Brief summary
Elder Clark G. Gilbert teaches that true disciples of Jesus Christ must combine firm commitment to gospel truth with genuine love, patience and compassion for others. Standing for truth is important, but the way we communicate that truth can either invite people towards Christ or push them away.
His central message is that truth without love can become harsh, while love without commitment to truth can lose its spiritual direction. Christian discipleship requires both.
Key quotes and points to ponder discuss
‘‘For disciples of Jesus Christ, truth and love always walk together. I believe teaching truth with love will be the hallmark of Christ’s disciples in the last days. For some this will require greater conviction. For others it will demand greater charity.’ (Paragraph 20)
Which is more difficult for me: standing up for truth or showing charity towards someone who disagrees with me?
It takes courage to stand for truth. It takes even more courage to stand for truth with love.’ (Paragraph 1)
Why does Elder Gilbert suggest that standing for truth with love requires more courage than simply standing for truth?
‘Sometimes what we perceive as hostility may actually be someone’s hidden pain or regret.’ (Paragraph 7)
Do we sometimes assume that someone’s criticism or opposition reflects bad intentions without considering their circumstances?
‘I may have won the debate in the moment, but I lost the Spirit and I failed to help my struggling friend. That day I stood for truth, but I did it without love and without charity.’ (Paragraph 8)
Why might winning an argument sometimes mean losing an opportunity to help someone?
‘The best way to help someone else keep their covenants is to keep your covenants.’ (Paragraph 11)
‘Being a light opens more doors than any pointed argument ever will.’ (Paragraph 12)
Why are these two statements true?
‘When we try to love others by minimizing God’s laws, we separate ourselves from the one person who loves them the very most. The Savior showed love for the woman taken in adultery. But He also charged her to “go, and sin no more.”’ (Paragraph 17)
How did Jesus Christ demonstrate both compassion for people and commitment to His Father’s commandments?
Invitations
- Avoid overly contentious settings.
- Find common ground.
- Be a light.
- Hold to truth even in our outreach.
- Stay anchored in Jesus Christ.
Application
Elder Gilbert’s talk invites us to move beyond the question, “Am I standing for the truth?” and ask a second, equally important question: “Am I doing so in the spirit of Jesus Christ?
You can watch Elder Gilbert’s talk here.
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