I borrow a quote from Neil A. Maxwell-"These remarks are addressed to the imperfect but still striving in the household of faith. As always, my immediate audience is myself." (April 2002, General Conference, Consecrate Thy Performance)
Love One Another. I love this hymn. This was one of the first hymns I learned when I joined the Church. It is such a short, sweet, and simple hymn, but with a profound message. I sang it as a lullaby to my children. When I first heard it I fell in love with it. It is a beautiful song with a powerful message.
Love God. Love Your Neighbor. On these two commandments "...hang all the laws and the prophets" (Matthew 22:40).
Part of the commandment to Love One Another is to refrain from judging others. How many times have we heard this message? How many Sundays have we sung this hymn? The message is simple, however, for many, myself included, it takes hard work to live it. The following quote is a popular meme. It’s easy to find. Just type in Dieter F. Uchtdorf and the words "stop it" and you will see many images with this quote:
"When we feel hurt, angry, or envious, it is quite easy to judge people. This topic could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:
Stop it!
We have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters."
Link to talk: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/friend/2013/06/stop-it?lang=eng
Are we applying the message of this hymn to what is happening today? Are we applying Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s message in our lives? Are we striving to "likening it" unto our current situation? There is a war of words happening right now, and it is regarding a letter and a mask. Many are claiming the root of this mask issue is love. I agree. It is always about love. Love is more important than if someone, like me, who's catches everything because my immune system is not great, gets this sickness and dies. Meaning: In the Eternal Perspective of the Plan of Salvation, if it came down to you living a life of contention and my death; what is more important? From all I have learned in my time as a member, I believe living in contention and sharing this contention would be far worse than the death of someone from a virus.
Our world is in utter chaos! 2020 has started out with the world on fire. The world is still on fire. The embers burning today are the ones of contention. Right now up is down... right is wrong....and people are at war over opinions. This mask situation is one of the sources of contention right now. The love of many is waxing cold. All signs show we are living in THE Last Days shortly before the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is clear to anyone who has listened to recent General Conference talks, and those who read their scriptures. Signs of His Coming are everywhere. It should be a happy time for the Believers. It is the great day we are waiting to come.Unfortunately, it has not been a happy time for many due to this mask issue.
So, knowing that His coming is close at hand. I have to ask: Why are Latter-day Saints being hateful? We are the Salt of the Earth. We are the Light on the Hill. We have the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have the second witness of the divinity of our Savior, the Book of Mormon. We are taught to "Be IN the world, but not OF IT!" Our fears have caused many to contend with one another. Fears over a virus have caused us to forget about human kindness. If we try to put this into perspective of evil things happening. There are worse things happening right now than a virus.
We should be more afraid of the evils happening to children at the hands of evil people. Just reading and learning about the human trafficking situation is enough to keep you up at night crying out for Christ to return--NOW! There are many more evils happening to these innocents, but this isn't the point of my blog post. I don't want to list all the atrocities happening to innocent children all over the world. It should be enough to say: there are worse evils happening in the world.
Whenever I am trying to figure someone's point of view I try to remind myself to listen, and focus on what they are saying. I try to get outside of my personal lens and strive to see it from their point of view. My mother and my husband were placed in my life to teach me this ability. It is not an easy thing to do especially when you are angry, and feel that you are right in your opinion. To be sure, if we are going to be different from our past, and not make the same mistakes. We need to put aside our feelings and opinions to have an open mind and heart.*
In the first group of people we have those who believe wearing a mask is choosing the right. They say it is showing their love for others. They believe by wearing one they are helping others. They are protecting people, like me, who catch any and every sickness easily. They don't understand why someone would question authority. They don't see why someone would fight against a simple mask. It's just a mask. We hear this side of the message constantly. It is being stated by government officials. The wearing of the mask is being taught by news stations and articles multiple times. It is all over social media. I have seen many posts and blogs about this point of view already. Yet, I want to explore the other side of the mask story. I hope you will bear with me as I explore this period in our history, and try to have an open mind.
