“They Were Angry with Him Even Because He Had Greater Power Than They”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

Of all the passions, we already have noted, that occupy the human heart, the hatred of apostates for their former brethren is the most bitter and malignant. It is not a far step from anger to hatred; hatred for all that is good, anger for him that does good. With the apostate from God's holy Church the righteous man is berated because of his righteousness, and the evil one is held in repute. Well may we say with King David: "O ye that love the Lord, hate evil," (Psalm 97:10) and how often has history proved his former words to be true: "They that hate the righteous shall be desolate." (Ibid., 34:21) The history of the Nephite tribesmen was one of desolation and destruction.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 7

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