RS Message 1-25-2009

Dear Sisters:

Today we had an excellent Relief Society lesson given by Sister Tammie Reber. The lesson was based on a talk by Elder Robert D. Hales in October conference called "Christian Courage: the Price of Discipleship." Here is a link to the talk. (I don't know why links won't work in this blog, so just cut and paste it in your browser.)

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-22,00.html

Elder Hales talk was focused on how we can correctly respond to those who accuse or antagonize us. He said, "...one of mortality's great tests comes when our beliefs are questioned or criticized. In such moments, we may want to respond aggressively - to 'put up our dukes.' But these are important opportunities to step back, pray, and follow the Savior's example."

Tammie had six specific points from the talk that we discussed. They were:

1. True disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition.

2. As true disciples seek guidance from the spirit, they receive inspiration tailored to each encounter.

3. True disciples respond in ways that invite the spirit of the Lord.

4. As true disciples, our primary concern must be others' welfare, not personal vindication.

5. True disciples avoid being unduly judgmental of others' views.

6. Sometimes true disciples must show Christian Courage by saying nothing at all.

Sister Reber counseled us to take these principles and use them in our daily interactions with our family and friends. She reminded us that sometimes with those we love, we forget to respond in ways that invite the spirit or we become concerned with our own personal vindication instead of being concerned with the welfare of our family members.

We also talked about the need for all of us to become very educated about the principles of the Gospel so that we can share them without fear. The more we learn, the easier it is to answer those who are critical of the Gospel with love. We do not become defensive. Instead, we desire to teach the truth.

I frequent a website that is designed to help Latter Day Saints find answers to the criticisms we hear from day to day. I discovered this site when I taught Seminary and needed answers for students who would bring me questions that their friends were asking them. The website is

www.fairlds.org

Over the past few years, I have gone to this website to get answers to many questions I have been asked by friends about church history or church doctrine. It does not replace our responsibility to search things out in the scriptures and in church publications, but it augments our search.

Have a wonderful week, sisters. This week, let's all work together to learn more about the Gospel and to seek opportunities to invite the spirit of the Lord into our homes, our families, and our lives. Let us show "Christian Courage" in all of our interactions this coming week.

We love you!

Your Relief Society Presidency