With that being said, I want to clarify that my intentions here are not to ignite any arguments or negative feelings. My sole intention is to make my thoughts and feelings known.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am a member because I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church on the earth. I know that Jesus Christ came to the earth, that he atoned for my sins and the sins of the world, that he was crucified and that he was resurrected. I know that because Christ came to the earth and atoned for my sins, I am made whole, and I am able to repent. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. I sustain him and the brethren that stand with him. I sustain them because I know that these brethren receive specific revelation and counsel directly from the Lord for me, and every other member. I sustain them by listening and obeying this counsel, because I have a testimony that they are direct instruments in the Lord's hands and they will not lead me astray. I know that the teachings of the church are not intended to correspond with trends or what we think we know is best, but instead the teachings correspond with what the Lord knows is best for us.
In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Alma teaches the people prior to their baptism that they should be "...willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in..." (Mosiah 18:9). I know this to be true! I will mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. There are many in this church who are currently struggling with different subjects. All kinds of subjects. Many of which the church does not agree with their personal stance and opinions. Some have chosen to leave the church, others have chosen to mandate change within the church, and several more are questioning where they stand. I mourn with them and I wish to comfort them. I'm sure that this place of uncertainty, possible confusion, and heartache cannot be pleasant; and I'm sure that it is difficult to work through.
But as I mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, I will also follow Alma's counsel to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that I may be in. It is because I choose to stand as a witness of God that I will not lower my standards or compromise my values while I strive to help and encourage others.
Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson said, “Occasionally, some of our brothers and sisters may find themselves away from the fold because of personal choices. Without condoning those choices, it is important to remember the Savior’s message of leaving the ninety and nine safely in the fold and reaching out with love, with kindness, and with compassion to the one. We can demonstrate that compassion by ensuring that our communications with one another are respectful and kind.”
I know that the words tolerate and love are not synonyms. I will not condone choices that are not in line with what I know is right, but I will love those I come in contact with. I will help them and strengthen them in anyway that I can. I know that what brings me the most comfort in times of difficulty is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I will share that with anyone who is willing to listen. I know that the words of the prophets in the scriptures and in these latter-days speak truth. I will continue to sustain my leaders, the prophet, and apostles by following them.