Within this 'can't wear a mask' group I can see three subgroups: those are those who can't wear it for medical reasons, which can include any disability, those who can’t wear it because they feel it is an abuse to their conscience and/or freedom, and those who were abused.
The first subgroup physically can not wear a mask. It is endangering their health to wear one. Where is the love for this person in this situation? In people's quest to "save others, wear a mask" they seem to have forgotten we are not made the same. Our bodies are different, and some people simply can not wear a mask for health reasons. What those reasons are...well, it's none of our business, and to ask them about their disability in many situations is against the law. Someone's medical condition is none of our business. People have a right to privacy.
The other people in the 'can't wear a mask' group believe this violates their agency, and worry about the potential of where this forced medical intervention leads. They are saying they are doing their patriotic duty to defend the Constitution. Latter-day Saints are taught the Constitution was inspired by Christ. So, they feel they are defending the words of Jesus Christ. They see this as a slippery slope. They see giving in to the government is giving into destroying the Constitution. They don't agree with force. They feel this is what Satan taught. "Do this for your safety, and none will be lost." Is the mask situation the same message? Many on this side of the issue feel the slippery slope is a flaxen cord that leads to bondage. They feel this is the first steps towards the Mark of the Beast mentioned in the Book of Revelations. You know the mark that if you do not have it, you can not buy or sell. (See Revelations 13:16-17) I had to ask myself, and I hope you ask yourself these questions too. Have I seen videos or read stories where people are not allowed to buy and sell if they do not have a mask on their face? Have I seen people being forced out of stores for not wearing a mask?
Thankfully the Utah letter is stating "We are asking...." and it does not say "We are telling..." It sounds like a request to me. I am thankful the Church will always honor agency. The sad part is some members on the 'Love one Another: Wear a Mask!' side of the debate are using this letter to say it is a commandment/mandate/doctrine from God, and many will use it as an justification to point the finger of scorn towards those who can't wear masks. I have seen people say that those refusing to wear a mask are apostates, selfish, going to leave the Church, and on and on. Have you seen it happening and playing out in the internet world?
Is this how Christ delivered His messages? I thought only Christ knew the heart of a person. How can someone claim one is not showing love to their neighbor if they are mask-less? How can you know the status of their testimony? I thought only Christ was our judge. Is pointing a finger and claiming to know someone's heart and/or health in this situation showing love? When someone thinks they know a person's heart because they are not wearing a mask equates being selfish, not showing love, and/or they are flat out wrong for not wearing a mask; is this showing the pure love of Christ? Or is this a case where the two-word sermon needs to be applied?
Another group people seem to forget in "can't wear a mask" group are those who suffered abuse. This group has had horrible trauma in their life. When they put on their mask they relive the moment they were sexually assaulted and/or physically abused. How isolating is it for them to know there are people in their family, circle of friends, or ward who are judging them for not wearing a mask? I wonder, does the pro-mask message leave room for the abused? People who have been abused rarely want to share with others what they have been through. I know many have told me they feel shame over what happened to them even though it was NOT their fault.
Then many have to deal with people not believing it happened to them. Or worse they are told it was their fault it happened. Now, they have to see the glares of people who judge them for not wearing a mask. They feel isolated in the world. Alone. They are easily triggered by situations. Why would anyone want someone to relive the moment they were abused by forcing them to wear a mask? Does their suffering not matter? I believe they matter. I hope the next time someone sees a person without a mask on and wants to shame them about it they stop and think.
Please note the statistics: 1 in 3 girls/ 1 in 6 boys have been sexually abused. These statistics only reflect those who speak out and are able to talk about what happened to them. This should be the most alarming epidemic in the history of the world. Children should be reared in love as the Family: A Proclamation to the World states.
