Accursation

In these scriptures, there is a focus on stories and doctrine focused on people bringing accusations against each other. Half of these scriptures are about people making accusations about Christ. I would like to talk about this first.

Toward the end of his mortal life, Pilot asked the Pharisees, "What accusations bring ye against this man?" They replied, "If he were not a malefactor, would we deliver him unto thee?" I feel that it is safe to interpret this reply as "We want him killed because of how we defined him in our heads, and not for any solid reason."

I wonder how often I judge my Savior based off the definition of him in my head. I create is picture of an all loving man who would do anything to make me happy - then become accusatory when things go wrong because the Savior I thought up would not let those types of things happen. Or I create a picture of a teacher who is so focused on helping me develop personally that I ignore grace and mercy, then feel abandoned when I become weak. The truth is there and it isn't in our heads, and the best way to find and maintain that truth is through constant experience of interacting with Christ. He needs to not be a memory in our minds that can become whatever our circumstances wish him to be, but a real companion that can not be distorted because he is always there to remind us of who he really is.

Now, as to making accusations towards other people, I had an experience yesterday that helped me to understand this concept. Something had happened where someone else did something hurtful, and I was justifiably upset about it. I still loved the person, but was so hurt and shocked that I felt that all the accusations I were making about this person was alright because, after all, they were accurate and I was clearly the victim. Then my wonderful fiance stepped in, and spoke some very touching words. Even though this person was guilty of what they had done I should not lose my compassion. Angry drives away the spirit, while empathy and concern for the hurt emotions behind the actions of this other person will help me to become more of a disciple of Christ.

In summary, be careful before you look for accusations towards others. Think if you are really trying to define another person, and be even more aware of what focusing on those accusations are doing to your heart.