Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier
Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier emphasizes the importance of seeing individuals as God sees them, transcending appearances and labels. In a world often marred by judgments, this message calls for unity and compassion, using scripture and personal stories to illustrate the profound impact of seeing others through the eyes of faith and love.
Seeing Beyond Outward Appearances
Elder Giraud-Carrier highlights the biblical experiences of Samuel, Ananias, and Jesus, illustrating the human inclination to judge by appearances. He stresses the need to overcome this tendency and perceive the inherent divinity in every person.
“What was the trouble with Samuel and Ananias in these two instances? They saw with their eyes and heard with their ears, and as a result, they passed judgment on others based on appearance and hearsay.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 1 Samuel 16:7: “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; … for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
- Acts 9:15: “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.”
The Gift of Seeing with the Heart
Elder Giraud-Carrier shares a touching personal story of his wife’s compassionate ministering to an elderly widow. He underscores the power of seeing the divine potential in every individual and emphasizes that labels and appearances should not hinder acts of love and kindness.
“Economic status, skin color, cultural background, nationality, degree of righteousness, social standing, or any other identifier or label is of no consequence to her. She sees with her heart; she sees the child of God in everyone.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Mosiah 18:8-9: “He inviteth them all to come unto him … , black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God.”
- D&C 18:10: “The one being is as precious in his sight as the other.”
The Gospel as the Great Equalizer
Elder Giraud-Carrier asserts that the gospel of Jesus Christ transcends cultural and social differences, uniting us as children of God. He calls for a deeper appreciation of the truth that we all share the same divine origin and limitless potential.
“We may have been raised in different cultures; we may come from different socioeconomic circumstances; our mortal heritage, including our nationality, skin color, food preferences, political orientation, etc., may vary greatly. But we are His children, all of us, without exception.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Romans 8:16: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
- 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.”
Covenant Belonging
Elder Giraud-Carrier introduces the concept of covenant belonging, emphasizing the power of sacred covenants to eliminate natural prejudices and biases. He encourages us to see each other through the lens of our shared devotion to the Savior, fostering unity and understanding.
“The gospel raises our sights and allows us to see each other through the flawless, unchanging lens of our sacred covenants. In so doing, we begin to eliminate our own natural prejudices and biases toward others, which in turn helps them minimize their prejudices and biases toward us, in a wonderful virtuous cycle.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 1 Corinthians 10:16-17: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
- D&C 42:45: “Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection.”
Interacting in a Higher, Holier Way
Elder Giraud-Carrier concludes with a quote from President Russell M. Nelson and a Primary song, urging us to treat others with love and kindness, not based on their actions or conformity but because it is the right thing to do.
“I testify that He whom we address as our Father in Heaven is indeed our Father, that He loves us, that He knows each of His children intimately, that He cares deeply about each one, and that we are truly all alike unto Him.”
Calls to Action:
- See people as God sees them, beyond labels and appearances.
- Embrace the gospel as the great equalizer and strive to eliminate prejudices and biases.
- Interact with others in a higher, holier way, showing love and kindness to all.