Mosiah 12:9-16
It is a common attitude among the wicked to deny their wickedness. I've cross referenced a couple of other scriptures on verse 14 for the term "guiltless" where people are found to take the same stance.
This causes me to ask myself, what is the difference between a wicked and righteous individual. The wicked will profess their perfection and guiltless state. The wicked will ask questions such as "What great evil [have we] done?" (vs. 13) or "How knowest though that we have cause for repentance?" (Alma 21:6). In all cases they are in complete denial of any wrong doing on their part.
Contrast this with attitude of the truly righteous, who in other terms are also called "the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness". (See Alma 27:18). In Luke 7, the centurion who seeks the Savior to heal one of his servants, says "Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:" (Luke 7:6) Jesus concludes this story by observing, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel," (vs. 9)
It is a common attitude among the wicked to deny their wickedness. I've cross referenced a couple of other scriptures on verse 14 for the term "guiltless" where people are found to take the same stance.
This causes me to ask myself, what is the difference between a wicked and righteous individual. The wicked will profess their perfection and guiltless state. The wicked will ask questions such as "What great evil [have we] done?" (vs. 13) or "How knowest though that we have cause for repentance?" (Alma 21:6). In all cases they are in complete denial of any wrong doing on their part.
Contrast this with attitude of the truly righteous, who in other terms are also called "the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness". (See Alma 27:18). In Luke 7, the centurion who seeks the Savior to heal one of his servants, says "Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:" (Luke 7:6) Jesus concludes this story by observing, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel," (vs. 9)
Too true! Thanks so much for sharing this! It brings to mind my current fav Ensign article (Sept issue), Repentance & Forgiveness in Marriage: "The antidote for pride is humility--" Everyone needs a reminder now and then!
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