There Is Always an Olive Branch

Maybe the path to peace entails not only forgiveness but understanding. With billions of people in the world, it may seem impossible to understand and love everyone. Sister Kathleen H. Hughes discusses this difficulty—and how to overcome it—in her 2005 general conference address, “That We May All Sit Down in… Continue reading

Learning to Love Ourselves

We can overcome fear and learn to love ourselves by following President James E. Faust’s six keys to strengthening self-esteem. Loving ourselves can be even more difficult than loving others. Although we are sons and daughters of a Heavenly King, we are imperfect. Rather than allowing our weaknesses to discourage us, we can choose… Continue reading

Mormons and Muhammad

religious text

When studying Islam in a world religions class, I couldn’t deny the gospel light I found in Muhammad’s teachings—but how was I to reconcile the truth in Islam with my own faith? Continue reading

How Can I Choose Love Over Bitterness?

plant being held

Even when the world gives us every reason to be bitter, we can make the choice to cultivate love in our hearts. Under the government system of racial segregation called apartheid, South African communities were fraught with racial tension. But when the car accident that killed Julia Mavimbela’s husband was blamed… Continue reading

My Increased Respect for Those with Same-Sex Attraction

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Given our drastically different life experiences, unless we exercise charity, it is all too easy to write off others’ soul-trying experiences as instances in which they simply made choices. I have three really good friends who have come out as gay, and I highly admire each of them, the first for his ability… Continue reading

The Divinity of Differences

Heavenly Father has given us differences from the very beginning to make the world more beautiful, not to divide us. Have you ever felt that someone is so different from you that you have absolutely nothing in common and can’t possibly become friends? We live in a world where social… Continue reading

Maintaining Balance: Loving Others While Defending the Faith

In a world where having a different opinion is often laughed at, it is possible to follow Jesus Christ’s example of loving others, being kind, and avoiding contention while standing up for the gospel. It can be intimidating to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.… Continue reading

Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching: What Counts?

It might feel like something to check off every month. But home teaching and visiting teaching are about more than just delivering a scripted message.  Home teaching and visiting teaching are supposed to be “the Church’s first source of help” for its members (see True to the Faith, “Priesthood”), but these assignments can… Continue reading