Olympic Reactions

A week ago, President Chipman and I celebrated the Paris Olympics the only way we knew how here in Peru.  We enjoyed crepes at a small local French cafe with some friends!  We wanted to mark the occasion just for fun, even though it will be impossible for us to watch any of the games. 

Despite of our lack of information and connection, last weekend we heard a lot of noise about the recent controversy regarding the depiction of Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting in the opening ceremonies. We read about how many are enraged with offense while others can’t seem to figure out why.  All this is pretty normal stuff in today's cancel culture where we often feel compelled to choose which side to align ourselves with. During my studies that day, I came across a great scripture that taught me how I want to respond.  It is found in 1 Nephi 19:7 & 9.

7 For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels.

9 And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.

Isn’t it interesting that the Savior’s reaction to being esteemed as naught is loving kindness?  This reminded me that his sacrifice was freely given to all man-kind regardless of whether they value it or the salvation he offers. I’m not condoning what occurred, but I have decided for myself to use the example of my Savior as to how I will respond.