Study Guide for "The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity"

In this talk, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discusses the spiritual stress test that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed to the Church and its members. He addresses the issue of contention and divisiveness among members, emphasizing the importance of unity and love in discipleship. Elder Renlund uses various examples to illustrate the principles of unity and discipleship, including the unity of the Nephites after the Savior’s visit, his personal experiences, and the experiences of Saints around the world.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does Elder Renlund mean by a "spiritual stress test"?
How does contention affect our spiritual health and our witness of Jesus Christ?
What does unity in discipleship look like according to Elder Renlund?
What examples does Elder Renlund use to illustrate unity and love in discipleship?
What is Elder Renlund's invitation to the members of the Church?

Topics

Understanding the Spiritual Stress Test

Elder Renlund compares the COVID-19 pandemic to a spiritual stress test that reveals underlying issues within the Church and its members. He notes that while there have been positive responses, there have also been tendencies toward contention and divisiveness.

The pandemic is also a spiritual stress test for the Savior’s Church and its members. The results are likewise mixed.

Yet, in some instances, the spiritual stress test has shown tendencies toward contention and divisiveness.

What does Elder Renlund mean by a "spiritual stress test"?
What are some of the positive and negative results of this spiritual stress test?
How have you personally experienced this spiritual stress test?
What have you learned about yourself during this test?
What changes do you feel you need to make in response to this test?

Contending with Anger and Its Effects

Elder Renlund discusses the negative effects of contention, particularly when it is expressed in anger. He explains that contention weakens our collective witness of Jesus Christ and is spiritually unhealthy, robbing us of peace, joy, and rest.

When we contend with each other in anger, Satan laughs and the God of heaven weeps.

contention weakens our collective witness to the world of Jesus Christ and the redemption that comes through His “merits, … mercy, and grace.”

contention is spiritually unhealthy for us as individuals. We are robbed of peace, joy, and rest, and our ability to feel the Spirit is compromised.

Why does contention weaken our witness of Jesus Christ?
How does contention affect our spiritual health?
How have you experienced the effects of contention in your life?
What steps can you take to reduce contention in your interactions with others?

Achieving Unity through Discipleship

Elder Renlund emphasizes the importance of unity in discipleship, using the example of the Nephites after the Savior’s visit. He explains that unity requires effort and is developed when we love God, focus on our eternal destiny, and show genuine concern for others.

Unity requires effort. It develops when we cultivate the love of God in our hearts and we focus on our eternal destiny.

Their differences paled in comparison to their shared love of the Savior, and they were united as “heirs to the kingdom of God.”

What does unity in discipleship look like?
How can we cultivate unity in our own lives and in the Church?
What actions can you take to promote unity in your ward or branch?
How can you put your discipleship of Jesus Christ above personal interests and viewpoints?

Promoting Unity through Love and Respect

Elder Renlund discusses how we can promote unity by approaching disagreements with meekness, patience, and kindness. He encourages us to focus on helping others draw closer to Christ and building a compassionate and caring Church community.

When love of Christ envelops our lives, we approach disagreements with meekness, patience, and kindness.

We do not engage in “doubtful disputations,” judge those with whom we disagree, or try to cause them to stumble.

How can we approach disagreements in a way that promotes unity?
What does it mean to "moderate and unify"?
How can you show more love and respect in your interactions with others?
What actions can you take to help others draw closer to Christ?

Placing Discipleship Above Other Considerations

Elder Renlund invites us to place our love of God and discipleship of the Savior above all other considerations. He uses personal experiences and the experiences of Saints around the world to illustrate how this can lead to unity and peace.

They did not need to. Instead, they chose to make their discipleship of Jesus Christ their primary consideration.

My invitation is to be valiant in putting our love of God and discipleship of the Savior above all other considerations.

What does it mean to place our discipleship of the Savior above all other considerations?
How can this lead to unity and peace?
What other considerations sometimes take precedence over your discipleship?
What changes can you make to prioritize your discipleship of the Savior?