Keeping an Eternal Perspective!

Though I usually do not comment on controversial issues, I have an overwhelming feeling that I need to share the following thoughts. And am only doing so after much prayer and thought. This in no way is meant to increase contention. I hope that we can each be respectful and empathetic towards each other and our beliefs. As I read through some feeds on social media the past two days, I have been saddened by the contention both coming from members and non-members of the church.  It is not something that is new, it seems as though every time The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints comes out with a statement, especially one seen as controversial issue there is opposition. The voices seems to be getting louder. To me this is a testament that this church is the true church and we are indeed in the latter-days.

The most recent is the changes made in the churches "Handbook 1".  The Deseret News, recently posted an article, "LDS Church reaffirms doctrine of marriage, updates policies on families in same-sex marriages".    I'm not going to go into the details of the article, I have posted the link so you can read it for yourself, if you desire to do so.  What I am going to share is my testimony and my feelings.

First off, I believe it is very important to open our hearts in prayer to our Father in Heaven and try to be understanding.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is not the prophet's church, it is not the apostles' church or even the member's church. It is just as it states, Christ's church.  The Savior and our Father in Heaven lead and direct the church. They do this through direct revelation to the prophet, who holds the keys to receive this revelation for the church. I have a firm testimony that we do have living prophets in these latter-days who do receive that divine revelation for the church. I love and sustain our current prophet, President Monson and his apostles.

Second, I think that it is important to remember that our Heavenly Father's perspective is an ETERNAL one.  Why is this important to remember?  It is important to remember this because though someone might not experience a promised blessing, such as baptism at a certain time in their life, it does not mean that they will never be able to experience that blessing. Everything is done in our Father's time. That time might not be when we desire it to be, it might even not happen in this mortal life time. Our Heavenly Father knows what is best for each of us, what will help us in reaching our eternal potential. Sometimes there will be things that we do not understand. It is important to remember that everything has a purpose. We will each be given the opportunity to receive and either accept or reject the gospel. 

Third, something I know with every ounce of my heart and soul is that our Heavenly Father's love for each of us is unconditional! I think it is a very sad thing that the adversary has confused the hearts of men to believe that if we don't accept someone's actions then we must not love them.  THIS IS NOT TRUE, it is a cunning deceptive lie put out there by the adversary.  Just because we do not accept an action does not mean we do not love the person.  If someone's lifestyle is contrary to that of Heavenly Father's commandments, Heavenly Father is still going to love them, but they are not going to be able to receive certain blessings. Our Heavenly Father is both a God of Mercy as well as a God of Justice.  He has laws that must be followed.  We can not change his laws, because they are not acceptable to the world. I feel like this is something that confuses so many. We are taught to love others, that God is love, all of that is most definitely TRUE. We are to love others and God's love is unconditional. Where people seem to get confused is the fact that we can still love someone while not agree with their actions.

Lastly, respect and empathy should go both ways.  The belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on marriage has been precisely defined, "WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World) On the contrary there are some people who feel as though Same-Sex Marriage is okay.  These two things contradict each other, they are opposites. So, what do we do? We show respect on both sides. We can have differing thoughts, opinions and beliefs and still be kind and respectful towards each other. We do not need to be contentious. We can both love each other, the kind of love that Heavenly Father has. It goes both ways. 

These thoughts and views are my own and are not meant to represent those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.