RS Lesson March 2009

Our Hearts Knit As One by Elder Henry B. Eyring
taught by Alison Jaehne, RS Lesson March 2009

What is the root word of unity? unos, which means "one." Why is unity important to the Lord? Because without unity we simply cannot be Christ’s, for he has said, “Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine” (D&C 38:27).


As His mortal ministry drew to a close, knowing “that his hour was come” (John 13:1) Jesus gathered His Apostles in an upper room in Jerusalem. Following their supper and after He had washed their feet and taught them, Jesus offered a sublime Intercessory Prayer on behalf of these Apostles and all who would believe in Him. He supplicated the Father in these words: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one” (John 17:20–23). How glorious it is to contemplate that we have been invited into that perfect unity that exists with the Father and the Son. How can this happen? (Elder Todd Cristofferson Ensign 2002) From this prayer we learn how the gospel unites us with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and with each other. When we live the gospel, receiving the saving ordinances and keeping our covenants, our natures are changed. The Savior’s Atonement sanctifies us, and we can live in unity, enjoying peace in this life and preparing to dwell with the Father and His Son forever. (LDS.org gospel topics/unity)

Elder Eyring teaches us: The Lord has given us guides to know what to do to receive the blessing and joy of ever-increasing unity. The Book of Mormon recounts a time of success. It was in the days of Alma at the Waters of Mormon. What the people did in those difficult and dangerous circumstances gives us both a guide and encouragement. Everything Alma and his people were inspired to do was pointed at helping people choose to have their hearts changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. That is the only way God can grant the blessing of being of one heart.

In Mosiah 18:17-22 we read: “And they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward… And he commanded them that they should teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets. Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people. And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another. And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they became the children of God.” That is why Alma commanded the people to teach faith and repentance.

In addition to ordinances there are principles we are following as a people which are leading to greater unity. One of those principles is revelation. Revelation is the only way we can know how to follow the will of the Lord together. It requires light from above. The Holy Ghost will testify to our hearts, and the hearts of those gathered around with us, what He would have us do. And it is by keeping His commandments that we can have our hearts knit together as one.
A second principle to guide our progress to become one is to be humble. Pride is the great enemy of unity. You have seen and felt its terrible effects. Just days ago I watched as two people—good people—began with a mild disagreement. It started as a discussion of what was true but became a contest about who was right. Voices became gradually louder. Faces became a little more flushed. Instead of talking about the issue, people began talking about themselves, giving evidence why their view, given their great ability and background, was more likely to be right. You would have felt alarm as I did. We have seen the life-destroying effects of such tragic conflict. You and I know people who left the fellowship of the Saints over injured pride. Happily I am seeing more and more skillful peacemakers who calm troubled waters before harm is done. You could be one of those peacemakers, whether you are in the conflict or an observer.
One way I have seen it done is to search for anything on which we agree. To be that peacemaker, you need to have the simple faith that as children of God, with all our differences, it is likely that in a strong position we take, there will be elements of truth. The great peacemaker, the restorer of unity, is the one who finds a way to help people see the truth they share. That truth they share is always greater and more important to them than their differences. You can help yourself and others to see that common ground if you ask for help from God and then act. He will answer your prayer to help restore peace, as He has mine.

That leads to another principle of unity. It is to speak well of each other. Think of the last time you were asked what you thought about how someone else was doing in your family or in the Church. Now, there are times we must judge others. Sometimes we are required to pronounce such judgments. But more often we can make a choice. For instance, suppose someone asks you what you think of the new bishop.
As we get better and better at forging unity, we will think of a scripture when we hear that question: “And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.” Realizing that you see others in an imperfect light will make you likely to be a little more generous in what you say. In addition to that scripture, you might remember your mother saying—mine did—“If you can’t say anything good about a person, don’t say anything at all.”
That will help you look for what is best in the bishop’s performance and character. The Savior, as your loving judge, will surely do that as He judges your performance and mine. The scripture and what you heard from your mother may well lead you to describe what is best in the bishop’s performance and his good intent. I can promise you a feeling of peace and joy when you speak generously of others in the Light of Christ. You will feel, for instance, unity with that bishop and with the person who asked your opinion, not because the bishop is perfect or because the person asking you shares your generous evaluation. It will be because the Lord will let you feel His appreciation for choosing to step away from the possibility of sowing seeds of disunity.

