Editor’s note: “The Spoken Word” is shared by Lloyd Newell each Sunday during the weekly Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square broadcast. This will be given Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.

Arthur Henry King was a beloved English professor who was twice honored by England’s Queen Elizabeth II for his worldwide professional contributions. A deeply religious man, aware of the contention and injustice in society, he wrote: “We are not whole; we feel separated, we feel incomplete. … How can we be at one with ourselves, and with father, mother, brother, sister, husband or wife, if we are not at one with God? If we were at one with God, should we not feel at one with all mankind?” (See “Atonement: The Only Wholeness,” by Arthur Henry King, Ensign, April 1975, see also “Our Own Best Story” by Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Brigham Young University devotional, April 11, 2023, speeches.byu.edu.)

In order to overcome discord in the family of God, we start by recognizing that we are a family. When we honor God as our Father, it’s a natural next step to treat each other as brothers and sisters.

All families share traits and characteristics, and God’s family is no different. With all our diversity of opinions and beliefs, preferences and priorities — not to mention differences in appearance — we share the same divine origin, which gives us some common spiritual traits. In our center core, we have a light within us; some call it a conscience — an innate sense of right and wrong. Deep inside, we feel a longing to help, not harm; to show respect, not contempt; to be a light, not a judge.

Of course, we all know that families don’t always get along. That light in our heart can dim if we allow the harshness of life to become harshness with each other. Anger can lead to animosity, even violence. Jealousy and greed can tear us apart. But families can work through such things, and this ought to be especially true of the family of God. So how do we do it?

Jesus Christ is the way, and He shows us the way. He came to heal and unite God’s family by helping us revive the light we share in our center core. His high and holy way is not always easy; and yet, it leads to lasting connection: “Love your enemies,” He taught, “bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” In other words, be peacemakers, “that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45).

Tuning in …

The “Music & the Spoken Word” broadcast is available on KSL-TV, KSL News Radio 1160AM/102.7FM, KSL.com, BYUtv, BYUradio, Dish and DirecTV, SiriusXM (Ch. 143),  tabernaclechoir.org, youtube.com/TheTabernacleChoir and Amazon Alexa (must enable skill). The program is aired live on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Mountain Time on these outlets. Look up broadcast information by state and city at musicandthespokenword.com/viewers-listeners/airing-schedules.