Worth
Karen Ann Smith of Ludington, MI, USA
And again, I say unto you, Sue for peace, not only the people that have smitten you, but also to all people; and lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation for peace unto the ends of the earth. -Doctrine and Covenants 102:11a-b
God views each one of us as having inestimable and equal worth. He wants us to experience wholeness of body, mind, spirit, and relationships. And yet, we all tend to add to the brokenness of life by our attitudes and judgments.
In the early days of my fast food employment I had a manager that I did not like or get along with. I thought she was mean and pushy. These were my judgments of her. It wasn’t until I lashed back that we had opportunity to talk and get to know each other. I wish I had the maturity back then to open discussion without personal barbs. I didn’t even realize that I knew nothing about her or where she was coming from. I could only see my own judgment from my own point of view until we talked about it.
This manager became a dear friend. We discovered that we were both people of faith, though we were from very different faith traditions. I shared some of my writings with her, and she shared with me. I still have a book that she gave me about the Stations of the Cross. It has become a precious keepsake as I remember her.
God graciously gives people gifts and opportunities to do good and to share in God’s purposes. We need to recognize that though we may have different views and backgrounds, and may even disagree on issues and how to apply biblical principles to our everyday living, if we are doing our honest best, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can learn from each other and support each other.
Doctrine and Covenants 162:4b-5a says, “It is for divine purpose that you have been given the struggles as well as the joys of diversity. So must it always be in the peaceable kingdom. Do not be defined by the things that separate you but by the things that unite you in Jesus Christ.”
Prayer Phrase
“Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day…” (Psalm 139:12).
Spiritual Practice
Repeat this month’s prayer phrase slowly and intentionally within your heart. Invite this prayerful repetition to open a space of presence to the divine light within you. Where are you experiencing the light of God in your life and in the world?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
