Philemon & 1st Timothy

1st Timothy 4:12

• Scripture: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
• Principle: If we are to be an example of the believers, then we need to show it in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity.

I really love this scripture. It was the mutual or young women’s theme one year when I was a youth and I loved it ever since. I looked up this scripture on lds.org and I didn’t look through all the talks, but it is one that is quoted very often in general conference. Just for curiosity sake I found 5 talks from President Monson that the title includes the phrase “be thou and example” or something very close to that. I also found 11 more talks that he quotes this verse of scripture in. I also found 3 talks that President Hinckley quoted this scripture in, 2 talks with the “Be Thou and Example of the Believers,” and many other conference talks that quoted this scripture. I really liked these quotes from President Monson when speaking about this verse. He says, “We need not wait for a cataclysmic event, a dramatic occurrence in the world in which we live, or a special invitation to be an example—even a model to follow. Our opportunities lie before us here and now. But they are perishable. Likely they will be found in our own homes and in the everyday actions of our lives. Our Lord and Master marked the way: ‘[He] went about doing good.’ (Acts 10:38.) He in very deed was a model to follow—even an example of the believers. Are we?” In another talk he says, “I share a three-part formula to serve as an unfailing guide to meet this challenge issued by the Apostle Paul: 1. Fill your mind with truth; 2. Fill your heart with love; 3. Fill your life with service.” I know that as we follow this counsel from the prophet, we can become better examples of the believers!

Philemon 1:8 

• Scripture: "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account" 
• Principle: If we have been wronged, then we can place that burden on the Savior. 

I know that this is easier said than done, but I believe it is in large measure why the atonement is in place. The atonement is such as much for the sinner as it is the one that was sinned against, or hurt. Sometimes through no fault of our own we are hurt, it is only through the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ that we can let that go and move on. If we don't, we might just end up punishing ourselves. I feel like this might be a portion of what was trying to be taught here, that many times we are not strong enough, or we do not have the capacity to forgive on our own, but if we allow the Savior to help, he can make up the difference, he is the difference.