When Persecution Comes from Within
3 Nephi 12:10–12 (See also Matthew 5) "And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake; For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you." These verses from the Savior’s sermon in the Book of Mormon echo the Beatitudes of the New Testament, promising joy and eternal reward to those who endure persecution for righteousness’ sake. We often imagine such persecution coming from outside the faith—from those who do not understand or accept the gospel. But what happens when the persecution comes from within our own community of Saints? This is a harder truth to face. Yet, from personal experience and scriptural precedent, I have come to understand that sometimes the most painful reviling, judgment, o...