The Lord loves all His children, yet they often are intolerant with one another, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve said at the April 1994 general conference.

"Neighboring factions, whether they be identified as groups or gangs, schools or states, counties or countries, often develop animosity," Elder Nelson said. "Such tendencies make me wonder: Cannot boundary lines exist without becoming battle lines? Could not people unite in waging war against the evils that beset mankind instead of waging war on each other? Sadly, answers to these questions are often no. Through the years, discrimination based on ethnic or religious identity has led to senseless slaughter, vicious pogroms, and countless acts of cruelty. The face of history is pocked by the ugly scars of intolerance."Elder Nelson said, "While we strive for the virtue of tolerance, other commendable qualities need not be lost. Tolerance does not require the surrender of noble purpose or of individual identity. The Lord gave instruction to leaders of His restored Church to establish and maintain institutional integrity - `that the church may stand independent.' (D&C 78:14.)

"Meanwhile, its members are encouraged to join with like-minded citizens in doing good. (See Articles of Faith 1:13.)

"We are grateful for the many examples of heroic service rendered in times of earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or other disasters. Such cooperative efforts to help neighbors in distress transcend any barriers posed by religion, race, or culture. Those good deeds are latter-day love in action!

"Humanitarian relief rendered by members of this Church is extensive, multinational, and generally unpublicized. Even so, there are doubtless many who wonder why we don't do more to assist the innumerable worthy causes to which our hearts respond.

"Of course we are concerned with the need for ambulances in the valley below. But at the same time, we cannot ignore the greater need for protective guardrails on the cliffs above. Limited resources needed for the accomplishment of the higher work cannot be depleted in rescue efforts that provide only temporary relief.

"The biblical prophet Nehemiah must have felt that same commitment to his important calling. When he was asked to divert attention away from his primary purpose, he replied, `I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?' "(Neh. 6:3.)

Elder Nelson added, "Fortunately, we in the Church rarely have to make such a decision. We consider love of neighbor an integral part of our mission. And while we serve one another, we continue to build a spiritual house of refuge on the cliffs above. Such a sanctuary becomes a blessing for all mankind. We are but the builders; the architect is almighty God."

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Sunday School gospel doctrine course of study on the Old Testament, lesson No. 47; Nehemiah 1-2; 4; 6; 8. (Ezra 1-8 will be featured in the Nov. 28 issue of Church News.)

Information compiled by Gerry Avant

Sources: Elder Nelson's comments, Conference Report, April 1994, page 91, or Ensign, May 1994, page 69; Bible Dictionary, 1982 LDS edition, King James Bible.