Deseret News | Reach out with compassion, LDS faithful urged

Reader comments
Reach out with compassion, LDS faithful urged

Page:
1
2
Next >

Rocky | 8:46 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009

I'm really glad I was able to attend this conference. President Monson is indeed a Prophet of God.

Henry | 8:49 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009

What a great and humble man. He is so kind. Why can't we all be a little more kind these days?

Anonymous | 12:42 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

My tithing is enough. Now where is the help when I need it, and I mean unconditional. All I get is blah blah blah. I put enough into the fund. What about me.

Comments continue below

Anonymous at 12:42 a.m. | 6:53 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Afraid you are not getting the message! IF you are indeed actually paying tithing, but are paying it as an "insurance" premium, you are sadly mistaken. If you truly need help then it would be there for you. "What about me" needs to be replaced with "What can I do to help".

momof5 | 7:38 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

To Anonymous - the Lord knows your trials and your blessings will come on His time, but while you wait for what you deserve, try being the Lord's servant and lifting others! Sitting back and dwelling on your misfortunes will not bring blessings or happiness. Trust me - I've been there!

bartonjabber | 7:58 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Dear Anonymous,
I am sorry you are in so much pain.
OR - I am sorry you are making a mockery.

Whichever it is, I would be happy to assist you to find happiness and peace.

Alas, if you cross my path, I hope I will be open enough in my heart to recognize your needs and be able to assist you.

PresidentMonsonisNeat | 9:23 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I'm "less active" read: don't attend and never will. Please don't reach out to me -- the last thing I need is more reaching out from the local home teachers. Make a note. Thanks a bunch.

Actually, Pagan gets it | 9:29 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Compassion doesn't know skin color, sexual orientation, intelligence or physical abilities, economic status....and as hard as the Mormon Church has tried to urge its members to be more compassionate (as has every other organized religion these days) it's hard to refute the tone of Elder Oaks' speech from last week. Talk about playing the victim. Yes, dear LDS neighbors, please listen to your leaders and open your hearts. And dear LGBT neighbors, do the same and stop knee-jerk reacting.

Ahhhhhh!!! | 9:57 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

He's preaching -- Liberalism!!!!!

Re: Compassion? | 10:00 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Mormons will never support inappropriate behavior. Mormons will give compassion to everyone but will never tolerate sinful behavior. Love the sinner, hate the sin. It's really quite easy to understand. We will never support gay marriage, but we will always love the gay member of the Church and help him in his trials.

Anonymous | 10:42 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

People today have such a ridiculous sense of entitlement that they throw temper tantrums unless they get everything they ever wanted. When did loving somebody turn into unconditionally supporting them in every single thing they ever decide to do?

That's not love, that's enablement.

Andy | 10:43 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I think there are many LDS who don't attend church because of the hypocrisy of many members. It's hard for some to attend church and see how nonspiritual many members can be, and they only distract from a sensative persons spirituality. Although many inactive members do not criticize the church in their refusal not to be active, but are criticized by many critical and judgmental members for not attending, and this makes for an all around bad atmosphere for many people. By the way, I know some inactive people who live extremely virtuous lives, so the name badges need to be dropped that some seem to enjoy putting on these people.
President Monson is a good man and wants everyone to be compassionate and kind, but it will take a lot work from everyone. We need to start with being less critical judgmental. For one thing who in their right mind wants to have anything to do with backbiters who constantly condemn others who don't fit into their silly standard of whatever?

Ace | 11:29 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I could stay away from Church because of the hypocrisy of members but who is the one that would suffer? ME. I am the one that would suffer.

As long as I am doing evetything I can to be faithful and not hypocritical, then that is all I have to worry about.

Zion | 11:52 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Zion can be busted at the seams through hypocrisy as stated by Elder Bednar. The Lord is loving and just as stated by Elder Oaks. We need to reach out with compassion and without anger, as stated by President Monson. Many of the complaints listed here as characteristics within the church can be eliminated by heeding the words of the prophets, which are the words of Christ. As Christ said, "Go and sin no more" and the Spirit will rest upon you in greater measure. Those who are judgemental and those who complain of hypocrisy still have the mote and beam in their respective eyes. We are in charge of our individual happiness and salvation.

RedShirt | 11:54 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

To "Andy | 10:43 a.m." but if somebody is no longer attending because of the hypocrisy of others, aren't they being hypocrites too? Afterall, the church isn't for the perfect, but is for the sinner. So, by them saying that they are not attending because of what they perceive as hypocricy, they are being hypocrites because they don't want to associate with people that they have judged and feel are "lesser" to themselves.

In my experience, when somebody says that they are not attending because of some reason that has to do with the members in their ward, it is just an excuse. The funny thing is that in the end, the hypocrites who attend church are the ones who stand a better chance of being perfected through Christ than the person who stops going to church because of perceived hypocricy.

