Giving the Gift of Receiving

an image of a stack of three gift boxes with lights on them

As we give gifts to bring happiness to the people around us, we must also receive gifts cheerfully and thankfully, especially the ones from God.  About 1,990 years ago, Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane and died on a cross. His life on Earth was spent giving gifts of joy and… Continue reading

Reaching in the Savior’s Way

Blue, white and yellow abstract painting

When we practice empathy, we actually practice loving in a divine way. In a world enamored with contention and discord, it can be difficult to feel God’s inclusive love for all of His children. Between cancel culture, competing media, and increasingly polarized views, we can find ourselves “othering,” or alienating,… Continue reading

We’re Better Together

Group of people making stars with fingers.

Fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and respect will help members of the Church achieve greater unity with one another and with those not of our faith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a long history of love and service. While its members aren’t perfect, the Church’s doctrinal… Continue reading

Relationships and Peeling Grapefruit

Grapefruit and pomegranate design

We all have tiffs at some time or another with family, friends, or our significant other. But are all of these issues really significant? Having problems with your boyfriend or girlfriend, fiancé, or spouse? Have you ever openly talked about the differences that might cause rifts in your relationship? Once… Continue reading

Maintaining Balance: Loving Others While Defending the Faith

an image of a couple of people walking down a train track

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

an image of a group of people walking through a field

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

an image of a woman sitting on a bench next to a man

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

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