In another talk called "Be One" Elder Eyring said, "With skill, hatred, and cunning, Satan pursues his goal. It is the opposite of the purpose of our Heavenly Father and the Savior. They would give us perfect union and eternal happiness. Satan, Their enemy and ours, has known the plan of salvation from before the Creation. He knows that only in eternal life can those sacred, joyful associations of families endure. Satan would tear us from loved ones and make us miserable. And it is he who plants the seeds of discord in human hearts in the hope that we might be divided and separate.

The other warning is to beware of pride. Unity which comes to a family or to a people softened by the Spirit will bring great power. With that power will come recognition from the world. Whether that recognition brings praise or envy [from others], it could lead us to pride. That would offend the Spirit. But there is a protection against pride, that sure source of disunity. It is to see the bounties which God pours upon us not only as a mark of His favor but an opportunity to join with those around us in greater service. We can become peacemakers, worthy to be called blessed and the children of God" (see Matthew 5:9). Elder Eyring "Be One" One of Satan’s counterfeits for hearts being knit together in unity and love is proud hearts seeking other proud hearts in order to fulfill selfish desires.

I know of no stronger weapons in the hands of the adversary against any group of men or women in this church than the weapons of divisiveness, faultfinding, and antagonism. In a difficult period of the Church’s history, the Prophet Joseph Smith spoke of the opposition which can hinder the Church when we are not filled with the spirit of support and helpfulness. (Howard W. Hunter) I once was so stressed about some unavoidable houseguests that my son started suffering and acting up. After gossiping to all my friends and feeling like a martyr, I finally turned to the Lord for help. I prayed and then opened my scriptures to the D&C. The scripture that jumped out was, "Cease to find fault one with another' I was humbled!! The situation did not change, but I learned I was hold my tongue and not find fault!

Unity in the Church will always be a reflection of the unity in our homes. One of the most important ways to foster unity in the home is holding family home evening regularly. Whether we are young or old, single or married, whether we have children at home or have become empty nesters, family home evening can increase unity and love in our homes. Family home evening is for everyone. (Elder James E. Faust Ensign 2003)

So we all, being human, have a heart condition. Maybe we have a complaining heart murmur, or an enlarged heart with pride. We have a dysfunction that doesn't let the Spirit and the pure love of Christ flow freely through it. Only when we allow ourselves to be humbled, with a broken heart, can the Lord's comforting Spirit can be poured in and do its' healing. I held up a vase stuffed with black tissue paper and showed that I cannot pour water into it to represent a heart full of murmuring or anger or pride that cannot recieve the Spirit and the love of Christ.

"Pondering this question, [how can we have unity] it becomes clear that we must begin by becoming one within ourselves. We are dual beings of flesh and spirit, and we sometimes feel out of harmony or in conflict. Our spirit is enlightened by conscience, the light of Christ (see Moro. 7:16; D&C 93:2), and naturally responds to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit and desires to follow truth. But the appetites and temptations to which the flesh is subject can, if permitted, overwhelm and dominate the spirit. Surely we will not be one with God and Christ until we make Their will and interest our greatest desire. Such submissiveness is not reached in a day, but through the Holy Spirit, the Lord will tutor us if we are willing until, in process of time, it may accurately be said that He is in us as the Father is in Him. At times I tremble to consider what may be required, but I know that it is only in this perfect union that a fulness of joy can be found. I am grateful beyond expression that I am invited to be one with those holy beings I revere and worship as my Heavenly Father and Redeemer". (Elder Cristofferson That They May Be One Ensign Nov 2002)

Like Elder Cristofferson, I am awed that I have been invited to join in the unity that Heavenly Father and Jesus have. I know the difficulty and sacrifice it takes to achieve harmony in relationships here on earth. But I also know the joy that comes from making progress and having moments of pure harmony. I have felt Heavenly Father's love and approval when I have swallowed my pride and turned to Him for help to achieve unity when I have not known what to do by myself. I have felt His blessings of inspiration to help me. It doesn't matter what the situation is or how little or greatly I have been insulted or offended, the process is the same. I turn to the Lord to purge my own heart and He blesses me with His love and then I can cope. It doesn't not matter what others do, I need a pure heart. He gives me the strength to stand up for what is right, no matter what might happen. He helps me to find the common ground and shared truths to help find peace. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.