Character-- overcoming our negative traits through Christ

Let's think on this one a bit. Negative traits come from a different set of core values. Is this correct? Then if our Savior's core values are based on love; It seems that negative values are based on hate. Is that correct?

We believe these traits develop from following the example of past generations, from the time when people decided to question the wisdom of following our Creator.

In the King James version, hate is sometimes used as a comparison in explaining the need to love Jesus more than we love our parental family. Jesus did not intend for His followers to persecute parents and siblings. So let us define the range of feelings the word hate describes in these studies.

Hate is the emotion that causes people to put others down, attempt to out do another person, set a person at naught, flaunt ones superior strength, intelligence, accomplishments or ability.

The purpose of this study is: Identify those character traits caused by hate, and study the Savior's way of eliminating those traits.

… and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. …every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof on the day of judgment. …

Words expose our feelings.

…This is an evil generation. They seek a sign…

You who claim to believe, remember; Seeking signs shows a lack of faith or maturity.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven,…

Teaching men's values, and ignoring the Heavenly Father's rules, shows hatred for or ignorance of Him.

…And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets to be seen of men. …but if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Failing to forgive others is a negative trait, often caused by hatred.

Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits. …an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And in your name have cast out devils? And in your name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, you that work iniquity.

False prophets deceive by claiming they love Jesus when their actions show hatred. Knowing Jesus and His teachings is the best defense against following these imposters.

But he who denies me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. He that finds his life shall lose it,…

You hypocrites, Isaiah has well prophesied of you as it is written, This people draws nigh unto me with their mouth and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. They worship me in vain, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Hatred toward the Heavenly Father causes people to follow other leaders.

For from within, out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, thefts, murders, adulteries, fornications, false witness, blasphemies, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and expose the defiled man,…

Peter and Paul mention these actions as coming from people who hate the Heavenly Father. 1 Peter 4:3 & Galatians 5:19-21. These clearly stated characteristics simplify the task of fruit inspection. As we look into our actions: The need for repentance and forgiveness is apparent. Is this correct?

Why does this generation seek after a sign? A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign. …

Adulterous generation refers to worship of things leaders or ideals. Is it possible that our generation is also guilty?

What was it you disputed among yourselves by the way? If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all and servant of all. Except you are converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. For he that is least among you, shall be great. But he who offends one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he was thrown into the depths of the sea and drowned.

Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones...

Recognizing our dependence on Jesus and others is necessary. Acting as though children and young Christians are unimportant or immune to the influence of our actions, could be a fatal mistake.

The lord was angry and delivered him to the tormentors till he should pay all that was due him. So shall my heavenly Father do unto you if you from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

This pitiful account of a servant who begged for and accepted forgiveness but refused to forgive another is a warning for each of us. He whose character traits show hatred for a brother will be punished.

Woe unto you, lawyers! For you lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and you touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.

Take heed and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.

… if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays his coming and shall begin to beat, his fellow servants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken with the drunken; the lord of that servant will come in a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of; and will cut him asunder and will appoint him his portion with the hypocrites.

For every one that exalts himself shall be abased, …But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.… Friend, why do you not wear a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness. …

The wedding garment eliminates negative character traits.

The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: … But do not after their works, for they say and do not. They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne and lay them on men's shoulders, but they will not move them with one of their fingers. All of their works they do to be seen of men. He who exalts himself shall be abased. …

Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no meat. I was thirsty and you gave me no drink. I was a stranger and you took me not in; naked, and you clothed me not, sick, and in prison, and you visited me not. Then shall they also answer him saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto you? Then shall he answer them saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.

He that loves me not, does not keep my sayings