Are we applying the message of this hymn to what is happening today? Are we applying Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s message in our lives? Are we striving to "likening it" unto our current situation? There is a war of words happening right now, and it is regarding a letter and a mask. Many are claiming the root of this mask issue is love. I agree. It is always about love. Love is more important than if someone, like me, who's catches everything because my immune system is not great, gets this sickness and dies. Meaning: In the Eternal Perspective of the Plan of Salvation, if it came down to you living a life of contention and my death; what is more important? From all I have learned in my time as a member, I believe living in contention and sharing this contention would be far worse than the death of someone from a virus.
Our world is in utter chaos! 2020 has started out with the world on fire. The world is still on fire. The embers burning today are the ones of contention. Right now up is down... right is wrong....and people are at war over opinions. This mask situation is one of the sources of contention right now. The love of many is waxing cold. All signs show we are living in THE Last Days shortly before the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is clear to anyone who has listened to recent General Conference talks, and those who read their scriptures. Signs of His Coming are everywhere. It should be a happy time for the Believers. It is the great day we are waiting to come.Unfortunately, it has not been a happy time for many due to this mask issue.
So, knowing that His coming is close at hand. I have to ask: Why are Latter-day Saints being hateful? We are the Salt of the Earth. We are the Light on the Hill. We have the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have the second witness of the divinity of our Savior, the Book of Mormon. We are taught to "Be IN the world, but not OF IT!" Our fears have caused many to contend with one another. Fears over a virus have caused us to forget about human kindness. If we try to put this into perspective of evil things happening. There are worse things happening right now than a virus.
We should be more afraid of the evils happening to children at the hands of evil people. Just reading and learning about the human trafficking situation is enough to keep you up at night crying out for Christ to return--NOW! There are many more evils happening to these innocents, but this isn't the point of my blog post. I don't want to list all the atrocities happening to innocent children all over the world. It should be enough to say: there are worse evils happening in the world.
Whenever I am trying to figure someone's point of view I try to remind myself to listen, and focus on what they are saying. I try to get outside of my personal lens and strive to see it from their point of view. My mother and my husband were placed in my life to teach me this ability. It is not an easy thing to do especially when you are angry, and feel that you are right in your opinion. To be sure, if we are going to be different from our past, and not make the same mistakes. We need to put aside our feelings and opinions to have an open mind and heart.*
In the first group of people we have those who believe wearing a mask is choosing the right. They say it is showing their love for others. They believe by wearing one they are helping others. They are protecting people, like me, who catch any and every sickness easily. They don't understand why someone would question authority. They don't see why someone would fight against a simple mask. It's just a mask. We hear this side of the message constantly. It is being stated by government officials. The wearing of the mask is being taught by news stations and articles multiple times. It is all over social media. I have seen many posts and blogs about this point of view already. Yet, I want to explore the other side of the mask story. I hope you will bear with me as I explore this period in our history, and try to have an open mind.
Within this 'can't wear a mask' group I can see three subgroups: those are those who can't wear it for medical reasons, which can include any disability, those who can’t wear it because they feel it is an abuse to their conscience and/or freedom, and those who were abused.
The first subgroup physically can not wear a mask. It is endangering their health to wear one. Where is the love for this person in this situation? In people's quest to "save others, wear a mask" they seem to have forgotten we are not made the same. Our bodies are different, and some people simply can not wear a mask for health reasons. What those reasons are...well, it's none of our business, and to ask them about their disability in many situations is against the law. Someone's medical condition is none of our business. People have a right to privacy.
The other people in the 'can't wear a mask' group believe this violates their agency, and worry about the potential of where this forced medical intervention leads. They are saying they are doing their patriotic duty to defend the Constitution. Latter-day Saints are taught the Constitution was inspired by Christ. So, they feel they are defending the words of Jesus Christ. They see this as a slippery slope. They see giving in to the government is giving into destroying the Constitution. They don't agree with force. They feel this is what Satan taught. "Do this for your safety, and none will be lost." Is the mask situation the same message? Many on this side of the issue feel the slippery slope is a flaxen cord that leads to bondage. They feel this is the first steps towards the Mark of the Beast mentioned in the Book of Revelations. You know the mark that if you do not have it, you can not buy or sell. (See Revelations 13:16-17) I had to ask myself, and I hope you ask yourself these questions too. Have I seen videos or read stories where people are not allowed to buy and sell if they do not have a mask on their face? Have I seen people being forced out of stores for not wearing a mask?
