Peacemakers Needed

Introduction

  • Speaker: President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

  • Theme: Emphasis on peace and reconciliation

  • Agency: Individuals have a choice between contention and reconciliation.

  • Call to Action: To choose to be a peacemaker, both now and always.

Personal Experience

  • Internship Story: Nelson recounts an incident from his surgical internship:

    • He assisted in a surgery involving an amputation due to highly infectious gangrene.

    • A member of the surgical team performed poorly, causing the surgeon to lose control and throw his scalpel in anger.

    • The scalpel struck Nelson's forearm, causing concern, but he did not become infected.

    • Impression: This experience taught him the importance of emotional control and the hazards of acting in anger, whether with physical objects or words.

Current Cultural Context

  • Observations on Society:

    • Civility and decency are diminishing in modern discourse, marked by:

    • Polarization and passionate disagreements.

    • Increased vulgarity and faultfinding.

    • Pundits and public figures often use insults.

    • Consequences: This creates a culture where it is seen as acceptable to vilify those with differing opinions.

The Harm of Contention

  • Contention's Effects:

    • Anger does not persuade; hostility does not build.

    • Contention does not lead to inspired solutions.

  • Personal and Family Dynamics:

    • Instances of hostility occur even within families and communities:

    • Spouses belittling each other.

    • Control through angry outbursts.

    • Cohorts punishing with the silent treatment.

    • Youth, children, and even colleagues may fall into patterns of bullying and defamation.

Call to Discipleship

  • Disciples of Christ:

    • Followers of Jesus Christ should exemplify compassion and love, particularly during disagreements.

    • Reference to the Savior's Teachings:

    • “Blessed are the peacemakers”

    • “Turn the other cheek.”

    • “Love your enemies.”

  • Self-Examination:

    • Reflecting on how one treats others; love and mutual respect emphasize true discipleship.

The Savior's Atonement

  • Commencement of Reflection:

    • Palm Sunday is a time to commemorate the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

  • Call to Honor Through Peacemaking:

    • Engaging in peacemaking honors the Savior and His teachings.

    • Contention Defined:

    • Contention is labeled as evil.

    • It is rooted in a spirit that is opposed to Christ.

Practicing Charity

  • Charity as the Antidote:

    • Charity represents the pure love of Christ and is key in overcoming contention.

    • Qualities of Charity:

    • Long-suffering, kind, free from envy.

    • Not easily provoked, not thinking evil of others.

    • Biblical Reference:

    • “Bear one another’s burdens”

    • “Stand as witnesses of God.”

Peacemaking in Action

  • Differentiating Peace:

    • Clarification that peace should not come at any moral expense.

  • Covenants and Actions:

    • During contentious times, remembering Christ and engaging in prayer is crucial.

  • Personal Reflection:

    • Individuals should reflect on their roles as peacemakers and eliminate pride and jealousy.

Building Relationships

  • Importance of Interpersonal Connections:

    • Urges members to cease behaviors that cause discomfort in relationships.

    • Calls for a change in attitude and actions towards others.

Overcoming Contention

  • Using the Temple’s Power:

    • The temple endows members with divine power against contention.

    • Character of the True Disciple:

    • People can show tender mercy and deter the adversary when they resolve misunderstandings with love.

A Vision for Unity

  • Light on a Hill:

    • Emphasizes the role of disciples as a guiding light for the community.

    • Call for Inclusive Gospel:

    • The gospel provides for all, without prejudice.

    • No allowance for condemnation or contention.

Conclusion and Blessing

  • Discipleship Examination:

    • Urges members to assess their treatment of others.

    • Encouragement for behavior adjustments to remain respectful and ennobling.

  • Personal Blessings:

    • Invites members to replace hostility with understanding and peace.

    • Affirms belief in God and Christ and their roles in guiding the Church.