Christ came to bring peace to the world. How is it then that sometimes, even within families, teachings of Christ cause strife and discord, the opposite of peace?
When those we love make choices that lead them away from the faith, or conduct themselves in ways that are contrary to what we believe, is it possible to support both Him and them?
Many of us may have situations like this in our families. Elder Christofferson teaches that although support and tolerance might be “suspended for the sake of our higher love” for God, loving one another is not in question. “We can and must love one another as Jesus loves us.”
In this week’s lesson we learn God’s promise that “he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 10:39)
That promise gives us the answer for how familial love can continue in the midst of differences while also knowing that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World: P1)
Christ did bring peace, this lesson reminds us that He also brought a sword, with a warning that “he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” (vs 38)
Elder Christofferson explains, “In reality, the best way to help those we love—the best way to love them —is to continue to put the Savior first.
If we cast ourselves adrift from the Lord out of sympathy for loved ones who are suffering or distressed, then we lose the means by which we might have helped them. If, however, we remain firmly rooted in faith in Christ, we are in a position both to receive and to offer divine help.”
How do we love, even when we can’t support?
Love Him first.