Controversies and Kindness

Today, society is filled with controversies, violence, anger and misunderstandings when it comes to some of the most sacred and important topics that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints hold near to our hearts. Topics such as gender, sexual orientation, and families are pivotal concepts that we learn in the gospel, and each are to be understood in a god-like way to be able to live in His presence. Satan has truly distorted the meaning of gender and marriage, which therefore disrupts families being formed in the way that Heavenly Father intended.

Writing about this topic is risky, and could upset or offend those who are gay, transgender, as well as their friends and family that support them. I understand that we live in a world who preach about equal rights, love, and understanding. Although we should certainly never judge or criticize anyone, it is interesting that Satan is using similar god-like attributes such as love, understanding and acceptance when it comes to being involved with those who are choosing to act upon same-sex attraction, or changing their gender to the opposite. It is tricky for church members to try and stay firm in their beliefs, but still love those who are disregarding them, when the world is urging and pushing every person to be accepting and non-judgmental of gays and transgenders. What I have come to conclude, is to support the person, but not support their choices.

For me personally, I have had many friends through work and school, that are attracted and have partners of the same gender. This topic has been prevalent in my life for several years now, and I have learned that all I can do is hold true to my testimony. I believe that right now in the world, we must pick a side. We cannot have one foot in the world, and the other foot in the gospel. We need to choose whether we are on Christ’s side or not. Therefore, in times when my beliefs have been challenged, I have stood firm by my testimony. However, believing what I believe, does not mean that I have to be unkind or rude to those who do not share the same values. I had a work friend who was gay, and we were good friends who enjoyed eachother’s company. He knew I was a Mormon, and I knew he was an atheist as well. When he would make negative comments about my church, I would simply state why I believe it and how it has impacted my life, and I even shared my testimony. I feel like sometimes, depending on the situation, it doesn’t help to go back and criticize their beliefs and actions, because if they don’t want to hear the opposite view, they will not hear or accept it. I know that If we respect other’s beliefs, they will respect ours. It is better to be kind to others and be an example to them, rather than cutting them out. What if they want to know more about the church? What if they want to accept the gospel in their lives? If we are kind, they will remember the good feeling and light that they felt and reach out to us.

I know that topics such as these are avoided, however they will become much more prevalent and normal, as time moves forward. I am grateful for the knowledge I have of the gospel, and the chances I have to share my testimony.