To Say Or Do What He Would

President Nelson spoke about contention a year ago in general conference and suggested that charity is how we should respond to the contention around us. He said, “Charity is the antidote to contention. Charity is the spiritual gift that helps us to cast off the natural man, who is selfish, defensive, prideful, and jealous. Charity is the principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Charity defines a peacemaker. When we humble ourselves before God and pray with all the energy of our hearts, God will grant us charity.” This goes against most of what we see in our society today as anger and criticism are typically responded to with more anger and criticism. He continued, “Brothers and sisters, the pure love of Christ is the answer to the contention that ails us today. Charity propels us ‘to bear one another’s burdens’ rather than heap burdens upon each other. The pure love of Christ allows us ‘to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things’—especially in tense situations. Charity allows us to demonstrate how men and women of Christ speak and act—especially when under fire.” Ultimately Christ is the answer, and we have to seek to understand how He would act and what He would say in difficult situations: “You covenant to always remember the Savior. In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers.” So how did He react in difficult situations? What did He say when contention was around Him?

                One scene from the gospels that shows how He reacted to contention was when the disciples rebuked those that brought children before Him. We read, “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16). Jesus addressed the situation head on and helped the disciples see that they were wrong to send away the children, but He did so without anger. He wasn’t afraid to correct them, but He did not do so by adding more contention. He stood up for the children and was willing to spend time with them and bless them and show love to them, thus diffusing the situation and helping all to learn an important lesson on what is required to enter the kingdom of God.  

                Another experience that helps us see how He responded in tense situations is when Judas led a multitude in the night to come and arrest Him in the Garde of Gethsemane. We read, “And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.” This was Peter who in his love for the Savior wanted to fight to defend Him. But even though the people were coming to unjustly arrest Him and abuse Him, Christ was not willing to increase the contention of the situation: “And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.” Though He indeed loved His enemies, He wasn’t a pushover either, and He called out calmly that these people were clearly in the wrong: “Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (Luke 22:50-53). He stood up for Himself and His actions without anger and clearly described how things really were. As He subsequently stood in front of the wicked rulers who unjustly had arrested Him, He neither backed down nor got angry. He simply stated the truth with respect and boldness. As they questioned Him in the dark of night, He said, “I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.” He was highlighting the fact that their actions were illegal—a defendant was not allowed to incriminate themselves in their judicial system. When the officer struck Him on the cheek at that point, He answered with these simple words: “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?” He neither backed down nor added contention; He simply stated truth and questioned their unjust actions. He was able to stand for truth and goodness without losing civility or kindness.    

                Many other stories of the Savior similarly show how He consistently loved others and stood up for truth with civility and patience. He did not acquiesce to evil but neither did He lower His own standards to defend Himself or malign others. The Savior diffused contention while still teaching the truth. He gave love in response to hatred, and yet He also called all to repent of their wickedness when He saw it in any form. His is a powerful example for us to follow as we deal with the complex situations and contentious dialogue all around us. I appreciate this invitation of President Nelson, “I bless you to make any adjustments that may be needed so that your behavior is ennobling, respectful, and representative of a true follower of Jesus Christ. I bless you to replace belligerence with beseeching, animosity with understanding, and contention with peace.”