Thankfully the Utah letter is stating "We are asking...." and it does not say "We are telling..." It sounds like a request to me. I am thankful the Church will always honor agency. The sad part is some members on the 'Love one Another: Wear a Mask!' side of the debate are using this letter to say it is a commandment/mandate/doctrine from God, and many will use it as an justification to point the finger of scorn towards those who can't wear masks. I have seen people say that those refusing to wear a mask are apostates, selfish, going to leave the Church, and on and on. Have you seen it happening and playing out in the internet world?
Is this how Christ delivered His messages? I thought only Christ knew the heart of a person. How can someone claim one is not showing love to their neighbor if they are mask-less? How can you know the status of their testimony? I thought only Christ was our judge. Is pointing a finger and claiming to know someone's heart and/or health in this situation showing love? When someone thinks they know a person's heart because they are not wearing a mask equates being selfish, not showing love, and/or they are flat out wrong for not wearing a mask; is this showing the pure love of Christ? Or is this a case where the two-word sermon needs to be applied?
Another group people seem to forget in "can't wear a mask" group are those who suffered abuse. This group has had horrible trauma in their life. When they put on their mask they relive the moment they were sexually assaulted and/or physically abused. How isolating is it for them to know there are people in their family, circle of friends, or ward who are judging them for not wearing a mask? I wonder, does the pro-mask message leave room for the abused? People who have been abused rarely want to share with others what they have been through. I know many have told me they feel shame over what happened to them even though it was NOT their fault.
Then many have to deal with people not believing it happened to them. Or worse they are told it was their fault it happened. Now, they have to see the glares of people who judge them for not wearing a mask. They feel isolated in the world. Alone. They are easily triggered by situations. Why would anyone want someone to relive the moment they were abused by forcing them to wear a mask? Does their suffering not matter? I believe they matter. I hope the next time someone sees a person without a mask on and wants to shame them about it they stop and think.
Please note the statistics: 1 in 3 girls/ 1 in 6 boys have been sexually abused. These statistics only reflect those who speak out and are able to talk about what happened to them. This should be the most alarming epidemic in the history of the world. Children should be reared in love as the Family: A Proclamation to the World states.
I digressed, but it was an important side line to take. Back to the mask issue: please be kind, and remember how it is none of our business why someone is not wearing a mask.
To those in this situation where they can’t wear a mask for whatever reason mentioned above (and not mentioned), I want you to know that you are loved. I know you are feeling hurt and are wondering why your friends and/or (ward) family seem to have forgotten you. Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. Christ teaches us to go after the one. Right now, the one is you. What do the scriptures say about the worth of a soul? What would Jesus do and say to a person not wearing a mask? Would He love this person in their situation, and welcome them? I believe He would.
I know not all people are being judgmental towards those in the ‘can’t wear a mask’ group. I am thankful to see their Christ-like example. There are even other kind souls who try to be helpful by saying, "You can wear a visor. Or try a different kind of mask." But, saying this is like telling a person who can't afford to buy a product to go buy generic. It doesn't help their situation. If they say they can't afford to buy something what makes a person think they did not think of pricing out the generic brand, coupons, or any other type of similar product. If someone doesn't have the money to buy it. They can't buy it. Period. It is the same with these "helpful suggestions" regarding mask usage. They can't wear one. Period.
Maybe instead of shouting, "LOVE ONE ANOTHER! WEAR A MASK! DON'T BE SELFISH!" we should call these friends and family to see if they need our help. The current situation the 'can't wear a mask' side is dealing with is stores telling them they can't come inside. I saw a disturbing video of a man entering a store and he was literally pushed out because he was not wearing a mask. He repeatedly stated he had a medical reason for not wearing a mask, and could show them proof (which goes against ADA and privacy laws). The ironic thing is the state mandates I have seen give a concession for medical exemptions. However, the people in the store did not care if he had a medical reason for not wearing one. They acted like a terrible mob and ran him out of the store.
