Bearing Christ's Name

6a. From the earliest days you have been given a sacred principle that declares the inestimable worth of all persons. Do not forget. 

b. The One who created all humankind grieves at the shameful divisions within the human family. A prophetic people must work tirelessly to tear down walls of separation and to build bridges of understanding. 

​c. You hold precious lives in your hands. Be gentle and gracious with one another. A community is no stronger than the weakest within it. Even as the One you follow reached out to those who were rejected and marginalized, so must the community that bears his name. 
-Doctrine & Covenants 162 6a-c

Inestimable Worth
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I love the continued language used declaring that all have worth. No matter what we think of ourselves or others, this message states there is worth in every one of us.  Its a powerful message carrying wholeness and hope. This isn't about valuing the actions of people or ourselves its about the inherent worth in each of us.  It's not about measuring ourselves to others its about our intrinsic value; the unique characteristics and qualities of who we are as a person that makes us, us. 


​We all have imperfections and we all suffer to some degree. Through this we must continue to have a caring response to our own and others mess ups and difficult moments. You have worth. You are unique. You are valued. If you don't feel this way please consider adding meaning to your life by taking part in activities that make you feel important and loved.  Consider joining a Community of Christ online group.  

Building Bridges of Understanding
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None of the words above mean anything if our actions do not match them. The scripture pushes each of us in this faith community to find the commonalities within the people we come in contact with.  This world has too much division for us to add to it.  Whether it be our family, church, employment, or elsewhere, we need to find ways to bridge our relationships with mutual respect and understanding.


​Making someone have the same opinion of you is not understanding or respectful. Its about listening, valuing the worth of a person, engaging in real dialogue that deepens relationships so that divisions can be torn down and replaced by bridges of love. Sometimes we get to the point where we cannot fathom the beliefs of others. This is when we need to work tirelessly to tear down the walls of separation. We must remember it is in our differences including opinions and beliefs that make us better as a whole.  

Community Response
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We are no stronger than the weakest among us.  Who is the weakest in your community?  Jesus went to the marginalized and rejected to bring hope and healing. He touched the lepers when told not too, he spoke to woman who didn't have the same rights, he loved on the Sabbath when he was to rest. Jesus didn't come for the strong, he came for those on the edges of society who didn't have a voice. So I ask you who is hurting in your community?


If we are to bear the name of Jesus so too must we reach out to show the love of God to others. To help strengthen those who are weak, to shelter those who are homeless, to clothe those who are naked, to empower those who feel voiceless. This is what it means to be a disciple that bears the name the Christ.  This is what it means to be a prophetic people, a faith community that upholds the worth of all people. It's not about sitting quietly in our churches but living with the weakest in our community; tearing down the walls between us and embracing the bridges that bring love and understanding. I see this and wonder about my own ability to live this out. This is no easy task, but I know if I am too follow Jesus, these are the stakes. We hold precious lives in our hands.  What will you do?

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I appreciate all those willing to carry the name of Jesus on their hearts each day.  

This week identify who is rejected and marginalized in your community and take action to create just systems and relationships where all have worth.