Compassion

[dewajack]

This is from the blog ldsperfectday.blogspot.com, I enjoyed it and wanted to share. Also, there are links within the post, which I don't know how to include.

Why Most People Failed This Last Weekend

The Miracle Healing

This last week was a particularly troubling one for me.

I witnessed three friends knowingly turn their backs on truth (and no, this had nothing to do with church policies).

The common denominator: Pride. Pride that they know more than the Lord. Pride that they know more than the scriptures. Pride that their way is best. Period.

It was really hurting me for days.

I was grieving about this situation this afternoon as I walked to my car for an appointment. Before I opened the car door, the thought struck me that I should call a friend, whom I hadn't spoken with for a while. As I hopped into the car, I received a ding on my cellphone. I switched it on to discover a text message from the very friend I'd just been thinking about. The text said, "Call sometime, I'd like to lift you..."

A Macro-Example

Sometimes, it's the Spirit who bids us to comfort the brokenhearted. Other times, it's pretty easy to see who needs comforting.

The events which transpired last weekend in France rightfully generated a worldwide wave of support and prayers. Still, there were a few who responded either with celebration (mainly in the Middle East) or indifference (The White House) to the attacks.

In my opinion, some passed the test of compassion. Others just outright failed it.


Did You Fail This Opportunity To Be Christlike?

Yet there was another event which occurred last weekend -- one which saw many fail the compassion test.

As the Washington Post reported on November 16th, about 1,500 people resigned their memberships in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints two days earlier. On that same day, there were 15,372,337 members on the rolls of the church. By my count, about 0.00009757787 of all church members submitted their resignations.

That's a pretty small percentage. Quantitatively, no big deal, right?

That's what some believed. In fact, some proudly posted to other supposed followers of Jesus Christ that the number was not only insignificant, but meaningless, because the vast majority of the 1,500 resigners were (statistically) inactive or former members of the church.

Real, Direct Quotes
"Mehhh, big deal. They're mostly non-members or inactives anyway."
"By in large, they were on their way out the door anyway."
"They're obviously not faithful Mormons, faithful Mormons would never leave."
"I think this cleansing will be good for the LDS Church. They can easily walk down South Temple and find another church that supports their lifestyle."
"I hope they enjoyed the attention they crave, their 15 minutes in the sun."
(I could post similar comments from online forums dedicated to obeying church leaders, following Christ, studying Last Days events and temporal preparation).

In the vast majority of the pictures I saw of the mass resignation, and the blog posts I've read of those who felt pushed out, pushed away and ostracized, none appeared to be having the time of their lives. Many were sad, mad, distraught, hopeless, helpless and very emotional about the situation.

Now, regardless of where you stand on the church's recent policy changes, one fact remains:

The Lord just handed the other 99.99024221235847% of the remaining Church members a golden chance to display compassion. To "weep with them them weep" (Romans 12:15), "to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort" (Mosiah 18:9).

Judging by the social media posts, online newspaper article comments and private hallway conversations at church, how do you think we did?

Next Time

How can we, who have been given so much light and truth, ever expect to survive "the holocausts that shall surely be" and qualify for Zion, if we lack compassion -- especially during times of relative ease and comfort?

If you've ever read Isaiah (which the Lord commanded us to search, "for great are the words of Isaiah"; 3 Nephi 23:1), you'll quickly realize that someday soon, there will be a day of judgment, a day of reckoning, a day of visitation. The D&C 88:91 says that "all things shall be in commotion." Although many are dismissive in believing that such prophecies apply to some long-distant time in the future, I beg to differ. They are at our doors. Now.

When these events arise, what will be your attitude regarding those who are captured by invading armies or suffering the effects of trauma-induced depression, disease or drought?
"Mehhh, big deal. They had their chance to prepare. They did it to themselves"???
"By in large, they were on their way out the door anyway"???
"They're obviously not faithful people"???
"This cleansing will be good for the new Millennial era"???
If you say you'll be different then, but weren't that way now, congratulations -- you've discovered something to work on.

The Take Away

Let's face it, my friends: by and large, with few exceptions, many of us failed the compassion test last week.

I invite you to join me in learning from this circumstance.

Resolve to do better the next time an opportunity arises to display true compassion.

Pray that the Lord blesses you with an abundance of the Gift of Compassion.

Then await your opportunity to be a Good Samaritan.

Because I have no doubt that the Lord will fulfill that righteous desire, thus empowering you to proactively say to another, "I'd like to lift you."

My friend was led by the Spirit to heal my troubled soul today -- a fact for which I am immeasurably grateful. I feel whole again.

