Elder Gary E. Stevenson
Our ability to follow Jesus Christ depends upon our strength and power to live the first and second commandments with balance and equal devotion.
A Magnificent Suspension Bridge
Elder Stevenson shares his fascination with bridges, using the Golden Gate Bridge as an analogy to illustrate the importance of the two great commandments. He describes the engineering marvel and strength of the bridge, likening it to the commandments to love God and love our neighbors. These two commandments are like the twin towers of a suspension bridge, essential for the stability and function of our spiritual lives.
“On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Matthew 22:37-40: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
- John 13:34: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
Love the Lord
To love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind is the first and great commandment. Elder Stevenson explains that this love involves our entire being, and we show it through daily acts of devotion and obedience. He shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how loving God can be integrated into our everyday lives.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- John 14:15: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
- Mosiah 2:41: “And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.”
Love Your Neighbor
The second great commandment, to love our neighbor as ourselves, is equally vital. Elder Stevenson highlights the interconnectedness of loving God and loving others, sharing examples of Christlike service and kindness. He emphasizes that true discipleship includes reaching out to and uplifting those around us.
“Giving help to others—making a conscientious effort to care about others as much as or more than we care about ourselves—is our joy.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Mosiah 4:16: “And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need.”
- Matthew 25:40: “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
An Interdependency
Elder Stevenson discusses the interdependence between the two great commandments. Just as the towers of a suspension bridge must work together to hold the bridge, our efforts to love God and our neighbor must be balanced and harmonious. He warns against focusing too much on one commandment to the detriment of the other.
“Our ability to follow Jesus Christ depends upon our strength and power to live the first and second commandments with balance and equal devotion to both.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 1 John 4:20: “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
- James 2:8: “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well.”
Building Our Own Bridge
Elder Stevenson encourages us to start building our spiritual bridges by setting realistic goals and making consistent efforts to love God and our neighbors. Over time, these efforts will strengthen our faith and devotion, helping us to live more fully the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“We build our personal spiritual bridge with hearts and minds devoted to Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son as well as to our brothers and sisters with whom we work, play, and live.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 2 Nephi 25:23: “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God.”
- Alma 37:6: “Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”
Calls to Action
- “Love the Father and the Son through the payment of tithes, keeping the Sabbath day holy, living a virtuous and chaste life, and being obedient.”
- “Seek out those who are hurt and broken, the marginalized, for ‘all are alike unto God.’”
- “Show reverence for things sacred and let go of grudges, forgive enemies, and assist the elderly.”
- “Set realistic goals to understand the Lord’s gospel more or to vow to judge others less.”