Christian courage: Responding to accusations
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Latter-day Saints may sometimes ask why the Church does not defend itself more actively when accusations are leveled against it. Indeed, one of mortality's great tests comes when one's beliefs are questioned or criticized.
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve offered this counsel Sunday morning on how members can respond to their accusers: "We love them."
"Whatever their race, creed, religion or political persuasion, if we follow Christ and show forth His courage, we must love them," he said. "We do not feel we are better than they are. Rather, we desire to show them a better way — the way of Jesus Christ."
An attack or accusation offers members an opportunity to step back, pray and follow the Savior's example. When members respond to their accusers as Christ did, they become more Christ-like even as they invite others to feel His love and follow Him.
"Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak," said Elder Hales. "But, to 'love (our) enemies, to bless them that curse (us), to do good to them that hate (us), and to pray for them which despitefully use (us), and persecute (us)' (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength and, most of all, Christian courage."
The Prophet Joseph Smith demonstrated such courage throughout his life. He suffered severe persecution but did not retaliate or give in to hatred. "Like all true disciples of Christ, he stood with the Savior by loving others in a tolerant and compassionate way. That is Christian courage."
Choosing not to retaliate allows one to stand with the Savior, Elder Hales added. "We show forth His love, which is the only power that can subdue the adversary and answer our accusers without accusing them in return. This is not weakness. That is Christian courage."
Elder Hales noted that true disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition. Also, he said, history has taught that seasons of negative publicity about the Church can help accomplish the Lord's purposes, and criticisms can create interest in the Church and provide an opening for members to present the truth.
"We can take advantage of such an opportunity is many ways: a kind letter to the editor, a conversation with a friend, a comment on a blog, or a reassuring word to one who has made a disparaging comment."
True disciples can receive inspiration about how to respond to accusations. And in every encounter, true disciples respond in ways that invite the Spirit of the Lord.
Elder Hales added that true disciples have others' welfare — not personal vindication — as their primary concern. They avoid being unduly judgmental of others' view. Sometimes, they demonstrate Christian courage by saying nothing at all.
There is a great work to do which will not be accomplished amid arguments, he said. "Instead, we should muster Christian courage and move on. As we read in Psalms, 'Fret not thyself because of evildoers' (Psalm 37:1)."
