I can’t love this enough. It’s such a peaceful feeling when you realize you’ve just read the answer to a prayer you’ve had. Thank you.
Jim HarrisJune 18, 2021
Sister Hilton, thank you for your insights. I am fairly well versed in Church history and doctrine and usually am prepared to answer a question if needed. The challenge I sometimes encounter is the attitude of the questioner. If the question is asked in a condescending or snide way, I will not say anything because I wish to avoid contention (see 3 Nephi 11:28-30 and Doctrine and Covenants 10:63). The problem with doing nothing is that I leave other class members vulnerable who may have lingering doubts.
A second issue with some questioners is that once you answer one question it opens a litany of subsequent questions, some which cannot be easily answered. I wish I could find a way for them to ponder on the one answer they were given and seek the confirmation of the Spirit. In a sense they are “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).
For me, our goal is for each of us to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ. I want to do what I can to help myself and others to become better disciples of the Savior. One challenge for me is to find a better way to deal with those who ask questions in a less than pleasant way. As the Savior said, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Wherefore, settle this in your hearts, that ye will do the things which I shall teach, and command you” (JST 14:27-28).
It is refreshing when the questioner is in a good spirit and the people providing assistance are all in the right spirit, and all "are edified and rejoice together" (doctrine and Covenants 50:21-22).
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Angie MannJune 23, 2021
I can’t love this enough. It’s such a peaceful feeling when you realize you’ve just read the answer to a prayer you’ve had. Thank you.
Jim HarrisJune 18, 2021
Sister Hilton, thank you for your insights. I am fairly well versed in Church history and doctrine and usually am prepared to answer a question if needed. The challenge I sometimes encounter is the attitude of the questioner. If the question is asked in a condescending or snide way, I will not say anything because I wish to avoid contention (see 3 Nephi 11:28-30 and Doctrine and Covenants 10:63). The problem with doing nothing is that I leave other class members vulnerable who may have lingering doubts. A second issue with some questioners is that once you answer one question it opens a litany of subsequent questions, some which cannot be easily answered. I wish I could find a way for them to ponder on the one answer they were given and seek the confirmation of the Spirit. In a sense they are “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). For me, our goal is for each of us to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ. I want to do what I can to help myself and others to become better disciples of the Savior. One challenge for me is to find a better way to deal with those who ask questions in a less than pleasant way. As the Savior said, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Wherefore, settle this in your hearts, that ye will do the things which I shall teach, and command you” (JST 14:27-28). It is refreshing when the questioner is in a good spirit and the people providing assistance are all in the right spirit, and all "are edified and rejoice together" (doctrine and Covenants 50:21-22).
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