Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
If we ponder the principals that Jesus taught and that are to be observed by the church, we find that there are many members that do not heed the counsel of our Lord and Savior. We need to remember what Jesus said unto Peter (Matthew 18:21-22):
21. Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?
22. Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
One of my favorite activities as a priesthood leader is visiting members of the Church in their homes. I especially enjoy calling upon and talking with members who commonly are described as �less active.�
During the years I served as a stake president, I often would contact one of the bishops and invite him to prayerfully identify individuals or families we could visit together. Before traveling to a home, the bishop and I would kneel and petition our Heavenly Father for guidance and inspiration, for us and for the members with whom we would meet.
Our visits were quite straightforward. We expressed love and appreciation for the opportunity to be in their home. We affirmed that we were servants of the Lord on His errand to their home. We indicated that we missed and needed them�and that they needed the blessings of the restored gospel. And at some point early in our conversation I often would ask a question like this: �Will you please help us understand why you are not actively participating in the blessings and programs of the Church?�
I made hundreds and hundreds of such visits. Each individual, each family, each home, and each answer was different. Over the years, however, I detected a common theme in many of the answers to my questions. Frequently responses like these were given:
�Several years ago a man said something in Sunday School that offended me, and I have not been back since.�
�No one in this branch greeted or reached out to me. I felt like an outsider. I was hurt by the unfriendliness of this branch.�
�I did not agree with the counsel the bishop gave me. I will not step foot in that building again as long as he is serving in that position.�
Many other causes of offense were cited�from doctrinal differences among adults to taunting, teasing, and excluding by youth. But the recurring theme was: �I was offended by ��
The bishop and I would listen intently and sincerely. One of us might next ask about their conversion to and testimony of the restored gospel. As we talked, eyes often were moist with tears as these good people recalled the confirming witness of the Holy Ghost and described their prior spiritual experiences. Most of the �less-active� people I have ever visited had a discernible and tender testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. However, they were not presently participating in Church activities and meetings.
And then I would say something like this. �Let me make sure I understand what has happened to you. Because someone at church offended you, you have not been blessed by the ordinance of the sacrament. You have withdrawn yourself from the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Because someone at church offended you, you have cut yourself off from priesthood ordinances and the holy temple. You have discontinued your opportunity to serve others and to learn and grow. And you are leaving barriers that will impede the spiritual progress of your children, your children�s children, and the generations that will follow.� Many times people would think for a moment and then respond: �I have never thought about it that way.�
The bishop and I would then extend an invitation: �Dear friend, we are here today to counsel you that the time to stop being offended is now. Not only do we need you, but you need the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Please come back�now.�
