Avoid perceptions and assumptions
start to do this by
-getting to know people
-eliminating labels
-let them know that they
are always welcome/accepted
Where are some places in which it is most common for people to label and exclude others?
Our doctrine is the Doctrine of
Christ which is a doctrine of
inclusion.
Love Thy Neighbor
Entitlement is an enemy to the Spirit
Spiritual poison can keep us from coming closer to God as well as from each other
when we see ourselves as deserving or better than others, we keep ourselves from the blessings of heaven
Gratitude is the best antidote
combat this through prayer, study of the scriptures, and temple attendance
Followers of Christ always look for the One
Some become lost because they have strayed
We need to fill our hearts with love and forgiveness for ourselves as well as for those who need help
This makes me think of the scripture that talks about how "charity never faileth". We can fill our hearts with love for others by asking and seeking after Charity.
It is not a matter of if we will stumble but of how we will respond to it
People become lost because they are tired
We need to be the ones to lift others and as a product, our spirits will be lifted
Draw near to Him and HE will draw near to you
How does excluding others or not being inclusive draw us further from Christ?
People become lost because they feel different
we falsely think that we all need to look/act/be the same
we are ALL different, but we are ALL children of God
Suffering is not always a direct result of sin:
Afflictions come to the innocent
If healing doesn't come in this life,
it will come in the next
Not only can ewe expect healing as we rely on the promises of God, but also we need to recognize and accept that those we struggle with will receive healing from their wounds and imperfections.
Seek to lift the burdens of others:
do not ridicule or speak unkindly
How do we move away from the terrible habit of speaking unkindly of others which is something that is so common in regular conversation?
Is there any amount of unkindness that is acceptable?
The Good Samaritan
Don't feel like you need to fit into
stereotypes that others put you in
especially if that keeps you from
loving/serving someone else.
You can only control yourself, even if you can't get rid of others' stereotypes, you can begin to change others by setting an example and looking to do what is right, not necessarily what is proper or "normal".
Not looking at social/cultural/racial
etc. barriers when someone is in need