I invite you to make a similar difference in others' lives from now on.
"Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.
… And he did heal them every one." (3 Nephi 17:7,9; emphasis mine)

[freedomforall]

Gleeful Mormon's resign membership.jpg (91.37 KiB) Viewed 1234 times

In the vast majority of the pictures I saw of the mass resignation, and the blog posts I've read of those who felt pushed out, pushed away and ostracized, none appeared to be having the time of their lives. Many were sad, mad, distraught, hopeless, helpless and very emotional about the situation.

Yep! They were completely out of their mind with trepidation, feeling distraught, hopeless, ostracized, pushed out and pushed away. Or WERE THEY? What does the photo show?

[David13]

How thin their faith in God must be.
How devoted to the homosexual agenda their aspirations must be.
dc

[Kitkat]

We cannot know their hearts my friends. Let those of us that are without issues, anger, or sins cast the first stone.

One thing I have learned is that people are usually doing the best they can, with what they've got, wherever they are.

[bornfree]

Gleeful Mormon's resign membership.jpg

In the vast majority of the pictures I saw of the mass resignation, and the blog posts I've read of those who felt pushed out, pushed away and ostracized, none appeared to be having the time of their lives. Many were sad, mad, distraught, hopeless, helpless and very emotional about the situation.

Yep! They were completely out of their mind with trepidation, feeling distraught, hopeless, ostracized, pushed out and pushed away. Or WERE THEY? What does the photo show?

They look pretty happy and confident to me.

[shadow]

In the vast majority of the pictures I saw of the mass resignation, and the blog posts I've read of those who felt pushed out, pushed away and ostracized, none appeared to be having the time of their lives. Many were sad, mad, distraught, hopeless, helpless and very emotional about the situation

Many members are sad, mad, distraught and emotional about others publicly and happily denouncing their faith and denying Christ, His church and His Prophets.
But no, it's never about the abuse heaped upon the true followers of Christ. Dewajacks post is an example of people calling good evil and evil good. Very twisted logic he shares with those of the remnant aka snufferites. Leave it up to the snufferites to coddle and encourage those who fight against the restored gospel.
As has been posted above, those who resigned were happy to do it. And they were happy to make sure it was very public, which is also against Christ's teachings #-o

[Sunain]

Many members are sad, mad, distraught and emotional about others publicly and happily denouncing their faith and denying Christ, His church and His Prophets.
But no, it's never about the abuse heaped upon the true followers of Christ. Dewajacks post is an example of people calling good evil and evil good. Very twisted logic he shares with those of the remnant aka snufferites. Leave it up to the snufferites to coddle and encourage those who fight against the restored gospel.
As has been posted above, those who resigned were happy to do it. And they were happy to make sure it was very public, which is also against Christ's teachings

While members of the church feel compassion for all people, we cannot condone actions that are against the church. I resent that "twisted logic" as well that we should feel sorry for people that are outright sinning in multiple ways. Homosexuality is a sin and it is also now church policy to unconditionally enforce a judgement upon members of the church who willfully disobey. We are concerned about them and in a loving way we are telling them to repent to receive all the promised blessings to those that follow Christ. If they can't accept that now, then perhaps when their hearts are sufficiently softened to fully understand this policy change, they can return to the fold. Unfortunately though for those that resign, its a long process. Many of these people though were MORE than happy to sign their resignation letters.

Many members of the church are very saddened that they took this issue to an extreme in an attempt to force the hand of the leaders of the church to backdown when worldwide media attention came to report this issue.

[freedomforall]

We cannot know their hearts my friends. Let those of us that are without issues, anger, or sins cast the first stone.

One thing I have learned is that people are usually doing the best they can, with what they've got, wherever they are.

And we're to abhor sin. If we were casting harsh judgement on them that would be wrong. This is what is termed as casting stones. But to abhor sin is to speak out against it in hopes people will finally seek Christ and his gospel.

Abhor = If you abhor something, it gives you a feeling of complete hatred

Romans 12:9
9 Let love be (a)without dissimulation. Abhor that which is (b)evil; cleave to that which is good.
(a) GR sincere, unfeigned, real

(b) D&C 38:42
42 And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Even so. Amen.

2 Ne. 4:31
31 O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin.

Alma 13:12
12 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.

Abhorring sin is not casting stones.

[dewajack]

In the vast majority of the pictures I saw of the mass resignation, and the blog posts I've read of those who felt pushed out, pushed away and ostracized, none appeared to be having the time of their lives. Many were sad, mad, distraught, hopeless, helpless and very emotional about the situation

Many members are sad, mad, distraught and emotional about others publicly and happily denouncing their faith and denying Christ, His church and His Prophets.
But no, it's never about the abuse heaped upon the true followers of Christ. Dewajacks post is an example of people calling good evil and evil good. Very twisted logic he shares with those of the remnant aka snufferites. Leave it up to the snufferites to coddle and encourage those who fight against the restored gospel.
As has been posted above, those who resigned were happy to do it. And they were happy to make sure it was very public, which is also against Christ's teachings #-o

I read a blog post online and I liked it, so I shared it. Everyone is free to act how they will. Christ asked that Father forgive those that killed His Only Begotten. His disciple Stephen asked forgiveness for those that stoned him to death. That's how I want to be. I don't want to hold anything against anyone. I'm a sinner and was lost. The Savior personally searched after me and took me upon His shoulders and brought me to greener pastures. He did this for me, a sinner, the weakest of all. Not because I earned it. I want to love others as He loves me. I want to forgive as He's forgiven me.I want to be like Him and see others as He sees them. I saw nothing wrong in the author's words, you are free to see otherwise.

