Continuing from yesterdays post, ‘Divine Doctrine’, Russell M. Nelson (then of ) the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (now our Prophet, Seer and Revelator) wrote:
What can we do to combat this canker of contention? What steps must each of us take to supplant the spirit of contention with a spirit of personal peace? To begin, show compassionate concern for others. Control the tongue, the pen, and the word processor. Whenever tempted to dispute, remember his proverb: “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor: but a man understanding holdeth his peace.” (Proverbs 11:12; see also 17:28.)
Bridle the passion to speak or write contentiously for personal gain or glory. The Paul Apostle thus counseled the Phillipians, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than themselves.” (Philip. 2:3)
Such high spiritual regard would then let us respectfully disagree without being disagreeable.
But the ultimate step lies beyond beginning control of expression. Personal peace is reached when one, in humble submissiveness, truly loves God. Heed carefully this scripture: “There is no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.” (4 Nephi 1:15; italics added; see also 1:2.)
Thus love of God should be our aim. It is the first commandment—the foundation of faith. As we develop love of God and Christ, love of family and neighbor will naturally follow. Then will we eagerly emulate Jesus. He healed. He comforted. He taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9; see also 3 Nephi 12:9.)Through love of God, the pain caused by the fiery canker of contention will be extinguished from the soul. This healing begins with a personal vow: Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” Sy Miller and Jill Jackson, “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Jan-Lee Music, Beverly Hills, Calif., 1972.) This commitment will then spread to family and friends and will bring peace to neighborhoods and nations.
Shun contention. Seek godliness. Be enlightened by eternal truth. Be like minded with the Lord and love and united with Him in faith. Then shall “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Philip. 4:7) be yours, to bless you and your posterity through generations yet to come. ~Russell M. Nelson, “Peace”, Essays of Hope and Encouragement (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1998, p.92-93)