23 November 2014 lesson: Dallin H Oaks "Living With Differences and Learning to Love"

For the text of the talk this lesson was based on, check here on lds.org.

Teacher: Sister Nikki Matthews
Opening Hymn: "We Are Different" (from Children's Songbook)

• Brother Ratliff had asked Nikki to read the Church Handbook of Instructions for Relief Society upon receiving her call as a RS teacher.
• for some sisters this may be the only gospel teaching they get in a week.
• the class made a list of the differences among the sister in our ward.
• young single adults, young mums, grandparents, single parents, unemployed, stay-at-home-mums, working mums, young married couples, recent converts, raised in the church, those with health issues, various degrees of education, financial stability, etc.
• we all have different experiences and different perspectives and things to teach one another.
• Example of the Saviour: "His life was a legacy of love" Thomas S. Monson
• we need to show love in spite of differences.
• Remember the importance of including other who may not share the same faith.
• there is some difficulty in making friends outside of children & callings & church activities
• you don't always have to proselytize, just live the way you believe.
• Remember principles of kindness, fairness, and giving the benefit of the doubt when interacting with others around us.
• Fight the impulse for insularity that the church can bring. There are good people everywhere.
• 3 Nephi 11:28-30 "he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me."
• Speak the truth with love.
• Try not to be contentious, but don't give up our convictions out of politeness.
• It takes two people to have an argument.
• We don't have to take everything personally. Try to have charity with disagreements. We should remember our commonalities.
• Golden Rule: treat others how we want to be treated. Platinum Rule: treat others how they want to be treated.
• "Disagree, but don't be disagreeable."
• Remember that even those who feel unkind and antagonistic towards us may be acting out of love and concern for us.

•  The commandment to love one another surely includes love and respect across religious lines and also across racial, cultural, and economic lines. We challenge all youth to avoid bullying, insults, or language and practices that deliberately inflict pain on others. All of these violate the Savior’s command to love one another.

• Our words can have such a powerful effect on others and how they see the world and themselves.
• The commandment to love one another may be our greatest challenge.

Closing Hymn: "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus"