President M. Russell Ballard on the doctrine of inclusion

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"If we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will reach out with love and understanding to all of our neighbors at all times, particularly in times of need....

"I have never taught—nor have I ever heard taught—a doctrine of exclusion. I have never heard the members of this Church urged to be anything but loving, kind, tolerant, and benevolent to our friends and neighbors of other faiths.

"The Lord expects a great deal from us. Parents, please teach your children and practice yourselves the principle of inclusion of others and not exclusion because of religious, political, or cultural differences....

"That is our doctrine—a doctrine of inclusion. That is what we believe. That is what we have been taught. Of all people on this earth, we should be the most loving, the kindest, and the most tolerant because of that doctrine."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Doctrine of Inclusion," General Conference October 2001
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Ballard discussed a challenge in this 2001 Conference address that is probably even more timely now. There is increasing diversity in our society and cultures and ethnic groups intermingle. We see increased mobility and more moving between nations, especially as many flee challenging situations. And in many countries around the world there is a long history of racial tension and struggle for understanding.

True disciples, as President Ballard notes, will see beyond these differences and will "reach out with love and understanding to all of our neighbors at all times":

President Ballard discussed particularly the issues among youth and encouraged parents them to be more tolerant and understanding. He also noted that often the youth are the best examples of doing the right thing, and we all all learn from them. In any case, we should never forget that we are all children of God and we should treat each other as brothers and sisters, regardless of differences in background and traditions! We should especially reach out to those who are different and come to appreciate and understand them, and love them.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
November 18, 2018

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on the first great commandment

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (b. December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Friends, in our present moment we find all manner of divisions and subdivisions, sets and subsets, digital tribes and political identities, with more than enough hostility to go around. Might we ask ourselves if a 'higher and holier' life, to use President Russell M. Nelson’s phrase, is something we could seek? When doing so, we would do well to remember that stunning period in the Book of Mormon in which those people asked and answered that question so affirmatively:

"'And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land … because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.

"'And there were no envyings, nor strifes, … nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

"'There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.

"'And how blessed were they!' (4 Nephi 1:13, 15–18; emphasis added.)

"What is the key to this breakthrough in contented, happy living? It is embedded there in the text in one sentence: 'The love of God … did dwell in the hearts of the people.' When the love of God sets the tone for our own lives, for our relationships to each other and ultimately our feeling for all humankind, then old distinctions, limiting labels, and artificial divisions begin to pass away, and peace increases. That is precisely what happened in our Book of Mormon example. No longer were there Lamanites, or Jacobites, or Josephites, or Zoramites. There were no '-ites' at all. The people had taken on just one transcendent identity. They were all, it says, to be known as 'the children of Christ.'

"Of course, we are speaking here of the first great commandment given to the human family—to love God wholeheartedly, without reservation or compromise, that is, with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. (See Mark 12:30.) This love of God is the first great commandment in the universe. But the first great truth in the universe is that God loves us exactly that way—wholeheartedly, without reservation or compromise, with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength. And when those majestic forces from His heart and ours meet without restraint, there is a veritable explosion of spiritual, moral power. Then, as Teilhard de Chardin wrote, 'for [the] second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.'"

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Greatest Possession," General Conference October 2021, Saturday morning

Click here to read or view the full talk

We truly do live in a time of "all manner of divisions and subdivisions." Conflicts related to politics, racial differences, nationalities, belief systems - there are so many divisive issues. These are parallel to the "ites" of the Book of Mormon times. How can we confront, and correct, the anger and bitterness that accompany those divisions?

I have never heard someone propose a solution based on our spiritual focus. But clearly, ultimately, that is the only way to overcome all divisions. If we achieve true unity in Christ, if  "the love of God … did dwell in the hearts of the people", there will be no more divisions. What a truly blessed and happy situation that would be!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

Elder Dale G. Renlund on learning to be more Christlike

Elder Dale G. Renlund (born November 13, 1952) served in the First Quorum of Seventy starting in 2009, until his call to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2015.

"Jesus Christ exemplified what it means to do justly and to love mercy. He freely associated with sinners, treating them honorably and with respect. He taught the joy of keeping God’s commandments and sought to lift rather than condemn those who struggled. He did denounce those who faulted Him for ministering to people they deemed unworthy. Such self-righteousness offended Him and still does. (See Luke 15:1-2)

"To be Christlike, a person does justly, behaving honorably with both God and other people. A just person is civil in words and action and recognizes that differences in outlook or belief do not preclude genuine kindness and friendship. Individuals who do justly 'will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably' (Mosiah 4:13) one with another.

"To be Christlike, a person loves mercy. People who love mercy are not judgmental; they manifest compassion for others, especially for those who are less fortunate; they are gracious, kind, and honorable. These individuals treat everyone with love and understanding, regardless of characteristics such as race, gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and tribal, clan, or national differences. These are superseded by Christlike love.

