Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 45:68-69

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 45:68-69
"And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.
And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another."

I was thinking about this scripture just the other day. How only the saints will not be at war one with another. I realized that war didn't necessarily mean physical battle, or fleeing to a physical place. You can be at war with others with words. The battle of words is raging all around us, inciting contention and anger. It is a world-wide condition. I reflected on how President Nelson has asked us to be peacemakers. There is so much wisdom in that council. We stay out of the fray when we don't add to the contention. We have the protection of the Spirit to safely guide us. The gathering to Zion is happening around the whole world. Living as Zion people does and will bring safety and peace.

"If you are serious about helping to gather Israel and about building relationships that will last throughout the eternities, now is the time to lay aside bitterness. Now is the time to cease insisting that it is your way or no way. Now is the time to stop doing things that make others walk on eggshells for fear of upsetting you. Now is the time to bury your weapons of war. If your verbal arsenal is filled with insults and accusations, now is the time to put them away. You will arise as a spiritually strong man or woman of Christ.
Let us as a people become a true light on the hill—a light that “cannot be hid.” Let us show that there is a peaceful, respectful way to resolve complex issues and an enlightened way to work out disagreements. As you demonstrate the charity that true followers of Jesus Christ manifest, the Lord will magnify your efforts beyond your loftiest imagination.
I bless you to replace belligerence with beseeching, animosity with understanding, and contention with peace."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Peacemakers Needed", April 2023 General Conference)

Day 3634