How are these people going to feed their families? Sure, some stores offer curb side services for their goods, but what if they can't afford to pay this extra fee? So, in addition to being shunned for not being able to wear a mask they have to pay more for goods? Think about how the bill for your groceries is going up, and how this could be a problem on top of what they are already having to face. This is only one suggestion on how to serve others. Latter-day Saints are wonderful at providing service. I am sure many of you could think of other ways to serve those within the ‘can’t wear a mask’ community.
I am so grateful I joined the Church long before this mask debate happened. I know seeing this play out would have turned me off from EVER listening to the missionaries or ever attending a ward service. I would have missed out on the fullness of the Gospel had I seen the amount of contention coming from this mask debate. When you see a family or any member attending Church services without a mask, and hear about others attacking them on social media. Or you hear how they were throwing daggers with their eyes because they think they KNOW why this person/family isn't wearing a mask, and they think they are wrong for not wearing one. I ask, "Where is the charity?" Where is the message and EXAMPLE of LOVE ONE ANOTHER I saw when I was first investigating this Church. Brothers and Sisters, you don't know what is going on in their life, and their reasons for not wearing a mask. Honestly, their reasons are their reasons, and it is between them and God. I want to repeat it again for those in the back of the room---It is none of our business why someone is not wearing a mask.
Here is the worst part of this entire situation. And no, it isn't people leaving this world to go to the next world. This division is keeping us from being ready for Christ's Return. This is the most important work we should be doing right now. The idea of us not being ready collectively, as the body of Christ, is a scary thought. Why are we acting like the world regarding the wearing of masks? How does the world view us when we behave in this manner? Why aren't we setting the example of loving each other mask on or mask off?
I, for one, am ready for the Second Coming to be here NOW! It is my understanding that we are striving to build Zion within our wards to prepare ourselves for the Second Coming of Christ, and that we MUST become people of Zion BEFORE He returns. In the April 1989 General Conference session, the current Prophet/President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was Ezra Taft Benson. He stated, "My dear brethren and sisters, we must prepare to redeem Zion. It was essentially the sin of pride that kept us from establishing Zion in the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was the same sin of pride that brought consecration to an end among the Nephites. Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion. I repeat: Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion."
Here is a link to this talk: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1989/04/beware-of-pride?lang=eng
Pride says, "I wear a mask to protect you, and it is because I love others. To those not wearing a mask, stop being selfish! Show love and wear a mask."
Pride also says, "Ugh, Sheeple! Think for yourself. I refuse to wear a mask. I am fighting for your freedom, and mine."
In this War of Contention and Pride, the people of Zion have allowed themselves to become an "Us verses Them" society. Us=Mask Wearers. Them=Can't Wear a Mask. Can you see this war of words and division of society? Does this division belong in the Church? Does it grieve you to see this contention?
Proverbs 13:10--"Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom."
3 Nephi 11:29--"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."
I believe we need to be asking ourselves:
Am I showing true charity, the pure love of Jesus Christ? Am I being prideful?
I wonder if this Covid-19 situation has become a test for all of us. I worry test is will “Love One Another” no matter what they think, feel, or do.
To those in this situation where they can’t wear a mask for whatever reason mentioned above (and not mentioned), I want you to know that you are loved. I know you are feeling hurt and are wondering why your friends and/or (ward) family seem to have forgotten you. Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. Christ teaches us to go after the one. Right now, the one is you. What do the scriptures say about the worth of a soul? What would Jesus do and say to a person not wearing a mask? Would He love this person in their situation, and welcome them? I believe He would.
