When the saints hurt each other

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:10)

I've been a "mormon" all my life. I developed a testimony around the age of 12yrs and went from relying on my parents testimony to relying on my own. The strength of this testimony has fluctuated from time to time in my life. I think conversion plays a role in how we live the gospel in our lives as well. I was also raised in a fairly strict home. There was no mistaking the rules in our home nor the consequences that inevidably would soon follow after knowingly breaking rules. A strong sense of right and wrong has always been present within me. Whether this was taught or a prior ability that has remained with me in the pre-existance i don't know. At times its a curse, and on more than one occasion been a wonderful blessing in my life. Moral quandries are not something i'm familiar with.

So to the topic of this blog. Many a disciple, whether Christian, Muslim or Buddist have been persecuted for their beliefs. Many have died as martyr's or have endured severe trauma in their lives as a result of their beliefs. Today is no different. Saints throughout the world receive criticism or persecution on a daily basis. Its a scary, upsetting experience being verbally or physically abused for your beliefs and convictions. We all have a story or two or three of such experiences. We expect to encounter opposition from the world. I did not expect to encounter is from within the church.

I understand we are all at different levels. And hopefully we're all striving to some degree. I understand that judging and condemning people is a sin. I understand sin, godly sorrow and repentance. I understand how we sometimes justify sin and behavior. I understand that we all have our "favorite sins." I understand we all struggle. I GET IT. We know what the commandments are, we know and are continuing to understand our covenants, we know we should be christlike and compassionate, we know what we should be doing. I GET THIS AS WELL.

What makes me fractious is saints persecuting saints for being righteous. Actually it does more than make me fractious, it makes my blood boil. How dare anyone persecute anyone for their level of righteousness. Remarks are often made in a spirit of joking and being conjevial. THEY ARE NOT FUNNY. On occasion we all need to be brought to repentance and this is often hard to hear and can often make us prickly. I don't profess to be a prophetess or leader of any kind but i do want others to be made aware and to cease this behavior. It has hurt many people i love and respect. Family members and friends have shared humiliating accounts with me and in return i have felt indignation and frustration. It is not necessary!

It would be inappropriate for any individual to opening mock and torment any member for disobedience or sin, how is it then acceptable for any individual to do the complete opposite. Its just plain nasty. Their is no need for it and it needs to stop. Its still gossip when we're talking about someone being too "molly mormon."

I'm not nieve enough to think that we're all buddy buddy. Sometimes we all can't "just be friends." Its ok that we're all not best friends. Certain personalities clash and that why we all have our own social circles. I do think thats its reasonable enough to be polite and respectful to each other. Many a member of the church has left activity for such reasons. We're adults people. Lets start acting like it. This means that we will have to serve with people we don't necessarily like, or that we don't agree with our leaders decisions, or that Sis Marshall really ticks you off but you smile have a brief conversation and thats that!

Bullies are amongst us and it needs to stop. If you have a problem with someone, have the guts to pull that person aside, talk about in a mature manner, apologize if necessary, pull your head in if necessary and in return you may find a mutual respect or even friendship blossom. I speak from experience of having to do this. My mouth has gotten me into trouble on more than one occasion, and whilst i'm trying to learn to bridle my tongue, merely acknowledging i have a problem is not enough. It has meant that i've had to ask for forgiveness, and offer sincere apologies. Sometimes the particular person and i still in the end didn't agree, but agreed to disagree and offered respect and acceptance. We are commanded to love one another, not just the people we like. That would be too easy.

Kindness begins with me!