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

Caught in a Trap: How to Escape Feelings of Lust

one red rose

The best way to combat feelings of lust is to recognize and avoid them early—but how? Although it’s common knowledge that lust can damage relationships, it’s still difficult to define, recognize, and avoid feelings of lust. In his article “Love versus Lust,” published in the Ensign and Liahona, Joshua J.… Continue reading

Faith Divided, Love United: Looking within to Bring Your Family Together

Instead of trying to change your family members, try changing yourself. During my junior year of high school, most of my close family members decided they didn’t want to be a part of the Church anymore. When I noticed their feelings changing, it was like a punch in the gut.… Continue reading

Four Tips for Coping with a Loved One’s Addiction

Addiction affects not just the addict but also family and friends. Here are four ways loved ones can cope with that burden. What do you when a loved one is struggling with addiction? How do you react? In the Ensign article “When a Loved One Struggles with Addiction,” Corrie Lynne… Continue reading

Church Disciplinary Councils: Acts of Love

Christ comforts the woman taken in adultery

High-profile cases of Church discipline have recently made national headlines, leading some people to question the need for excommunication. Church disciplinary councils lovingly invite those who seriously transgress to repent and start over with the full blessings of the gospel. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve… Continue reading

Love is Our Response

Three people in suits arguing.

Active love and acceptance transcend mortal politics—but how can we live it? To say that the last year has been a charged one would be an understatement. Division has been at an all-time high, with issues like racial injustice, mask mandates, and even expansionist dogma on the world stage. It… Continue reading

Believe that You Are Beloved

Christus Statue

Truly believing in and accepting the constant care of the Shepherd empowers us to become more like him and share his love.  You are held, supported, and adored by the Good Shepherd. You are his lamb. Jesus loves us eternally, but sometimes we imagine that Jesus will love us less… Continue reading

Do I Have To?

We often selfishly ask ourselves if the commandments to love and serve others really apply to us. The Savior lovingly reminds us that they do. Two very different people each asked an unassuming and easily justifiable question. One asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Another asked, “And who is my… Continue reading

Charity Revisited

man atop a mountain with sky

For the longest time, I didn’t think I had any charity. Whenever I heard about charity in Primary, Sunday School, Young Women, Relief Society, and even many of my university religion classes, the message I always got was that charity was service. Charity was going out and giving, working, and… Continue reading

Curve Ball or Careful Pruning?

shrub

At times, God may seem to throw you a curve ball that is unfair or causes hurt. Those are times of “pruning.” He is preparing you for something greater. You probably have something you are working toward right now. It might be a degree, a job, a trip, or some… Continue reading