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 emphasis on service has inspired members everywhere to help those in need.
In his talk “Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity,” Elder Quentin L. Cook reflects on some of the early Church members’ experiences serving each other and serving those not of their faith. Elder Cook notes that today we are striving for that same peace and righteousness, both of which are found in unity. We know from the record of 4 Nephi that this unity can come only if “the love of God…dwell[s] in the hearts of the people” (1:15).
PHOTO BY ARMIN RIMOLDI
So how can we work to achieve this unity, love, and righteousness? And how can we make sure that the love of God dwells in our hearts?
Elder Cook answers these questions with a simple statement: “We can achieve greater unity as we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity.” He says that the culture of the gospel “is not determined by the color of one’s skin or where one lives.” Rather, members of the Church are united by their shared love for and faith in Jesus Christ.
Referencing the pioneer members across the world, Elder Cook reminds us that “their oneness with the Savior made them one with each other.” Not only did being one with Christ make them one with other members of the Church, but their oneness allowed them to have love and to value inclusion for all cultures and peoples.
As we remember that it’s the love of and oneness with Christ that unites members of the Church together, we will be able to foster unity and peace within the Church and our communities.
Read Elder Quentin L. Cook’s full talk “Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity” to learn more about celebrating the diversity of the Church.
Source: General Conference
—Heidi Knapp, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY FAUXELS
Find more insights
Take a look at the Latter-day Saint Insights article “Familiarity among Strangers” by Simon Laraway to learn more about the importance of love and unity.
Listen to or read Kristin L. Matthew’s BYU devotional “The Worth of Souls is Great” to discover ways to love all those around us.
This reminds me of the verse “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). It’s interesting that, in this case, 1 + 1 = 3.