The Light of Christ

How would you treat people if you really believed that Jesus enlightens everyone? How would you treat people who disagree with you, people who are hard to get along with, or even people who have hurt you?

John said that Jesus “was the true Light, which lighteth every man [and woman] that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). Mormon said that “the Spirit of Christ is given to every man [and woman]” and that “the light by which [we] may judge…is the light of Christ” (Moroni 7:16, 18). And in an 1832 revelation, the Lord told Joseph Smith, “The Spirit giveth light to every man [and woman] that cometh into the world” Then, He added, “Every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:46-47).

Here are some practical implications of that doctrine:

• When we are depressed, we can remember that the light of Christ still burns within us. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “Before you ever received the gift of the Holy Ghost, you had the Light of Christ planted in your soul, that ‘light which is in all things, … giveth life to all things,’and is the influence for good in the hearts of all people who have ever lived or ever will live. That light was given to protect you and teach you” (“Fear Not: Believe Only!” General Conference, April 2022).
• We can help other people find the light in themselves. Elder D. Todd Christofferson said, “If the love of Christ dwells in us, others will know that our love for them is genuine. If the light of the Holy Spirit burns within us, it will rekindle the Light of Christ within them” (“Sharing the Message of the Restoration and the Resurrection,” General Conference, April 2022).
• We can be more aware and supportive of the good done by people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. President Dallin H. Oaks taught that by the light of Christ, “all the children of God are enlightened to serve Him and one another to the best of their knowledge and ability.” He added, “God inspires many organizations and individuals to do much good…. More of us should be recognizing the good done by others and supporting it as we have the time and means to do so” (“Helping the Poor and Distressed,” General Conference, October 2022).

Today I will remember that the Savior enlightens all of us. I will strive to find that flame within myself and the people I interact with. I will be more aware of the good done by others because of that light.