Why war?

Mosiah 10

King Laman dies—His people are wild and ferocious and believe in false traditions—Zeniff and his people prevail against them. About 178—160 B.C.

I read this on Thursday, but I didn't have time to post about it. The chapters about war in the Book of Mormon always kind of disappoint me. But, like the Isaiah chapters, I think they just require a little more thought. In this chapter the Lamanites are a very bloodthirsty people. They want to blame all their problems on the Nephites and they hold hatred in their hearts. They pass this onto their children. This reminds me of two things. First, I thought of all the wars in the world now, where brothers are fighting brothers. The Isrealites and Palestinians. In the Congo and Sudan and Rwanda. Most wars really. People are killing and being killed for emotional reasons. And not always ones of merit. So, it made me wonder how this applies to us today and the wars in our world. I think when a people are so far down a road of hatred, war is all that's left. I hope our country can always rise above that with all the virtues we stand for.

Second, I thought of my family. Actually, my kids. How they fight with one another. And blame one another. And becoming "bloodthirsty". "She hit me with the Barbie!" My job is to try not to get emotionally involved in their battles and help them find a peaceful resolution. I don't know if this chapter applies to me in that way, but that was just a thought I had.