The Peacegiver

"Should not I spare Nineveh?"

Where do I begin?
A really good friend of mine recommended this book and I will be forever grateful that he did. I was so touched by the message in this book that I felt like sharing a little of what I have learned.
So many parts of this book seemed to be taken from a particular place or moment in my life, so much of it I could relate to and understand.
I didn't read this book hoping that I would be entertained, rather I read it looking for answers. I read it because I too struggle with understanding the Atonement and all that it implies, I read it because I too wanted justice for those that hurt me, and yet I felt I deserved mercy and forgiveness, I read it because like grandpa (in the story) I had imagined my life being better without a few certain individuals and "I gave place to it and it grew within me. As year stacked upon years, the thought grew sharper and as it did our life (or in my case lives) together grew worse".
Much like the main character in this book , I too have struggled with wanting others to see the hurt they have inflicted in my life and the lives around them, I have felt like I have done my best to do what I should and to be patient and forgiving. Much like the main character I am slow to learn and the obvious almost always needs to be pointed out. Much like the main character, it took me finishing this book to understand what I should have already known.

I'm sure taken out of context the next few sentence might not make any sense, but here is what I learned and loved about this book.
"It is not your marriage that needs saving....It is your love....learn to love...with My love, and then, whether your marriage continues or not, you will have gained a companion....
What do you mean, Lord? I cried. 'But my marriage---'
"Your concern for marriage is still a concern for self. Love that person even if they choose to divorce you. Then you will be married indeed. " (Peacegiver, page 186)

I was so overwhelmed when I read this, because it gave me place to apply this teaching to so many areas of my life, not just to my marriage, but to every area of my life whether it be with my husband, my children, my siblings, or my parents.

For the lucky few who don't struggle with the basic principle's of the gospel, this is still an awesome book. I think this book gives a greater understanding of how and what the Savior suffered for each of us.

After you read this book you might understand why I have come to ask myself this question, "Should not I spare Nineveh?"