Episode 52: Why is this Life So Unfair? Featuring Dr. David T. Morgan
This week, I am pleased and honored to welcome as my guest Dr. David T. Morgan. David is a licensed psychologist and has been in private practice for about 30 years. He received his BS, MS, and Ph.D. from Brigham Young University. He's a sought-after speaker and recently presented at BYU Women's Conference. An avid writer, David is a regular contributor to LDS Living Magazine and has published four books, with his latest work scheduled to release in January 2022.
In this episode, David shares his thoughts on Elder Renlund's conference talk, "Infuriating Unfairness."
Key Segments
1. "If there truly is a loving God, why does He allow bad things to happen to good people?"
Isn’t this the granddaddy of all questions? It's the question that, no matter how thoughtful our answer, it just doesn't satisfy.
2. Quote: “Mortal life is inherently unfair.”
How can we explain the frustration of dealing with what appears to be unjust unfairness?
3. Quote: “I declare with all my aching heart that Jesus Christ both understands unfairness and has the power to provide a remedy.”
“...yet will I not forget thee….Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” (1 NE 21:15-16) -- One of my favorite scriptures. 😊
4. Quote: “Because of Him, we can have peace in this world and be of good cheer. If we let Him, Jesus Christ will consecrate the unfairness for our gain. He will not just console us and restore what was lost; He will use the unfairness for our benefit.”
David describes a time when the Lord consecrated unfairness for his gain.
5. How do we move beyond the concept of unfairness and on to compassion for others, regardless of their situation?
6. On “stone catching,” how is catching stones “fair”? What are some ways we can “catch the stones” thrown by others?
7. Tell us more about mercy and compassion --- Are there times when we feel “justified” in NOT extending mercy or compassion to others?
If ever there was someone who would have been justified in this, it was the Savior. Of his own crucifiers, he pled with the Father to forgive them. He showed compassion to the soldier who came to arrest him. When Peter cut off the man's ear, Jesus rebuked Peter and healed the man's ear.
8. Where did this compassion come from? What did Christ understand about this mortal experience that many of us either don’t understand or forget when faced with “infuriating unfairness?”
9. This is a kind of a pet subject of mine right now …. Learning how to think as Jesus thinks. How might learning to think as Jesus thinks help us extend more compassion and mercy to others?
10. Does showing mercy and compassion mean removing the consequences of our actions?
11. Talk to us about spiritual resilience. I did a whole series on my blog and then later on my podcast on Gospel GRIT, Powered By GRACE. This idea of resilience is an important part of how I define GRIT. You recently wrote a book on this subject. Without giving away any trade secrets, would you share some of your ideas about spiritual resilience?
12. What edifies you?
DO ONE THING
Get to know someone better this week--Someone who annoys you or rubs you the wrong way. Knowing them better will help us develop compassion for them.
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Resources
"Infuriating Unfairness," Dale G Renlund
"The Character of Christ," David A Bednar
Connect with Dr. Morgan on IG: @ldspsychologist
Visit Dr. Morgan's website: www.ldspsychologist.com