Ye are no more strangers

Ye are no more strangers

By Bishop Gerald Cousse

What stood out to me: 

(I feel that even though this was given during the Priesthood session it can go for anyone in the Church)

1. Throughout time the people of God have been commanded to care for all individuals who are strangers or who may be seen as different. 

2. Jesus asked us to observe the law of perfect love, which is a universal and unconditional gift.

3. In this Church there are no strangers and no outcasts. There are only brothers and sisters. The knowledge that we have of an Eternal Father helps us be more sensitive to the brotherhood and sisterhood that should exist among all men and women upon the earth.

4. In this Church and our wards and our quorums do not belong to us. They belong to Jesus Christ. Whoever enters our meetinghouses should feel at home. The responsibility to welcome everyone has growing importance.

5. The gathering of his elect from the four corners of the earth is taking place not only by sending missionaries to faraway countries but also with the arrival of people from other areas into our own cities and neighborhoods. Many, without knowing it, are being led by the Lord to places where they can hear the gospel and come into His fold.

6.  Fellowshipping is an important priesthood responsibility.

7. We need to work together to build spiritual unity within our wards and branches. 

8. Unity is not achieved by ignoring and isolating members who seem to be different or weaker and only associating with people who are like us. On the contrary, unity is gained by welcoming and serving those who are new and who have particular needs.

9.  So, my brothers, it is your duty to reach out to anyone who appears at the doors of your Church buildings. Welcome them with gratitude and without prejudice. If people you do not know walk into one of your meetings, greet them warmly and invite them to sit with you. Please make the first move to help them feel welcome and loved, rather that waiting for them to come to you.

10. After your initial welcome, consider ways you can continue to minister to them.