Fwd: Elder Winegar, Sorry I'm late...

Wow. Life never slows down.

I put in some hard work this week in this woman's garden. The blue-collar worker within me emerged with flying colors. 

During one of our lessons, a member of our discussion left to engage in a drug deal. Very uncomfortable and saddening situation to watch unfold. 

I heard some of the most amazing music of my life when a member of our congregation, who is a talented pianist, and an exceptional violinist got together to play for a few of us after dinner. The visceral experiences I have in art testify to me that God's hand surely is in the creation of each one of us, that we are His children. I am grateful for the gifts he gives us to enable us to love and serve one another.

Our mission President gave us some vivid instruction about being "all-in," as he declared it. Would we rather wade halfway into the water, or completely commit ourselves by diving from the cliff? When following Jesus Christ and doing His work, we were counciled to be all in. 

Brothers, Sisters, and Friends, our Redeemer Jesus Christ has taught us "Love one another, as I have loved you." Our Savior's love for each of us is perfectly pure, unreserved, and merciful. Thus, to heed this commandment we must seek to love all in this way. The Lord has also taught us, "Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me…Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away." To emulate the transformative and joyous love of God in our own lives, it is essential that we seek with all our might to eliminate contention in any form. 

I sustain and reaffirm the invitation of our Prophet, "My call today, dear brothers and sisters, is to end conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life. Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others—whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you. The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us.

"It can be painfully difficult to let go of anger that feels so justified. It can seem impossible to forgive those whose destructive actions have hurt the innocent. And yet, the Savior admonished us to 'forgive all men.'"

I testify that unkindness and hatred have no valid justification. Our Heavenly Father loves each of us in spite of our foolish choices. In our journey to become like Him, let us love one another, whatever we choose to do, whomever we choose to follow, and whatever we choose to be.

🎶

Love Yourself–Justin Bieber🥴

Peace 🤙🏻

Elder Winegar