Truman | 12:07 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

To: Anonymous at 12:42 a.m. | 6:53 a.m.

Yeah, the "fire insurance". That's how I have been taught in church, when I was young. I'm willing to bet I am not the only one.

Also, why is it you are getting mad at Anonymous at 12:42 a.m.? You don't know his/her circumstances. Why is it so hard for you to believe that someone receives unjust treatment from church authorities or doesn't receive promised blessings? This is life, not la-la-land.

He/she has every right to complain. You come across holier than thou, I hope that was not your intention.

Illuminated | 12:10 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

RE: Ahhhhhh!!! | 9:57

No he's not teaching Liberalism. See, Liberalism FORCES us to be compassionate (Satan's plan) using taxes. The essence of Monson's message allows us CHOOSE to be compassionate (Christ's plan) using our agency.

The Adversary hasn't changed much since then, I wonder why people still can't see that.

Adam | 12:22 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Just do what Monson says and you will be surprised at how happy you will be: Reach out with compasion.

serve others | 1:33 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I think the best way to feel better about yourself and the church is through service.
If you are lonely then make friends with someone else that is lonely.
I think members who spend their times serving others, do not have time to criticize.
"I cried because I had no shoes, until I saw a man with no feet"

Learning Compassion | 1:51 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

re-Zion, And why do you think your mote is any lesser than that of the inactive or nonmember when you are the accuser? Do you really know what goes on in the private life of an inactive or nonmember, or are you just sitting there in all your greatness passing judgement and guessing as I am with you? I may be wrong but this is how it looks to me. I hope you as well as myself can learn to show love to others without casting stones and assuming we know something we truly do not. Listening to others who like to belittle others and who may as well make up lies of gossip just doesn't give me any facts of the matter to make a proper judgment of another individual. I pray that we can all look deep into our own lives and judge ourselves and our own attitudes towards others before we set out to condemn someone else.

to: Illuminated | 12:10 p.m. Oct | 1:51 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

No he's not teaching Liberalism. See, Liberalism FORCES us to be compassionate (Satan's plan) Oct. 19, 2009
RE: Ahhhhhh!!! | 9:57
No he's not teaching Liberalism. See, Liberalism FORCES us to be compassionate (Satan's plan)
-----------

Yes, he is.

Liberalism (from the Latin liberalis, suitable for a free man) is the belief in the importance of individual freedom.

In the 18th Century, in America, the first modern liberal state was founded, without a monarch or a hereditary aristocracy.[3] The American Declaration of Independence, includes the words (which echo Locke) "all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to insure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

Liberalism comes in many forms. The essence of liberalism is toleration of different beliefs and of different ideas as to what constitutes a good life.

FYI,
Jesus was a LIBERAL.

to:Illuminated | 12:10 p.m. | 1:56 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Au Contraire -
Jesus was the Liberal, my friend. 100% Free Agency.
Lucifer wants to pass legislation to take away freedoms and force you to always "choose the right" and never be allowed to choose the wrong.
(i.e., liquor laws, closed on Sunday, no coke-a-cola machines, no HBO and cable TV, not allow a woman the right to choose)

Being Liberal means - Free to Choose. Right or wrong, always.
Alma and Amulek could've stopped women and children from being cast in the fire too, but "the wicked MUST be allowed to do their wickedness".

You see, it has always been about Free Agency - something you conservatives want to take away.

To Anonymous | 2:00 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Who decided that your tithing is enough? You or the Lord?

re: to: Illuminated | 12:10 p.m. | 2:48 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

problem is: there is a huge differnce between intellectual liberal and political liberal

Newly Re-Activated/StillaSinner | 2:55 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I read all the comments posted here. I think it is really interesting to read the tenner of them. I will not throw my hat in the ring of contention or judgement. I just wanted to say that I am grateful for the spirit I felt when I read Pres. Monson's words. I felt his love for me as a member. I know I am flawed and a huge sinner. But I keep going back to my ward each Sunday for the sanity n peace. I can get distracted by all the culture n big words. I can get put off by others that pontificate for their own benefit. But the fact is if I want a stronger, closer, n more honest relationship with my F.H. Church is where I need to be. Every thing else is of Satan. With all his falsehoods n lies, Satan tries to draw my attention away from what is important. I can no longer afford to listen to them. I have been to church now 4 weeks in a row. I'm learning it's called PROGRESS, not PERFECTION. Love one another!

MoJules | 3:08 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

My first husband died at the age of 37, by the time he died, he weighed 85 pounds and could not speak and was bed ridden. The other day I talked to his old Elders Q. president, who is now the Stake President. I expressed to him how much it meant to us for his friendship and support back then. There were some wonderful people back then who really showed compassion towards him.