"To be Christlike, a person chooses God (see Moses 7:33), walks humbly with Him, seeks to please Him, and keeps covenants with Him. Individuals who walk humbly with God remember what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have done for them."

- Dale G. Renlund, "Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God," General Conference October 2020, Sunday afternoon

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of the Christian message related to how we interact with those around us. Elder Renlund takes his theme from the Old Testament prophet Micah's injunction about the importance of "doing justly" to those around us and "loving mercy" in our interactions. The great exemplar of these attributes is the Savior himself, and so we look to his life and message for the standard that we strive to follow.

We should never be judgmental of those around us. We need to learn to overcome any preconceptions about "race, gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and tribal, clan, or national differences." What a comprehensive list!

As we strive to be more Christlike, we find wonderful teachings and examples to guide us:

What a great thought: "differences in outlook or belief do not preclude genuine kindness and friendship." We can have a difference of opinion with someone but still love and accept them! If we are truly disciples of the Savior, we must learn to do better.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

President Dallin H. Oaks on appropriate behavior in disagreements

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"We live in a time of anger and hatred in political relationships and policies. We felt it this summer when some went beyond peaceful protests and engaged in destructive behavior. We feel it in some current campaigns for public offices. Unfortunately, some of this has even spilled over into political statements and unkind references in our Church meetings.

"In a democratic government we will always have differences over proposed candidates and policies. However, as followers of Christ we must forgo the anger and hatred with which political choices are debated or denounced in many settings....

"Loving our enemies and our adversaries is not easy.... But it must be essential, for it is part of the Savior’s two great commandments to 'love the Lord thy God' and to 'love thy neighbour as thyself' (Matthew 22:37, 39)....

"The Savior’s teaching not to 'contend with anger' is a good first step. The devil is the father of contention, and it is he who tempts men to contend with anger. He promotes enmity and hateful relationships among individuals and within groups. President Thomas S. Monson taught that anger is 'Satan’s tool,' for 'to be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan. No one can make us angry. It is our choice.' (Ensign Nov 2009, 68.) Anger is the way to division and enmity. We move toward loving our adversaries when we avoid anger and hostility toward those with whom we disagree. It also helps if we are even willing to learn from them."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Love Your Enemies," General Conference October 2020, Saturday afternoon session
Click here to read or view the complete talk

In this message, President Oaks addressed one of the very troubling issues of our time. Over many years, I've watched these expressions of angry confrontation and personal disagreement, but never worse than the current year. The complexities of the COVID pandemic and the conflicts resulting from racial tensions have combined with a contentious political situation to perhaps "bring out the worst" in people. On each of these three situations, I have seen such angry attacks by people who ought to know better. I have read and heard things from people on each side of each of these issues questioning the intelligence of their "opponents" and accusing them of lack of basic moral sense, or worse questioning motives and accusing of evil intentions. It's amazing to me how "bi-directional" these accusations are!

President Oaks acknowledged the challenge as well, but reminded us that there is a better way.

We must learn to accept that differing opinions can exist. Instead of attacking in anger, we must learn to listen and try to understand. Never is the Golden Rule more important, and the challenge to love our enemies more directly applicable.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

President Dallin H. Oaks on private and public interactions

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"In dedicated spaces, like temples, houses of worship, and our own homes, we should teach the truth and the commandments plainly and thoroughly as we understand them from the plan of salvation revealed in the restored gospel. Our right to do so is protected by constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and religion, as well as by the privacy that is honored even in countries without formal constitutional guarantees.

"In public, what religious persons say and do involves other considerations. The free exercise of religion covers most public actions, but it is subject to qualifications necessary to accommodate the beliefs and practices of others. Laws can prohibit behavior that is generally recognized as wrong or unacceptable, like sexual exploitation, violence, or terrorist behavior, even when done by extremists in the name of religion. Less grievous behaviors, even though unacceptable to some believers, may simply need to be endured if legalized by what a Book of Mormon prophet called 'the voice of the people' (Mosiah 29:26).

"On the subject of public discourse, we should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention. Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not be contentious. We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence. In doing so, we ask that others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free exercise of our religion. We encourage all of us to practice the Savior’s Golden Rule: 'Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them' (Matthew 7:12)."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Loving Others and Living with Differences," General Conference October 2014
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The setting and audience for our interactions matters significantly. When we are in private settings such as homes and church, we are generally interacting with those who share our beliefs or for whom we have a stewardship to teach and testify. In those settings we should "teach the truth and the commandments plainly."

