ABRAHAM'S CONCERN...

Concern for the One,
BYU Center for Teaching & Learning

What does it mean to have concern for another human person, especially for those who seem to have beem struck with misfortune through no direct fault of their own?

How do we respond in a world where fortune can have dual results, good or bad? What does it mean to speak up for others, to set our plea before God?

“The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony. All of Heavenly Father’s children are different in some degree, yet each has his own beautiful sound that adds depth and richness to the whole.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Concern for the One,” Ensign, May 2008.)


How do we find the worth in each other? In today's lesson from Genesis we look at the story of Abraham's plea for those of the cities of the plain, Sodom and Gomorrah. What is significant about this plea?
Are there differences in how Abraham pleas from how we might today? Where is the concern for the one?
 
Genesis 18:20-32

18:20 Then the LORD said, "How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin!


18:21 I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, I will know."


18:22 So the men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the LORD.


18:23 Then Abraham came near and said, "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?


18:24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it?


18:25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?"


18:26 And the LORD said, "If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake."


18:27 Abraham answered, "Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.


18:28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?" And he said, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there."


18:29 Again he spoke to him, "Suppose forty are found there." He answered, "For the sake of forty I will not do it."


18:30 Then he said, "Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there." He answered, "I will not do it, if I find thirty there."


18:31 He said, "Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there." He answered, "For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it."


18:32 Then he said, "Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there." He answered, "For the sake of ten I will not destroy it."


Walter Morton for Journey Across the Line