This last year I took care of my 2nd mother in law full time until her death. There were some wonderful ladies in the ward and youth who would come visit her. I know the pains of loneliness that home bound people have and President Monson knew that too, wasn't it 84 widows in his ward when he was a bishop at age 23?

And do you know what the real secret is, those that we visit and help really are blessed, but so are we for doing the service.

Let Us Each Remember | 3:12 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

As the scriptures proclaim: "Charity Never Faileth."

A True Prophet | 4:31 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

President Monson is a great example of what Christianity is supposed to be. He indeed has spent many hours looking out for the widow and the downtrodden. His love for others is very powerful. The countless hours of selfless service, his positive disposition, and his great love make for a wonderful prophet who communicates with the Lord. Its too bad anti-mormons dress up in sheep's clothing, pretending to be LDS, in order to take shots at the church.

Hope | 4:32 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

To newly-reactivated. What better place for us to be then in church on Sundays for WE are all sinners trying our best to become better people. Trying our best to become more Christlike! None of us are perfect and it is time to reach out and to give service to others who may be in need! I for one am thankful for President Monson and his kindness he shares with everyone. He truly is a prophet of God! I know I certainly will be taking more time to give service to others and try to set a better example to others.

Undesserving Servant | 4:42 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I love the saying from Elder Maxwell: "The church is not a rest home for the perfected saint." Yes, we are hypocritical, who isn't, but if only the non-hypocrites attended the Savior would be the only one there.

Illuminated | 4:49 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Let's get something straight:

Classic Liberalism = Modern Conservatism
Classic Liberalism != Modern Liberalism

Anything that requires taking away from one person to give to another is not Agency which is what modern Liberalism is all about.

A mothers right to choose removes the agency from the child, so it is NOT true Agency.

Honest service | 5:20 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

To those of you who are hung up on being a hypocrite, and also admit being an active hypocrite, I certainly have to hand it to you folks for being so very honest here as being an active hypocrite. Not everyone has the courage to admit it. So as to end my comment I will leave you all with some kind words..."Long live" the active hypocrite ;-B

How Inactivity Happens | 5:53 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

"I could stay away from Church because of the hypocrisy of members but who is the one that would suffer? ME. I am the one that would suffer."

The purpose of attending Church is for fellowship. When the hypocrites "love the sinner but hate the sin", they treat those of us who are "sinners" in a condescending, rude, arrogant way - as if THEY are NOT sinners! Their hypocrisy HURTS MY WHOLE FAMILY!

They meet in their PEC meetings and spread gossip about my family and me. Then they put us on "the black list" so we receive no callings, and they send their children to ask our children why our children are not attending activities and church meetings... in that condescending, condemning tone: "Where were you on Sunday/Wednesday?"

And because they are so righteous and they follow the counsel of the prophets to "choose your friends carefully", they do not consider anyone but the most uppity, pious, self-righteous kids from the "active" families to be "worthy" of their friendship!

So why would my kids WANT to be friends with or fellowship with those who consider them to be unworthy and beneath them?

Great judges | 6:09 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Hey honest Hypocrites, Your contentious ways drive people out of the church. You guys and gals sometimes even drive the good ones away for good with all your contentious hypocrisy and bad treatment and manners. This is not what the church is about. No wonders there are so many inactive members, and I am not talking about the adulterers and adulteresses that have been excommunicated. They are a whole different ball park. I am talking about ones who have been deliberately driven away.

Lets ALL learn to love, because NONE of are better than anyone else, even though you may think you are in you own little mind. PEACE brother and sisters--PLEASE!

Just a thought | 6:18 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I give up on the concepts of astronomy because I had a couple teachers and fellow classmates who were mean to me..... I just haven't been able to get up the guts to believe any of it any more because I was so hurt. Honestly I don't believe any of it now!!!!
(Listen to yourselves)

More | 6:39 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Don't you whiners HEAR what the prophet is asking us to do? Not sit back and complain till someone takes pity on us and is kind to us. NO! He is asking each one of us to initiate kindness on our own. To GIVE kindness, to be the source of that goodness rather than to sit in bitterness and wait for it to come our way. The Lord has given us the same commandment in the most simple words, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Maybe it's the loving of yourselves that is missing. It's hard to love yourself when you know you aren't living up to the Lord's expectations, when you and HE both know it's within your capacity to do better. So drop the whining, be humble, BE better and then give and serve those around you. You WILL be happier. That's a promise from the Lord and from his prophet.

Anonymous | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Two generations of the church have been lost a we are working on a third. The decline started about 8 years ago and I think will continue through this next generation. It is sad but the numbers prove what this LDS culture has acutally done to church membership.

to:How Inactivity Happens | 5:53 | 7:37 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Amen!!!!

