Being Christlike in Conflict
Last Sunday, a congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was attacked in Michigan. Police eventually killed the attacker in a shoot-out.
This is what I heard as I prepared myself to attend worship in my own congregation. My first thought went to methods of defending myself if I were met with such violence that day.
My second thought was a line from the handbook used by members of the church:
Another story of our people then came to mind:
I left for church a few minutes later, carrying a bag that contained my keys, a handful of cough drops, and my wallet.
A couple of days later, I came across a post from another denomination:
Heat rose in my chest in response to these words. It felt like a call to fight for myself and those I care for. It felt good, and it made sense!
But.
Something did not feel quite right.
I sent the post to my mom, asking what she thought of it, and her response rang with truth:
“I understand where he is coming from, but can you imagine any of the apostles saying this?”1
I could not.
The next day, I found an article stating that members of the church had created a way to donate to the family of the man who carried out the attack.
And then a personal account from one of the victim’s family members who was there during the attack and made eye contact with the shooter:
All this to say that Jesus has been among us this week, touching hearts and healing souls in his role as the Prince of Peace.
“The Savior’s message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire—no matter how difficult the situation. True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.”2
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that God has called a prophet and twelve apostles to guide us today just as they did when Christ was on the earth.
Russell M. Nelson: Peacemakers Needed







Love this! He is the Prince of Peace❤️