Peacemakers needed! In today’s era of polarization and passionate disagreements, civility and decency seem to have disappeared. Jesus Christ expects better of us.
In this special episode, featuring his landmark address, “Peacemakers Needed,” Russell M. Nelson, former renowned heart surgeon now serving as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, urges us to become peacemakers, showing the Christlike love even of enemies that is characteristic of true disciples of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that hostility and contention never lead to inspired solutions, and anger never persuades. He says peacemaking is a choice, and we have the agency to choose between contention or peaceful resolution of differences. Through dignified dialogue, we can manage differences with mutual respect. Charity is the antidote to contention and the principal characteristic of true followers of Jesus Christ. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become his peacemakers.
Topics Discussed:
00:00 Intro by host David Risley and highlight excerpts.
04:00 Full address begins
06:19 The disappearance of civility and decency in today’s era of polarization and passionate disagreements. Too many pundits, politicians, entertainers, and other influencers throw insults constantly. I am greatly concerned that so many people seem to believe that it is completely acceptable to condemn, malign, and vilify anyone who does not agree with them. Many seem eager to damage another’s reputation with pathetic and pithy barbs! Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions.
08:05 This should not be. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be examples of how to interact with others—especially when we have differences of opinion. One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people.
10:41 Make no mistake about it: contention is evil.
13:20 Contention drives away the Spirit—every time. Contention reinforces the false notion that confrontation is the way to resolve differences; but it never is. Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.
14:01 We can literally change the world—one person and one interaction at a time. How? By modeling how to manage honest differences of opinion with mutual respect and dignified dialogue.
17:31 Now, I am not talking about “peace at any price.” In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers.
18:22 At this point you may be thinking that this message would really help someone you know. Perhaps you are hoping that it will help him or her to be nicer to you. I hope it will! But I also hope that you will look deeply into your heart to see if there are shards of pride or jealousy that prevent you from becoming a peacemaker.
19:27 Now is the time to bury your weapons of war. If your verbal arsenal is filled with insults and accusations, now is the time to put them away. You will arise as a spiritually strong man or woman of Christ.
20:47 Let us show that there is a peaceful, respectful way to resolve complex issues and an enlightened way to work out disagreements. As you demonstrate the charity that true followers of Jesus Christ manifest, the Lord will magnify your efforts beyond your loftiest imagination.
21:19 The gospel net is the largest net in the world. God has invited all to come unto Him, “black and white, bond and free, male and female.” There is room for everyone. However, there is no room for prejudice, condemnation, or contention of any kind.
22:38 God lives! Jesus is the Christ. He stands at the head of this Church. We are His servants. He will help us to become His peacemakers. I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Entities Mentioned: – Russell M. Nelson, former heart surgeon and the current president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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