At the end of the Sunday Morning session of the April 2023 General Conference, LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson expressed concern about the loss of civility and decency in the world.
Civility and decency seem to have disappeared during this era of polarization and passionate disagreements. Vulgarity, faultfinding, and evil speaking of others are all too common. Too many pundits, politicians, entertainers, and other influencers throw insults constantly. I am greatly concerned that so many people seem to believe that it is completely acceptable to condemn, malign, and vilify anyone who does not agree with them.
Russell M. Nelson
He pointed out early in the speech that the Latter-day Saints were not innocent of this poor behavior.
Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions. Regrettably, we sometimes see contentious behavior even within our own ranks.
Russell M. Nelson
Be a “true” disciple of Jesus Christ
President Nelson spoke directly to the members of the church about the kinds of behavior they should demonstrate.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be examples of how to interact with others — especially when we have differences of opinion. One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people.
Russell M. Nelson
He quoted several verses from the Sermon on the Mount, including “Blessed are the peacemakers,” turning the other cheek, and “Love your enemies.”
The Savior’s message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire—no matter how difficult the situation. True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.
Russell M. Nelson
President Nelson’s repeated use of the phrases “true disciple” and “true follower of Jesus” indicate that he knows there are hypocrites within the church whose actions do not match their professed beliefs.
Don’t assume he was talking about someone else
Near the end of the speech, President Nelson made this insightful prediction:
At this point you may be thinking that this message would really help someone you know. Perhaps you are hoping that it will help him or her to be nicer to you. I hope it will! But I also hope that you will look deeply into your heart to see if there are shards of pride or jealousy that prevent you from becoming a peacemaker.
Russel M. Nelson
The first line of the above quotation got a laugh from the audience in the Conference Center. It was the type of “guilty laugh” that sometimes occurs when someone has been correctly accused of an offense. The members of the audience were recognizing their own tendency to deflect calls to repentance away from themselves and onto others.
Instead of pointing to others, President Nelson told his audience to “look deeply” into their own hearts.
Now is the time to improve
President Nelson drove the point home by making it very clear that his message was to the members of the LDS Church. Notice his use of the words “you” and “your” in the following quotation. He was counseling the people in his LDS audience.
If you are serious about helping to gather Israel and about building relationships that will last throughout the eternities, now is the time to lay aside bitterness. Now is the time to cease insisting that it is your way or no way. Now is the time to stop doing things that make others walk on eggshells for fear of upsetting you. Now is the time to bury your weapons of war. If your verbal arsenal is filled with insults and accusations, now is the time to put them away.
Russell M. Nelson
The Gospel invitation is for everyone
The gospel net is the largest net in the world. God has invited all to come unto Him, “black and white, bond and free, male and female.” There is room for everyone. However, there is no room for prejudice, condemnation, or contention of any kind.
Russell M. Nelson
Like any prophet, President Nelson was asking us to examine our own lives, repent, and set a good example for others.
Today I invite you to examine your discipleship within the context of the way you treat others. I bless you to make any adjustments that may be needed so that your behavior is ennobling, respectful and representative of a true follower of Jesus Christ.
Russell M. Nelson
Source:
Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,” Sunday Morning Session, General Conference, April 2, 2023.
Staff, “Come Unto Christ, Be Peacemakers, Prophet Says at Conference,” Newsroom, April 2, 2023.
Rachel Sterzer Gibson, “What did President Nelson teach during April 2023 general conference?” Church News, April 2, 2023.
Staff, “Elder Ulisses Soares:’Followers of the Prince of Peace’,” Church News, April 2, 2013.
Erin Alberty, “LDS Leaders call for a gentler touch,” Axios, April 3, 2023.
So grateful for President Nelson’s kindness and loving words of guidance and counseling. It touched my heart and helped me want to be a better peacemaker.