3 Nephi 5

The Nephite people "did forsake all their sins, and their abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence day and night" (3). When we have faith and repent we do good things. John H. Groberg said: "With faith in Him, our lives become focused on doing things of eternal value" ("The Lord's Wind").


That's what that Nephites used with their prisoners.

"And now it came to pass that when they had taken all the robbers prisoners, insomuch that none did escape who were not slain, they did cast their prisoners into prison, and did cause the word of God to be preached unto them; and as many as would repent of their sins and enter into a covenant that they would murder no more were set at liberty. 

"But as many as there were who did not enter into a covenant, and who did still continue to have those secret murders in their hearts, yea, as many as were found breathing out threatenings against their brethren were condemned and punished according to the law. 

"And thus they did put an end to all those wicked, and secret, and abominable combinations, in the which there was so much wickedness, and so many murders committed" (4-6).

Could you imagine if that was how we were to work on those in prison? I think it would drastically reduce the number of people in them. Of course, a promise made today isn't as trustworthy as a promise made back then. But could you imagine what it would be like if communities were forgiving? If those that really don't know and never knew the truth were taught and sincerely repented? Of course there are consequences. But a productive member of society is a productive member of society. Why would you want to keep that person locked up? And you notice that the individuals who were not truly repentant, were "condemned and punished according to the law." They wouldn't have been productive members.

Just an interesting idea. Wish we could do that. Wish we lived in a community and world where this would work.