Elder Ulisses Soares
Elder Ulisses Soares emphasizes the importance of unity, respect, and dignity among God’s children, highlighting the teachings of President Russell M. Nelson to abandon prejudice and promote respect for all. He reminds us of our divine nature and the need to recognize the spiritual kinship that binds us as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Recognizing Our Divine Kinship
Elder Soares discusses the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that we are all children of Heavenly Parents, created in the image of God. He calls on disciples of Christ to increase their faith and love for one another, promoting respect for the dignity of all God’s children.
“The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that we are all begotten spirit sons and daughters of heavenly parents who truly love us… Therefore, we all have divine nature, heritage, and potential…”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Acts 17:26: “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth…”
- Ephesians 4:6: “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
Overcoming Prejudice and Segregation
Elder Soares underscores the importance of following President Nelson’s counsel to abandon attitudes of prejudice and segregation. He mentions the need for individual and collective efforts to act with meekness and long-suffering, following Christ’s example.
“In reality, human dignity presupposes respect for our differences… However, as Paul warned the Ephesians, we must recognize that in order to achieve this purpose, it will be required to make an individual and collective effort to act with lowliness, meekness, and long-suffering toward one another.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Mosiah 18:21: “And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another but that they should look forward with one eye…”
- Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Seeing and Treating Others with Respect
Elder Soares illustrates the importance of seeing and treating others with respect and dignity. He shares the example of Jesus Christ, who ministered to all people regardless of their differences, and the Samaritan woman at the well. He encourages us to eliminate prejudiced thoughts and actions and walk together in unity.
“My dear friends, I can assure you that the light of a new day shines brighter in our lives when we see and treat our fellow beings with respect and dignity and as true brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Matthew 25:40: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:26: “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”
Calls to Action:
- “I call upon our members everywhere to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice.”
- “It behooves each of us to do whatever we can in our spheres of influence to preserve the dignity and respect every son and daughter of God deserves.”
- “There is no place for prejudiced thoughts or actions in the community of Saints.”
- “We can help to eliminate this kind of behavior by looking at the apparent differences that exist between us with the Savior’s eyes and based on what we have in common—our divine identity and kinship.”