"Conflict is inevitable. It is a condition of mortality. It is part of our test. Contention, however, is a choice. It is one way that some people choose to respond to conflict.
"When we contend with others, we cause discord, dissension, resentment, and even rage. Harmful emotions almost always accompany contention: anger, hurt, jealousy, hostility, revenge, and malice—to name just a few.
...
"We cannot adjust the volume on others’ bitterness, wrath, or rage. We can, however, choose our response. We can choose a better way—the Lord’s way. Of course this is easy to say and difficult to do.
"To refrain from contending requires great discipline. But that’s what it means to be a disciple.
...
"We cannot force anyone to change. But we can love them. We can be an example of what the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. And we can invite all to come and belong.
"When others throw insults at us, do we return fire?
"There is a better way—the Lord’s way: To some, we say nothing. To others, we state with quiet dignity who we are, what we believe, and why we believe. We stand confident in our faith in God, trusting that He will uphold us in our trials.
"Let us emulate the gentle Christ. And we do that through learning to love God and reaching out to bless others. Yes, there will still be conflict. But our all-powerful Father in Heaven has promised that He will fight our battles for us."
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Five Messages That All of God’s Children Need to Hear," 17 Aug 2021, https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/dieter-f-uchtdorf/five-messages-that-all-of-gods-children-need-to-hear/
As adapted in BYU Magazine, Winter 2022 issue, https://magazine.byu.edu/article/5-messages/
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