.........

To Anon - 6:45 | 7:38 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

It's called separating the wheat from the chaff. It's been going on for a long time. Many methods are used, the most successful I've seen is people using the weakness of others to justify their turning away and becoming inactive. Another great way is for a person to become suddenly enlighten and filled with knowledge about the errors and 'strangeness' of the LDS faith. It's definitely a struggle and many lose their way along the path by not adhering to the word of God. We really are responsible for our own salvation when everything is said and done. Good luck with your test. Pres. Monson is just pointing out the best way to succeed whether you believe it or not.

6 gen-LifetimeMember | 7:43 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

There are members who are extremely sensitive in their feelings about things, and this is normal for many people. Be kind and don't drive these good folks out with your pushy, hateful, behavior. If you are a hypocrite then this needs to stop at once. The church members should be kind and not backbiting hypocrites. There is no room or place for this kind of bad behavior within Gods true church.

Luke | 7:51 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

@Newly Re-Activated/StillaSinner | 2:55 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009
I'm learning it's called PROGRESS, not PERFECTION. Love one another!

------------------

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

“I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Jesus said, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every man that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

---------------

I believe the more correct usage of the word “Perfect” used in the scriptures is the type used as the transitive verb: Per-fect'
with the accent on the second syllable, as opposed to the first — i.e., the pur-fect’ ing of the saints…or eternal perfection = an on going process.

Anonymous | 8:01 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

to 7:38 p.m.,

In the name of separating the wheat from the chaff, you abandon true Christ-like love and become chaff yourself. Do you feel that wind from the east?

Peace be with.... | 8:05 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

all of you. I'm here if you need me.

Victor | 8:10 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Re: LUKE 7:51p.m. .... Well said.

I'm trying | 8:17 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I am trying not to be judgemental of the way others live. I fail more often than I would like to admit. I promise I am trying not to judge others but to allow others to live their lives and recieve nothing but love from me. I am at church every Sunday, the most imperfect one there but every week I leave with the desire to do nothing but love those around me.

re: how inactivity happens | 8:40 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

There is no "blacklist". The only way you'd wouldn't receive a calling is if you weren't worthy to hold it. If you're not attending your meetings, chances are, you're not going to get a calling.

What you see as condemnation for your kids not attending, I see as concern. We always asked after our friends when they missed a week, and let them know we missed them. If they weren't feeling well, we told them we hoped they felt better. That's what friends do.

Kids are smart. They know when somebody holds the same values they do, and if it's important to them to pick friends who are going to help them uphold those values, then that's what they'll do.

Of course you're going to get a few obnoxious people everywhere you go. That's life. It happens at work, it happens at school, it happens at the restaurant, and it happens at church.

But it seems to me, you're not being receptive to their reaching out to you, and you're laying all the blame for your inactivity on them. It is a two-way street.

Simple message | 8:46 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

It's easy enough for little kids to understand. Words to some Primary songs...
"I want to be kind to everyone,
for that is right you see.
So I say to myself, remember this-
Kindness begins with me!"

"Jesus said, 'Love everyone'.
Treat them kindly, too.
When your heart is filled with love,
others will love you."

And to those who feel they've been wronged...
"Help me dear Father to Freely forgive,
All who may seem unkind to me..."

If you need a calling, ask to be a primary worker. That's where the spirit of love is pure and strong!

zip | 10:59 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

To be close to God produces a feeling of wanting to love our fellowmen and then wanting to serve them. (forgetting self)

Gay In St. George | 11:06 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I am gay and I am also LDS. I know, what a horrible situation I am in. I was born LDS and I was born gay. Didn't ask to be either one, but today I have love for both. I totally believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I also have strong feelings for people of my same sex because of my being gay. It is a very hard and lonely world when you choose to stay active in the church but be open and honest about being who you are sexually too. I have lived here in the Red Cliffs area of St. George for several years. I have lived in several different wards while living at the same address. The Church here has completely ignored me and its as if I don't exist. That is really hard to realize. People say they love the sinner, hate the sin but I think the sin scares them to death and so they ignore the sinner. I have had 5 different Bishops, none of whom visit or talk to me. Its hard to believe the active sinners are trying to help the less active ones for me.

Kid in Zion | 2:27 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

to Gay in St George. there is no place it says to love the sinner hate the sin in scripture, evangelicals use that line. Take the initiative visit your bishop. Get home teachers and try to be generous to them.

Page:
1
2
Next >

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

2 photos

Jason Olson, Deseret News

Elder Robert D. Hales, left, President Thomas S. Monson, Sister Vicki F. Matsumori, and Elder Claudio R. M. Costa leave the stand following the Salt Lake South Stake Conference Sunday. President Monson thanked members for their "dedicated and devoted service."

Gallery (2 photos)