But in more public settings, we have the responsibility to be sensitive to the beliefs and rights of others. At times, we can have laws or other forces imposed on us that are unjust and unrighteous, and we may need to endure their consequences. But in any case, we need to learn to interact and communicate without contention:

Truly, "Followers of Christ should be examples of civility." We must love our neighbors and be sincerely interested in learning about their beliefs and customs. Sometimes, how we interact tells more about ourselves and our beliefs than what we say in the interaction.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

President Dallin H. Oaks on diversity and tolerance

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"Anyone who preaches unity risks misunderstanding. The same is true of anyone who questions the goal of diversity. Such a one risks being thought intolerant. But tolerance is not jeopardized by promoting unity or by challenging diversity....

"In short, we preach unity among the community of Saints and tolerance toward the personal differences that are inevitable in the beliefs and conduct of a diverse population. Tolerance obviously requires a noncontentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination....

"In conclusion, diversity and choice are not the weightier matters of the law. The weightier matters that move us toward our goal of eternal life are love of God, obedience to His commandments, and unity in accomplishing the work of His Church. In this belief and practice we move against the powerful modern tides running toward individualism and tolerance rather than toward obedience and cooperative action. Though our belief and practice is unpopular, it is right, and it does not require the blind obedience or the stifling uniformity its critics charge. If we are united on our eternal goal and united on the inspired principles that will get us there, we can be diverse on individual efforts in support of our goals and consistent with those principles."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Weightier Matters," devotional address at BYU on 9 February 1999, reprinted in Ensign January 2001, p. 13
Click here to read the full talk

What is the interplay between unity and diversity? Can a group or community be one, be united, but yet have differences in belief or approach? President Oaks advocates both "unity among the community of Saints and tolerance toward the personal differences" that exist within the population. We must learn to relate to differences in a way that avoids contention, while still holding on to our own beliefs and opinions.

Importantly, President Oaks points out that there are higher principles than choice, individualism, and tolerance. Our society wants to focus on those issues to the exclusion of more important ones, including "love of God, obedience to His commandments, and unity in accomplishing the work of His Church."

In seeking to support good and true principles including tolerance, it's important that we not neglect the "weightier matters" of eternal truth that will lead us back to our Father in Heaven, while still allowing for diversity and acceptance of differences.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Pres. M. Russell Ballard on the doctrine of inclusion

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"If we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will reach out with love and understanding to all of our neighbors at all times, particularly in times of need....

"I have never taught—nor have I ever heard taught—a doctrine of exclusion. I have never heard the members of this Church urged to be anything but loving, kind, tolerant, and benevolent to our friends and neighbors of other faiths.

"The Lord expects a great deal from us. Parents, please teach your children and practice yourselves the principle of inclusion of others and not exclusion because of religious, political, or cultural differences....

"That is our doctrine—a doctrine of inclusion. That is what we believe. That is what we have been taught. Of all people on this earth, we should be the most loving, the kindest, and the most tolerant because of that doctrine."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Doctrine of Inclusion," General Conference October 2001
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Ballard discussed a challenge in this 2001 Conference address that is probably even more timely now. There is increasing diversity in our society and cultures and ethnic groups intermingle. We see increased mobility and more moving between nations, especially as many flee challenging situations. And in many countries around the world there is a long history of racial tension and struggle for understanding.

True disciples, as President Ballard notes, will see beyond these differences and will "reach out with love and understanding to all of our neighbors at all times":

President Ballard discussed particularly the issues among youth and encouraged parents them to be more tolerant and understanding. He also noted that often the youth are the best examples of doing the right thing, and we all all learn from them. In any case, we should never forget that we are all children of God and we should treat each other as brothers and sisters, regardless of differences in background and traditions!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Neil L. Andersen on showing kindness and love to all men

Elder Neil L. Andersen (born August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"Everyone, independent of his or her decisions and beliefs, deserves our kindness and consideration.

"The Savior taught us to love not only our friends but also those who disagree with us—and even those who repudiate us. He said: 'For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? … And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others?' (Matthew 5:46–47.)

"The Prophet Joseph Smith warned us to 'beware of self-righteousness' and to enlarge our hearts toward all men and women until we feel 'to take them upon our shoulders.' (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 427, 429.) In the gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no place for ridicule, bullying, or bigotry."

- Neil L. Andersen, "Spiritual Whirlwinds," General Conference April 2014
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

How do we treat those around us who have different beliefs, different backgrounds, different cultures, different lifestyles? Even those in our midst, or fellow Church-members or family members who may have other understandings or life choices than those we find preferable or acceptable—do we continue to treat them with "kindness and consideration"? Elder Andersen counsels us on this aspect of true Christianity:

It is often easy to love or to accept those who believe, practice, and behave in ways we find most appropriate or most similar to ourselves. But that does not ever excuse treating others with differing beliefs in ways that are less than kind. A true Christian would never fall into any aspect of "ridicule, bullying, or bigotry." In fact, perhaps one of the greatest marks of true Christian discipleship is how we treat those we disagree with!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)