I know not all people are being judgmental towards those in the ‘can’t wear a mask’ group. I am thankful to see their Christ-like example. There are even other kind souls who try to be helpful by saying, "You can wear a visor. Or try a different kind of mask." But, saying this is like telling a person who can't afford to buy a product to go buy generic. It doesn't help their situation. If they say they can't afford to buy something what makes a person think they did not think of pricing out the generic brand, coupons, or any other type of similar product. If someone doesn't have the money to buy it. They can't buy it. Period. It is the same with these "helpful suggestions" regarding mask usage. They can't wear one. Period.
Maybe instead of shouting, "LOVE ONE ANOTHER! WEAR A MASK! DON'T BE SELFISH!" we should call these friends and family to see if they need our help. The current situation the 'can't wear a mask' side is dealing with is stores telling them they can't come inside. I saw a disturbing video of a man entering a store and he was literally pushed out because he was not wearing a mask. He repeatedly stated he had a medical reason for not wearing a mask, and could show them proof (which goes against ADA and privacy laws). The ironic thing is the state mandates I have seen give a concession for medical exemptions. However, the people in the store did not care if he had a medical reason for not wearing one. They acted like a terrible mob and ran him out of the store.
How are these people going to feed their families? Sure, some stores offer curb side services for their goods, but what if they can't afford to pay this extra fee? So, in addition to being shunned for not being able to wear a mask they have to pay more for goods? Think about how the bill for your groceries is going up, and how this could be a problem on top of what they are already having to face. This is only one suggestion on how to serve others. Latter-day Saints are wonderful at providing service. I am sure many of you could think of other ways to serve those within the ‘can’t wear a mask’ community.
I am so grateful I joined the Church long before this mask debate happened. I know seeing this play out would have turned me off from EVER listening to the missionaries or ever attending a ward service. I would have missed out on the fullness of the Gospel had I seen the amount of contention coming from this mask debate. When you see a family or any member attending Church services without a mask, and hear about others attacking them on social media. Or you hear how they were throwing daggers with their eyes because they think they KNOW why this person/family isn't wearing a mask, and they think they are wrong for not wearing one. I ask, "Where is the charity?" Where is the message and EXAMPLE of LOVE ONE ANOTHER I saw when I was first investigating this Church. Brothers and Sisters, you don't know what is going on in their life, and their reasons for not wearing a mask. Honestly, their reasons are their reasons, and it is between them and God. I want to repeat it again for those in the back of the room---It is none of our business why someone is not wearing a mask.
Here is the worst part of this entire situation. And no, it isn't people leaving this world to go to the next world. This division is keeping us from being ready for Christ's Return. This is the most important work we should be doing right now. The idea of us not being ready collectively, as the body of Christ, is a scary thought. Why are we acting like the world regarding the wearing of masks? How does the world view us when we behave in this manner? Why aren't we setting the example of loving each other mask on or mask off?
I, for one, am ready for the Second Coming to be here NOW! It is my understanding that we are striving to build Zion within our wards to prepare ourselves for the Second Coming of Christ, and that we MUST become people of Zion BEFORE He returns. In the April 1989 General Conference session, the current Prophet/President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was Ezra Taft Benson. He stated, "My dear brethren and sisters, we must prepare to redeem Zion. It was essentially the sin of pride that kept us from establishing Zion in the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was the same sin of pride that brought consecration to an end among the Nephites. Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion. I repeat: Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion."
Here is a link to this talk: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1989/04/beware-of-pride?lang=eng
Pride says, "I wear a mask to protect you, and it is because I love others. To those not wearing a mask, stop being selfish! Show love and wear a mask."
Pride also says, "Ugh, Sheeple! Think for yourself. I refuse to wear a mask. I am fighting for your freedom, and mine."
In this War of Contention and Pride, the people of Zion have allowed themselves to become an "Us verses Them" society. Us=Mask Wearers. Them=Can't Wear a Mask. Can you see this war of words and division of society? Does this division belong in the Church? Does it grieve you to see this contention?
Proverbs 13:10--"Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom."
3 Nephi 11:29--"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."
I believe we need to be asking ourselves:
Am I showing true charity, the pure love of Jesus Christ? Am I being prideful?
