Dear Brothers and Sister of the Washington Stake, Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke in a general conference address about loving others and living with differences. His message focused on the doctrine and its application to the differences we face in our diverse circumstances, and as we approach election day, I desire to share the principles he taught relevant to political differences. He said: “We are to live in the world but not be of the world. We must live in the world because, as Jesus taught in a parable, His kingdom is ‘like leaven,’ whose function is to raise the whole mass by its influence (see Luke 13:21; Matthew 13:33; see also 1 Corinthians 5:6–8). His followers cannot do that if they associate only with those who share their beliefs and practices. …
“He also taught that ‘he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another’ (3 Nephi 11:29). …
“Even as we seek to avoid contention, we must not compromise or dilute our commitment to the truths we understand. We must not surrender our positions or our values. … “[In] public discourse, we should follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention. We should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs.”
Elder Oaks also shared the following to a BYU audience just prior to our last presidential election. His words are equally relevant today. He said: “The few months preceding an election have always been times of serious political divisions, but the divisions and meanness we are experiencing in this election, especially at the presidential level, seem to be unusually wide and ugly. Partly this results from modern technology, which expands the audience for conflicts and the speed of dissemination. Today, dubious charges, misrepresentations, and ugly innuendos are instantly flashed around the world, and the effects instantly widen and intensify the gaps between different positions. TV, the internet, and the emboldened anonymity of the blogosphere have facilitated the current ugliness and have replaced whatever remained of the measured discourse of the past. Nevertheless, as the First Presidency always reminds us, we have the responsibility to become informed about the issues and candidates and to independently exercise our right to vote. Voters, remember, this applies to candidates for the many important local and state offices, as well as the contested presidential election.” Elder Oaks also reminded us not to be part of the current meanness. We should communicate about our differences with a minimum of offense. Remember this teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith:
“While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard; He views them as His offspring, and without any of those contracted feelings that influence the children of men.”
May we follow the counsel that if the Church or its doctrines are attacked in blogs and other social media, contentious responses are not helpful. They disappoint our friends and provoke our adversaries. When our positions do not prevail, we should accept unfavorable results graciously and practice civility with our adversaries.
Brothers and sisters, we love you and pray for you to find peace and joy in these challenging times. I pray that we continue to move forward in faith and trust in our omniscient and benevolent Father in Heaven and His promises and hold fast to the gospel teaching of hope. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
President Joel Beckstrand Washington Utah Stake Presidency Stake Presidency Second Counselor.
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