Bishopric message
Good evening Brothers and Sisters,
We hope you are well and continue to find peace in the Savior’s atonement and plan for happiness in a world that seemingly becomes more complicated with each new day. Be assured, the Lord is aware of us and the challenges we face. He stands ready with open arms to embrace us.
Imagine if the world’s population could only recognize that we are all children of the same Heavenly Parents, and are thereby, all brothers and sisters, would we be more motivated to treat each other as family? Because we are Heavenly Father’s children, we ALL have a divine destiny. God loves us with Godly love. He knows us as individuals. He encourages us to become like He and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. We don’t have to earn His love; it is always here for us.
In 2 Nephi 26:33, Nephi explains that any act contrary to that which is good among the children of men, is not of God. “ … for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile”. Nephi’s statement, “we are All alike unto God” is powerful. The scriptures teach us that God is no respecter of persons, we are all his beloved sons and daughters. Hence, no group or individual should be treated any different than any other because of their differences.
As our country and world struggles with embracing the reality of these truths, let us in our own circles of influence, extend our love to All his children, regardless of any differences we may have. President Russell M. Nelson in recent meetings with leaders from the National Association for Advancement of Colored People, jointly made the following inspired statement. “Unitedly we declare that the answers to racism, prejudice, discrimination and hate will not come from government or law enforcement alone. Solutions will come as we open our hearts to those whose lives are different than our own, as we work to build bonds of genuine friendship, and as we see each other as the brothers and sisters we are — for we are all children of a loving God”.
As members of Christ’s Church, we have the unique opportunity and responsibility to lead by example as we attend to the needs of others in our community and strive to relieve suffering among us. Our full-time missionaries are doing the same daily by serving all those they come in contact with across the world.
Our own pioneer heritage endured much discrimination in the early days of the Church. As Latter-Day Saints we should be uniquely qualified to express love and compassion to others that are being unfairly treated. The 13th Article of Faith reads, “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, we believe all things, we hope all things,” we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things”. During his mortal life, Jesus endured unfair judgement and hatred, as he only did good to others. If He was among us today, we can assume that he would be found ministering to the needs of the downtrodden, needy and those suffering from unfair biases.
We of the Parley’s 3rd Ward have so much love to give. This is evidenced each day as we serve each other as well as our neighbors not of our faith. We are again encouraged by our prophet to extend that care and love to all our Heavenly Father’s children in need. May we be successful in this divine effort.
President Sam Strait and his wife Deirdre, have a unique perspective on the subject of the love our Heavenly Father has for all ALL his children.
Have a great sabbath day,
The Bishopric
