Reconciliation

During the early days of translating the Book of Mormon, Joseph encountered a problem. David Whitmer describes the situation this way:

"He [Joseph Smith] was a religious and straightforward man. . . . He had to trust in God. He could not translate unless he was humble and possessed the right feelings towards everyone. To illustrate so you can see: One morning when he was getting ready to continue the translation, something went wrong about the house and he was put out about it. Something that Emma, his wife, had done. Oliver and I went upstairs and Joseph came up soon after to continue the translation but he could not do anything. He could not translate a single syllable. He went downstairs, out into the orchard, and made supplication to the Lord; was gone about an hour - came back to the house, and asked Emma's forgiveness and then came upstairs where we were and then the translation went on all right. He could do nothing save he was humble and faithful." (Saints Herald, Mar. 1, 1882, p. 68) 

This story illustrates at least three things: (1) despite popular opinion, Joseph respected his wife, (2) he wasn't above asking for forgiveness, and (3) going to God is only part of the solution when seeking peace. Inevitably, to achieve complete peace in him, he will send you back to right any wrongs with others. 

This is just as true today as it's ever been. 

"So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God." (Matthew 5:23-24 GNT).

Joseph was later murdered with a conscience void of offense toward God and all men (TPJS, p. 379)

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