of Zeniff and his people in the book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon. One of the interesting comparisons between the Nephites and the Lamanites is the profound hate that the Lamanites have toward the Nephites. The hate was so strong that it was passed down from generation to generation. So I asked my seminary kids how could so much hate be passed down for so many years. We came up with some interesting characteristics. 

First we saw that the Lamanites were "Quick to take offence". It was almost like they were looking for reasons to be take offense. We see the same sorts of things today in our society. Some of the kids mentioned many racial tension can point to this one characteristic. Easy to take offense. The kid that pointed this out happen to be multiracial. He was frustrated with people from both of his races that took offense to everything. Then one of the girls in class mentioned that they have fallen into this satanic trap as well. When they took offense from a friend when no offense was meant. Destroying their friendship.

Second we saw that the Lamanites "held on to anger". They wanted to be angry at the Nephites and they held on to that anger for over 500 years. Sound familiar to the world today. Just think about the middle east. Thousands of years of anger. To the point that they want thrive on anger and hate.

Third, the Lamanites blamed the Nephites for everything. Check out Mosiah 10:12-18. The Lamanites were "wroth" (intensely angry) with the Nephites about everything. Even good things that happen to the Lamanites, they still found a reason to hate them. Reading through the reasons it is almost comical. In today's venacular we call it being a victim. When we become victims and blame everyone else for what is going wrong in our lives we fall into this characteristic. It fuels anger and hatred, and slowly destroys our spirit.

Lastly, the Lamanites refused to forgive. You can see something in someone's countenance when they carry a grudge with people. They have a demeanor of anger. We all recognize it in other people all of the time. We sometimes miss it in ourselves.

So how do we avoid these characteristics Elder Halstrom said in an article in the Ensign 

“If you feel you have been wronged—by anyone (a family member, a friend, another member of the Church, a Church leader, a business associate) or by anything (the death of a loved one, health problems, a financial reversal, abuse, addictions)—deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. … And, without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load. … Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually” (“Turn to the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 80).

Something I think we all need to watch out for in our individual lives.

DWP