How does God want us to treat one another?
In general conference this weekend, Elder Gary B. Sabin quoted the following passage from Paul’s epistle to church members in Ephesus:
Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32
In the same session, Elder Ulisses Soares quoted part of the following passage from the same epistle:
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3
The word “forbear” means to hold back or to restrain an impulse. The Greek word, anechomai (ἀνέχομαι), can also be translated “put up with,” “bear with,” or “have patience with.” So forbearing one another means disciplining ourselves to show love to each other, including restraining words and actions which might be harmful.
As Alma counseled Shiblon, it means “[bridling] all [our] passions, that [we] may be filled with love” (Alma 38:12).
Today, I will strive to treat other people according to the patterns taught by Paul and by Alma. I will strive to be tenderhearted and longsuffering, humble and respectful. I will forbear others, disciplining myself to avoid harmful words and actions, giving them space and encouragement to grow and progress.