I wonder if this Covid-19 situation has become a test for all of us. I worry test is will “Love One Another” no matter what they think, feel, or do.
Could this be another hinge-point on gauging us to see if we are ready for Christ's return?
Could it be a test for those who are shaming others for not wearing a mask?
Could this be a test for those who can't wear a mask, and how they will react to those who are cruel to them?
Could it be one for those not liking the letter?
Could it be a test for those using the letter as a weapon against those not wearing masks?
Could it be a test to see if we will choose to love AT. ALL. TIMES. and IN. ALL. PLACES?
Matthew 22:36-40--"36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
If we can't keep these two commandments; then we can't keep any other commandment. This is how I understand these verses in Matthew 22. A few other verses should remind us why it is important to "LOVE ONE ANOTHER."
1 John 4:8 --" He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
1 John 4:20--"“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
What are we, Latter-day Saints, asked to pray for with all energy of heart?
Moroni 7:46-48---- "46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
When articles, social media, and the nightly news wants to rile you up in fear and take away your love for each other. Please remember the verses shared and especially this verse:
1 John 4:18--"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
I hope and pray we all* choose to Love One Another, forgo the judgment over this mask issue, and do all we can to pass this test. I hope when our hearts want to judge and condemn someone for wearing or not wearing a mask that we remember the two word sermon: Stop it! Let's become people worthy of Zion: The New Jerusalem. Let us do all we can to prepare our hearts and the world for His Return. If you made it this far in reading my long, long post. I thank you, and hope my thoughts were helpful.
*I wrote this blog because I have always been one to stick up for my friends and especially the minority group. It's probably because I am a POC/"minority" who has seen some discrimination in my life. I am shocked at the level of hatred being shown towards those who can't wear a mask.
**all--includes me because I am guilty of pride in this situation too, and was doing what I wrote about until the Lord smacked me upside the head with these thoughts. Which "Us vs. Them" group I was in, I will not say because it doesn't really matter. I am working on repenting.
Matthew 22:36-40--"36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
If we can't keep these two commandments; then we can't keep any other commandment. This is how I understand these verses in Matthew 22. A few other verses should remind us why it is important to "LOVE ONE ANOTHER."
1 John 4:8 --" He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
1 John 4:20--"“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
What are we, Latter-day Saints, asked to pray for with all energy of heart?
Moroni 7:46-48---- "46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
When articles, social media, and the nightly news wants to rile you up in fear and take away your love for each other. Please remember the verses shared and especially this verse:
1 John 4:18--"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
I hope and pray we all* choose to Love One Another, forgo the judgment over this mask issue, and do all we can to pass this test. I hope when our hearts want to judge and condemn someone for wearing or not wearing a mask that we remember the two word sermon: Stop it! Let's become people worthy of Zion: The New Jerusalem. Let us do all we can to prepare our hearts and the world for His Return. If you made it this far in reading my long, long post. I thank you, and hope my thoughts were helpful.
*I wrote this blog because I have always been one to stick up for my friends and especially the minority group. It's probably because I am a POC/"minority" who has seen some discrimination in my life. I am shocked at the level of hatred being shown towards those who can't wear a mask.
**all--includes me because I am guilty of pride in this situation too, and was doing what I wrote about until the Lord smacked me upside the head with these thoughts. Which "Us vs. Them" group I was in, I will not say because it doesn't really matter. I am working on repenting.
What should ONLY matter at this time are the words of warning (words in bold are my emphasis) given regarding the time frame of the 2nd Coming:
President Russel M. Nelson: "As President of His Church, I plead with you who have distanced yourselves from the Church and with you who have not yet really sought to know that the Savior’s Church has been restored. Do the spiritual work to find out for yourselves, and please do it now. [Time is running out.]"
President Russel M. Nelson: "As President of His Church, I plead with you who have distanced yourselves from the Church and with you who have not yet really sought to know that the Savior’s Church has been restored. Do the spiritual work to find out for yourselves, and please do it now. [Time is running out.]"
Link to quote/talk---https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/46nelson?lang=eng
