My posts are on time, but the writing of them was a bit delayed this weekend. I was out of town visiting my family and quickly got out of my scripture reading habit. I suppose that is understandable, but I hope not to repeat it the next time I’m on a family vacation.
Anyways, on to today’s talk.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Loving Others and Living with Differences
Elder Oaks began with a quote made by President Monson last April: “love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar. His life was a legacy of love.”
Reading this talk, I felt thankful for the reminder about this very basic principle. Love truly is the foundation of the gospel. Our Heavenly Parents love us, our Savior and brother Jesus Christ loves us, and our earthly family and friends love us. We would do well to love them back.
While encouraging us to show love, Elder Oaks admits that sometimes it is hard. The world is far from perfect, but we must live in it. That is part of our responsibility as disciples of Christ.
As we do our best to live in the world, and not be of the world, we need to remember this: “For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.”
This passage from 3 Nephi is a stern reminder that we cannot let contention rule our lives. Jesus Christ is our Savior and example and he was the Prince of Peace.
Brothers and sisters, I know that it is difficult to live in the world and not become like it. But I also know that we must, and that we can, face this challenge. As you move forward in faith, as we move forward in faith, just remember that love is the foundation of the gospel.
Each of us will meet people who will try to challenge our faith. We can, and must, stand up for what we believe, but as we do so we can follow the Savior’s example by showing loving-kindness. Remember, we are all children of God. We need to take care of each other. We need to love one another.
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