May 02, 2010

Sunday Snippet - Nice is Overrated

From a Sunday School discussion re: Balaam and the Ass -

God is not nice. He is kind, loving, compassionate, forgiving, generous, patient, and many, many other wonderful things. He is not, however, nice. He does not pander to the feelings and sensibilities of others, and has no problem holding His position. He does not dither, or waver, or lead anyone on - He tells it like it is, and kindly and lovingly expects all of us to buck up and like it. He trusts that we will trust Him, and follow where He leads without having to always be babied along. He supports and guides and answers and listens, and does not waste anyone's time with "nice". "Magnificent", "awesome" and "overwhelming" are much more in His line. God is completely empathetic - He understands perfectly everything we feel and experience, and will not leave us alone unless we ask Him to... and generally not even then.

* * * * *

I would like to be a valiant, immovable friend. I would like to be known as one who has a kind, loving heart. I'm no longer so concerned about being "nice".

3 comments:

Tara said...

This reminds me a lot of Elder Oaks' talk from this past October.

Right on.

Actor said...

As Little Red says...

"Nice is different than good."

:)

Anonymous said...

Dangit Cameron, you took my comment.