[shadow]

The original post is off base and biased. It's dishonest!
Sure, the church members have a wonderful opportunity to mourn with those who mourn. Problem is those who the OP mention aren't mourning. Does the author of the OP want us to rejoice with those who are rejoicing??

Mourning?? Nope!

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[iWriteStuff]

The original post is off base and biased. It's dishonest!
Sure, the church members have a wonderful opportunity to mourn with those who mourn. Problem is those who the OP mention aren't mourning. Does the author of the OP want us to rejoice with those who are rejoicing??

image.jpg

I think the appropriate expression is "party with them who party", although "rejoice with those who rejoice in iniquity" seems a fair call, too.

Honestly, it's hard to root for someone who is taking sides against what you believe. We can feel sorry for them, sure, but how do we cheer them on? Or were they expecting someone to come out of Church Headquarters and plead with them not to exercise their agency? There's been outreach aplenty over the past couple of years showing we advocate their rights as individuals and promote equality for them as people. But because we don't condone gay marriage or homosexual sin it's ok to spit in our faces in public?

I don't get it.

[Fiannan]

So we should feel guilt over a group of liberals resigning their memberships? I say more power to them -- less stress for home teachers in their wards trying to make appointments with them.

I would just say to them don't let the door smack your behind on the way out.

[ajax]

I tend to agree shadow. Those who care are usually gut-wrenched and go about this privately.

I do think however, some of the members quotes in the OP, if accurate, are uncalled for.

[Kitkat]

So we should feel guilt over a group of liberals resigning their memberships? I say more power to them -- less stress for home teachers in their wards trying to make appointments with them.

I would just say to them don't let the door smack your behind on the way out.

Well that's a good point...guilt never was love...

I do not approve of what they did, but some of the members responses to them and their actions are embarrassing and un Christlike. Even if you think they deserve whatever they get, remember, they still most likely, have parents out there who are praying they will find peace with the church and perhaps more importantly, find peace with God, but we make it harder on them if they ever want to come back, when we broadcast opinions like described above...

We are to love those that despitfully use the church, not feel guilty over them.

[shadow]

I do not approve of what they did, but some of the members responses to them and their actions are embarrassing and un Christlike.

Members are all over the board, from good to bad and everything in between.

I think it's awesome that you're calling a group of people embarrassing and un Christ-like for basically calling a group of people embarrassing and un Christ-like :ymcowboy:

[freedomforall]

Christ says: either you are with me, or you are against me. No gray area. Rather cut and dry, I'd say.
We cannot feel sorry for or sympathize with these people...and even think one iota that we abhor sin. God demands we abhor sin. Take it or leave it, accept it or reject it. God does not allow sin in the least degree into his kingdom. Again, no gray area whatsoever. He demands abhorrence of sin and perfection.

Be ye therefore perfect even as I or your father in heaven is perfect. So there we have it folks. Cut and dry, I'd say.

[freedomforall]

Using agency. But where is the sadness, being distraught, etc?

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[iWriteStuff]

I wonder what some folks think of the following quotes by Brigham Young:

"As far as these are concerned they have a right to get drunk; but we have rights, and have a right to disfellowship them, or cut them off from the Church and we calculate to do it whenever it ought to be done."

or

"I want hard times, so that every person that does not wish to stay, for the sake of his religion, will leave."

I think ultimately, Brigham would have applauded their use of agency, although mourned inwardly over the unfortunate uses thereof. If they are not at home with the doctrines of Christ, may they be welcomed elsewhere until they are able to live them and support them.

[Kitkat]

I do not approve of what they did, but some of the members responses to them and their actions are embarrassing and un Christlike.

Members are all over the board, from good to bad and everything in between.

I think it's awesome that you're calling a group of people embarrassing and un Christ-like for basically calling a group of people embarrassing and un Christ-like :ymcowboy:

Well... Technically I said their remarks were embarrassing, not them. Abhor the remarks and not the remarkers...technically

I do agree members are all over the board and God has use for all of us...in, out, and everywhere in between.

[AI2.0]

The people in the pictures look pretty happy, and we need to respect their agency. I'm sad for them that they've done this, but they have the right to choose for themselves.

