"In the year I was born, the world was immersed in a terrible war that brought agonizing grief and consuming sorrow to the world. This war was caused by my own nation—by a group of people who identified certain other groups as evil and encouraged hatred toward them.
"They silenced those they did not like. They shamed and demonized them. They considered them inferior—even less than human. Once you degrade a group of people, you are more likely to justify words and acts of violence against them.
"I shudder when I think about what happened in 20th-century Germany.
"When someone opposes or disagrees with us, it’s tempting to assume that there must be something wrong with them. And from there it’s a small step to attach the worst of motives to their words and actions.
"Of course, we must always stand for what is right, and there are times when we must raise our voices for that cause. However, when we do so with anger or hate in our hearts—when we lash out at others to hurt, shame, or silence them—chances are we are not doing so in righteousness.
"What did the Savior teach?
and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.' (Matthew 5:44-45)
"This is the Savior’s way. It is the first step in breaking down the barriers that create so much anger, hatred, division, and violence in the world." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf
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Great thoughts indeed. We can always learn from and not repeat history. Warm greetings.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Blogorrati. I agree.
DeleteBreaking through barriers should be the way, instead ra ra ra is all many say. Taking a step back can be a good first step too, as then you see.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for anything that nourishes and encourages kindness and compassion, Pat.
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