I copied these comments from my social media feed several months ago.

“I make it a practice to not waste my time responding to people I have no respect for.”

“It’s because of people like you that the state of the world is what it is.”

“You are such a moron for being so educated.” 

These comments represent the reality of communication in our world: a world with little respect for anyone who believes differently.

A world where it is OK to belittle others publicly, as long as you are hiding behind a screen. 

A world where communication has been reduced to yelling, screaming, name-calling, and publicly shaming others. 

We have all seen this in the realm of political and social differences, especially in the wake of the turmoil of the last two years. But what about in matters of faith?

Have you seen believers mocked or persecuted for believing? Have you seen members of the Church belittling or shaming other members who follow (or don’t follow) the prophet or the commandments?

Have you seen members of the Church shaming other members who do not share their social or political beliefs?

I have both seen and experienced these things. In this episode, we discuss how to put on the armor of light, enabling us to communicate with both courage AND compassion when it comes to matters of faith.

We also talk about how to invite, welcome, minister, and love people, no matter where they are on the covenant path.

This week's SHINE challenge:

Arise and Shine forth by sharing your testimony on social media this week. Be brave, be bold, and be compassionate. Use the hashtag #covenantwomenstand

Want to join the STAND movement? You can start by downloading our manifesto: Covenant Women Who Stand. Read it and grab your free copy right here.

** Follow along on Instagram

References:

1. Doctrines of the Restoration: Sermons & Writings of Bruce R. McConkie (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1989), 197-98.

2. Russell M. Nelson, Stand as True Millenials

3. Russell M. Nelson, A Plea to My Sisters

4. Dieter F. Uchtforf, Three Sisters