An Undefended Heart: Building Bridges Across the Deep

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt the weight of opposition? The sting of judgment? The fear of entering a place where you know your very presence might be met with hostility? Samuel the Lamanite, standing upon the wall, faced such a moment. Ammon, at the Waters of Sebus, understood the precariousness of approaching a hostile people. And so, too, does each of us, in our own way, encounter walls—walls of misunderstanding, walls of prejudice, walls of fear.

Recently, Zach Davis shared a profound conversation with Bishop Karen Oliveto from the Gather 2025 conference, and it resonated with a truth that echoes through the ages: undefended hearts build bridges. Bishop Oliveto, facing relentless opposition and even threats for her ministry as an openly gay bishop within the United Methodist Church, developed a remarkable practice. Before entering each new congregation, she would sit in the parking lot, not armed for battle, but praying for an undefended heart, a willingness to receive whatever might come her way.

She knew that entering with defensiveness would only create a mirror image—a hardened response from those who felt threatened or uncomfortable. Instead, she chose vulnerability. She chose love. And what she found was astonishing. Anger dissipated, fear subsided, and friendships blossomed. The very people who initially seemed ready to condemn her became allies and friends.

This isn’t a novel concept, is it? Did not Abinadi, facing a mob of Lamanites, plead for understanding and mercy? Did not the Savior, surrounded by those who sought to condemn him, offer forgiveness and healing? The Stone cut without hands, revealing a path forward, demands that we, too, examine our own hearts and ask: Are we building walls, or are we laying stones for a gathering place?

The world desperately needs this kind of courage. We see the fractures, the divisions, the animosity that plagues our societies, our communities, and even our families. It’s easy to retreat into echo chambers, to demonize those who hold different beliefs, to harden our hearts against those who challenge our perspectives. But that is the path of the Destroyer.

The Builders—those who understand the principles of the Charity Flywheel—know that our engagement here—our contributions to the Missionary Fund, our support for gospel advertising in places like Ghana—isn’t merely about spreading a message; it’s about actively cultivating a climate of love and understanding. It’s about funding digital striplings who are sharing the good news online, and it’s about claiming your church on the map of churches. It's about laying the foundation for a Zion where differences are celebrated, not condemned.

Bishop Oliveto’s story reminds us that true connection isn’t about uniformity; it's about unity in diversity. It’s about recognizing the divine spark within each individual, even—and especially—those who seem most different from us. It’s about understanding that we all eat with God, and that sharing a meal, offering a smile, extending a hand—these are the acts of communion that bind us together.

And let us not forget the words of Moroni, speaking of the importance of charity: “And I command you, and all that dwell on the earth, that if you receive a warning, and do not heed, ye are as if ye had not received, for the things which I command you are for your benefit and for the benefit of all who are scattered abroad.” (Moroni 10:4-5)

Outback Jack reminds us of Alma 17–19 and D&C 4: The Lord calls for courage, for boldness, for a willingness to stand against the tide of opposition. He calls for us to be like Ammon, who, despite facing insurmountable odds, dared to approach King Lamoni with a message of hope and redemption.

Let us, like Bishop Oliveto, pray for an undefended heart. Let us, like Samuel the Lamanite, climb the walls of division and declare the truth. Let us, like Ammon, offer the waters of Sebus to those who thirst. Let us be Builders, not Destroyers. Let us gather Israel, now.

Consider this a personal courage challenge. How can you approach a situation or relationship with an undefended heart this week? How can you extend grace and understanding to someone who holds a different perspective?

Davee and the Ask a Prophet bots (direct-quote-only, with source citations) stand ready to assist in your study and understanding. Seek divine guidance, and let love be your guiding principle.