Banners for Discipleship | Gary E. Stevenson | January 2025
Jan 22, 2025
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In this engaging conversation, Gary E. Stevenson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, passionately discusses the importance of waving flags of discipleship. He connects symbols of unity to the principles of peacemaking and understanding within the Church. Stevenson shares insights on cultivating deeper understanding and the power of active listening in building community. He emphasizes the role of disciples in promoting peace and restoration, inspiring listeners to express authentic love and service to others.
Embracing the peacemaker's role involves selflessness and active engagement in community projects to foster mutual understanding.
Cultivating wisdom through active listening and respectful dialogue is essential for personal growth and enhancing interpersonal relationships.
Deep dives
The Banner of Peacemaking
Embracing the attributes of a peacemaker is essential for disciples of Jesus Christ. This concept is underscored by a memorable interpretation of the Good Samaritan parable by Martin Luther King, Jr., emphasizing the need for selflessness in the face of adversity. An acquaintance initiated a community project focused on measuring respectful discourse through the creation of a Dignity Index, illustrating practical steps towards fostering a culture of peace and understanding within diverse political contexts. The message encourages individuals to put others before themselves and actively cultivate peace in their communities.
The Pursuit of Understanding
The importance of gaining understanding is highlighted as a foundational principle in personal and spiritual development. The speaker recalls a formative experience in university that emphasized the value of learning, not just for knowledge’s sake, but to cultivate wisdom and moral discernment. Active listening is presented as a critical skill for building bridges of understanding, with the encouragement to approach conversations with empathy and respect, particularly in a technology-driven world. By practicing dialogue that prioritizes understanding over harsh criticism, individuals can significantly enhance their interpersonal relationships.
Engagement Through Action
Active community engagement is portrayed as a vital aspect of fulfilling one’s role in service to others. The speaker offers an example of a young man who transformed his desire to uplift cancer patients into a significant community initiative through weekly walks, which evolved into a larger annual event benefiting local charities. This emphasizes the ripple effect that simple actions can have within a community and the importance of civic engagement. By pursuing good causes and making thoughtful contributions, individuals can leave a lasting positive impact on the lives of those around them.
Wave flags of discipleship! Proudly carry the banners of peacemaker, understanding, the restoration, and engagement. Gary E. Stevenson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered this devotional address on January 21, 2025. You can access the talk here.