Elder Dale G. Renlund
Question
Elder Renlund points out that the pandemic has been a spiritual stress test for members of the Savior’s church. This stress test has highlighted the need for improvement in some areas. In order for us to avoid contention and become unified as the Savior’s true disciples, Elder Renlund encourages us to place our “love of God and discipleship of the Savior above all other considerations.”
How can you show more love, care, and compassion towards those with whom you may disagree?
Quote
After the Savior’s visit to the Americas, the people were unified; “there was no contention in all the land.” Do you think that the people were unified because they were all the same, or because they had no differences of opinion? I doubt it. Instead, contention and enmity disappeared because they placed their discipleship of the Savior above all else. Their differences paled in comparison to their shared love of the Savior, and they were united as “heirs to the kingdom of God.” The result was that “there could not be a happier people … who had been created by the hand of God.”
Unity requires effort. It develops when we cultivate the love of God in our hearts and we focus on our eternal destiny. We are united by our common, primary identity as children of God and our commitment to the truths of the restored gospel. In turn, our love of God and our discipleship of Jesus Christ generate genuine concern for others. We value the kaleidoscope of others’ characteristics, perspectives, and talents. If we are unable to place our discipleship to Jesus Christ above personal interests and viewpoints, we should reexamine our priorities and change.
Elder Dale G. Renlund
Scripture
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 13:34,35
Bethene Zetterquist Photography 