It's a little disconcerting to see them so happy about cutting ties to the rest of us LDS. And I suspect that many of them have active LDS family members whose hearts are breaking over this. I have a lot of compassion for them.

I also feel that some who tell us to 'have compassion' are attempting to shame us into not saying anything about these people's choices and the fact that when they rejected the LDS church in such a public, celebratory way, they also rejected us, their former Brothers and Sisters in the Gospel--and as I pointed out, they broke the hearts of their still believing loved ones.

[captainfearnot]

Pointing out that the people in these pictures appear happy, and trying to somehow judge them based on that, really rubs me the wrong way.

It reminds me of people who defend abusive parents, saying the kids must be lying about having been abused because look how happy they are in all their family photos.

You can't always tell by looking what people have been through. Or are people who claim to have endured sadness and hardship never allowed to smile again, lest they be thought liars?

I don't know if these people are lying about their experiences in the church or not. Maybe they are playing us all for fools. Or maybe they really have been through the wringer but on this day of separation from the perceived source of their pain they feel they have reason to rejoice. I have no idea.

But don't try to tell me that we can surmise anything about anyone's experiences in life because they dared to allow themselves to be happy.

[bornfree]

I sumise that they look dog gone happy, and I am happy for them, because its a very temporary happy.

[freedomforall]

Pointing out that the people in these pictures appear happy, and trying to somehow judge them based on that, really rubs me the wrong way.

It reminds me of people who defend abusive parents, saying the kids must be lying about having been abused because look how happy they are in all their family photos.

You can't always tell by looking what people have been through. Or are people who claim to have endured sadness and hardship never allowed to smile again, lest they be thought liars?

I don't know if these people are lying about their experiences in the church or not. Maybe they are playing us all for fools. Or maybe they really have been through the wringer but on this day of separation from the perceived source of their pain they feel they have reason to rejoice. I have no idea.

But don't try to tell me that we can surmise anything about anyone's experiences in life because they dared to allow themselves to be happy.

Alma 41:10
10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.

All we have to do is see what direction they're taking and what can be the results from their choices. Is it smile now, mourn later?

As hard and difficult as it was for Christ, aren't we glad that he didn't run away or resign as our Savior? He didn't want to go through what was asked of him, but he turned around and said...thy will be done...and he suffered the most excruciating pain and suffering known to man, and beyond that.

If people are looking for excuses to leave, they'll have plenty of opportunities as things move along. I think it has something to do with wheat and tares. The wheat will not have it easy, but in the end will gain peace and glory beyond their wildest dreams.

[AI2.0]

Pointing out that the people in these pictures appear happy, and trying to somehow judge them based on that, really rubs me the wrong way.

It reminds me of people who defend abusive parents, saying the kids must be lying about having been abused because look how happy they are in all their family photos.

You can't always tell by looking what people have been through. Or are people who claim to have endured sadness and hardship never allowed to smile again, lest they be thought liars?

I don't know if these people are lying about their experiences in the church or not. Maybe they are playing us all for fools. Or maybe they really have been through the wringer but on this day of separation from the perceived source of their pain they feel they have reason to rejoice. I have no idea.

But don't try to tell me that we can surmise anything about anyone's experiences in life because they dared to allow themselves to be happy.

If you want to think this, you can, but I think you are lying to yourself. They ARE happy about what they are doing, they ARE celebrating. Why should I believe they are 'crying inside' when if they were actually feeling sad or torn, I doubt they'd have done it at such a VERY public event.

To me it was obvious this was done for maximum public effect. They WANTED public attention and they've gotten it.

[freedomforall]

Pointing out that the people in these pictures appear happy, and trying to somehow judge them based on that, really rubs me the wrong way.

It reminds me of people who defend abusive parents, saying the kids must be lying about having been abused because look how happy they are in all their family photos.

You can't always tell by looking what people have been through. Or are people who claim to have endured sadness and hardship never allowed to smile again, lest they be thought liars?

I don't know if these people are lying about their experiences in the church or not. Maybe they are playing us all for fools. Or maybe they really have been through the wringer but on this day of separation from the perceived source of their pain they feel they have reason to rejoice. I have no idea.

But don't try to tell me that we can surmise anything about anyone's experiences in life because they dared to allow themselves to be happy.

If you want to think this, you can, but I think you are lying to yourself. They ARE happy about what they are doing, they ARE celebrating. Why should I believe they are 'crying inside' when if they were actually feeling sad or torn, I doubt they'd have done it at such a VERY public event.

To me it was obvious this was done for maximum public effect. They WANTED public attention and they've gotten it.

And then there are those that call evil good, and good evil. Pretty soon how are we going to know the difference? And if some of us get real lucky and call evil evil and good good, we're the ones that will be the odd balls. Meanwhile, Lucifer laughs at all the miscreants.