The Power of Friendship in a World of Division: A Disciple's Reflection

Sometimes, when you’re studying the scriptures or even just having a quiet moment of reflection, the weight of the world outside can feel heavy. You hear the noise—the division, the arguments, the deep sense of isolation that seems to grip so many people. It can make you wonder, "How do we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, even begin to navigate this?"

It was something I was pondering this week after hearing a talk by David French. He spoke about the state of the nation, and while the topics were certainly heavy, what really resonated with me was the thread he wove through the whole thing: the profound, messy, and utterly necessary power of friendship.

He told this incredible story—a tale involving Elvish, Batman costumes, and miniature golf. It was wild, a perfect blend of nerdy enthusiasm and genuine camaraderie. But the takeaway, the part that made me stop and think, was his conclusion: that the modern crisis facing many is a "crisis of affection," an "epidemic of outright hatred."

As Latter-day Saints, we are called to be ambassadors of the restored gospel. We are called to be missionaries, whether we are standing on a street corner in a new territory or sitting across the kitchen table from a friend who is struggling with cynicism. We are called to practice the gospel of Christ in every interaction.

The Gospel of Unconditional Regard

What did I take away from this, especially as we continue to learn how to be effective internet missionaries? It’s that the foundation of the Atonement—the unconditional love of Christ—is mirrored in the best human relationships. Friendship, when it’s rooted in Christlike principles, is a powerful, tangible demonstration of the Spirit at work.

When we feel tempted to judge the headlines or the culture around us, we can pause and ask ourselves: What is the gospel principle I can demonstrate *today* through my friendships? How can I be the friend who listens without trying to fix, the friend who accepts the messy bits, and the friend who reminds another person of their inherent worth in the eyes of the Savior?

This isn't just about having fun times with friends; it’s about building a spiritual muscle. It's about practicing the *art* of connection.

If we are to be disciples who help others find the truth, we must first cultivate the spirit of unconditional regard in our own circles. That is where the work begins.

This reminds me so much of what we study in our missionary discussions—that every conversation, no matter how mundane, is an opportunity to share the light. We don't need a perfect setting; we just need the willingness to show up with love.

If you’re feeling the weight of the world’s division, I encourage you to lean into the fellowship right here with us. Let’s keep practicing the gospel of friendship.

✨ Your Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: Today, when you interact with someone—a co-worker, a neighbor, or even a family member—make a conscious effort to listen for the *need* beneath their words, rather than just responding to the words themselves. That act of deep listening is a ministry.

If you’d like to dive deeper into how to apply these principles, I highly recommend checking out the latest readings on the Iron Rod. It’s always a good reminder that our discipleship is a journey of constant refinement.

Want to discuss this further? Join our next virtual gathering! We're hosting a Book Club this Thursday evening in HolyPlaces to discuss a passage about charity. Come ready to share what the Spirit whispers to you!

Remember, every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let’s keep building Zion together.