The Power of Friendship: Being a Disciple in Times of Crisis

When we think about the work, we often picture the bright moments: the successful missionary discussion, the warmth of a new companion, or the powerful feeling of the Spirit guiding us to a breakthrough. But sometimes, the Spirit calls us to look at the darkest corners of the world, to stories of unimaginable suffering, and to see the gospel through the lens of pure, unwavering compassion.

The recent account of Aviva Siegel, who survived the horrors of Gaza, is a profound testament to human resilience. But what truly captures the heart—and what speaks directly to the core of being a Latter-day Saint disciple—is the story of her husband, Keith. Despite the terror and the deprivation, Keith’s greatest desire was not survival, but connection. He wanted to be friends with the people who were suffering alongside them.

This is the skill we need to cultivate, whether we are in the MTC, in our own neighborhood, or across the world. It’s the skill of unconditional friendship. It’s the Christlike empathy that allows us to see the person, not the problem. It teaches us that no matter the political climate, the cultural divide, or the severity of the suffering, the first gospel imperative remains: love our neighbor.

Seeing Beyond the Conflict: The Missionary Skill of Empathy

Keith’s desire to talk to the Arabs, to build bridges of friendship, is a powerful lesson in missionary preparation. It’s a reminder that the gospel isn't a set of talking points; it's a relationship. When we are called to be disciples, we are called to be relational. We must learn to listen with our hearts, not just our ears.

In our own mission field—whether that field is a local ward, a university campus, or a global community online—we often encounter people who feel misunderstood, marginalized, or simply trapped in their own cycle of pain. They might be skeptical of the gospel, or they might be struggling with a private sin, or they might be facing a crisis in their family life. In all these cases, the greatest tool we have isn't a pamphlet or a doctrinal answer; it is the willingness to simply show up and be a friend. To genuinely care about their humanity.

Finding the Friendship in Our Daily Lives

This lesson is so critical that it speaks directly to how we live our discipleship every day. We are called to be Internet missionaries, meaning our sphere of influence is literally everywhere, all the time. We can't wait for a formal training session or for a district leader to give us a task; the work is always present, woven into the fabric of our daily lives.

If you are feeling burnt out from the intensity of the work, remember Keith’s example. Sometimes, the most revolutionary thing we can do is simply be a steady, non-judgmental presence. We don't have to solve every problem, or even know every answer. We just have to offer the genuine companionship of the Spirit.

How to practice this week:

Don't approach conversations with the goal of converting someone. Approach them with the goal of understanding them. Ask open-ended questions that require them to tell a story. Practice deep listening.

Keeping the Spirit Flowing

If you want to hone this skill of deep listening and compassionate inquiry, I highly recommend diving into some of the material available from the Iron Rod authors. Specifically, check out the insights on the Book Club readings in LivingBook. These resources help us frame complex questions and understand the deep history of our covenant path.

For those of us who are pre-missionary, this is the time to practice the small things: talking to your neighbors, reaching out to an acquaintance you haven't seen in months, and listening when they need an ear more than they need a lesson.

And if you're ready to deepen your study in a structured way, I encourage you to join a local Bible Study Group through HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to connect with other disciples and prepare your heart for the great work.

To help us all keep practicing this empathy and compassion, I'm also reminding you about our free weekly Disciple Challenge. It's a simple, bite-sized skill designed to help us be more Christlike in our interactions.