Elder Gary E. Stevenson on showing Christlike love

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (born August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Our hearts are heavy with the human suffering and tensions that we see throughout the world during these tumultuous times. However, we can be also inspired by the outpouring of compassion and humanitarianism that has been demonstrated by people everywhere through their efforts to reach out to the marginalized—those displaced from their homes, separated from their families, or experiencing other forms of sorrow and despair....

"Whenever we show Christlike love toward our neighbor, we preach the gospel—even if we do not voice a single word.

"Love for others is the eloquent expression of the second great commandment to love our neighbor; it shows the refining process of the Holy Spirit working within our own souls. By demonstrating Christ’s love to others, we may cause those who see our good works to 'glorify [our] Father which is in heaven.' (Matt. 5:16)

"We do this expecting nothing in return.

"Our hope, of course, is they will accept our love and our message, though how they react is not within our control.

"What we do and who we are certainly are.

"Through Christlike love for others, we preach the glorious, life-transforming properties of Christ’s gospel, and we participate significantly in the fulfilling of His great commission."

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Love, Share, Invite", General Conference April 2022, Sunday morning

Click here to read or listen to the full discourse

Elder Stevenson's remarks focused on the Savior's invitation to take the Savior's message "into all the world." He described three steps or parts of the process: love, share, invite. In the "love" section, Elder Stevenson talked about the power of expressing true love for others, true Christlike love.

Seeing the gospel in the life of a true disciple is certainly a powerful message. Actions speak louder than words! And if the message of the Savior doesn't result in action in our lives, it's not worth much. I love this reminder.

 

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)