Colossians 3

How do we become new in Christ?
What should we "put on" and seek after?
Seek Godly things.
Set your affection on things above, not worldly things.
Put on:  bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forebearance, forgiveness, thankfulness, and above all, charity.
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you.
Honor your spouse.
Obey parents, and love children.
Do all these things willingly for the Lord, and you will be rewarded.
What should we "put off" and discontinue in our lives?
Put off: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence,anger, wrath, malice,blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. lying, idolatry, and covetousness.

Baptism

Baptism is such an important thing in the gospel. Without it, we cannot receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and we cannot receive Celestial Glory. It is one of the most essential ordinances we can perform. To be baptized, sin must be forsaken and repented of. Bad habits must be broken, and the spirit must be willing. In baptism, we are symbolizing coming unto Christ and becoming like Him, aligning our ways and desires with His. In Christ's life, He was baptized by immersion, and He was also crucified and buried, to rise in glory three days later. Our baptism by immersion symbolizes that ressurection, and sprinkling of baptism water does not follow that important symbolism.

We serve the Lord and promise to be like Him when we are baptized. We know that we are th Lord's servants because of the Holy Ghost and how He testifies to us the truth of the Gospel. Without baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, we can't truly come to be exalted beings. It is so important to understand the truth of these things and help others who have passed on with these ordinances so they too can receive exaltation.

Forgiveness

In 2 Cor. 2, "Grief" is used as a word describing a deed done to another. The grief should be forgiven if it is done unto you.

"To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the  person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."

Matthew 6:14-15 says: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

We all are in need of forgiveness, and if we forgive others what they have done against us, then we can be forgiven as well. If we follow the golden rule on this one, we will be greatly rewarded.

D&C 64:9-10 Says: Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

If we don't forgive our peers, friends, neighbors, loved ones, and our enemies, we will be condemned. We will not be forgiven of our trespasses, and we will be accused of a greater sin than that which we chose not to forgive. 

We should forgive others. It is really hard, but we should try with all of our might that we may be forgiven of our sins at the last day.

Overcoming Sin and Trial Through Christ

Christ can be our "Rock" and help us stay grounded. We can interpret "Rock" as a fortress, a protection, an object to look back to that won't falter or move. We can use it as a landmark, a goal to look towards. That is what Christ can do for us in life.


All of the sins and trials in this world can be overcome through Christ, and in 1 Cor. 10:13, we are reassured that we won't be given anything we can't overcome, we only need to accept the love and help of Christ in our lives to make it happen. We can then be truly happy, and grow in ways we never thought we could.


Alma 13:28-29 says:

 28But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;

 29Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.  

This is such a comfort to me in these hard days. I am very fortunate in my life to have fewer trials than 99% of the world has to suffer, but I know that when I feel down, I can turn to my savior, and He will help me. Always, and every time.

Missionary Work, and Acting in a Godly Manner

How can missionaries today teach and act in a godly manner? I know that just by keeping the standards of the church and the mission standards can help increase the spirit so much for missionaries. Even as church members we are missionaries every day, and if all of us keep the standards and set a good example for our peers, we can have much better missionary experiences in our lives. I know one thing I personally could do to increase my faith and missionary work is to continue to dress modestly. To respect my body and to show others around me that I have respect for myself makes teaching the gospel to others a much more smooth and wonderful experience.