President Russell M. Nelson

Following the Savior’s Example: Choosing Peace over Anger

Jesus and child by Carl Bloch

by John Fisher

In his April 2023 General Conference address, Peacemakers Needed, President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, issued a profound invitation to become peacemakers. In a world rife with anger and contention, he urged individuals to choose reconciliation, charity, and Christlike love to build stronger, more peaceful relationships.

Summary

President Nelson’s message centers on the transformative power of peacemaking in daily interactions. Drawing from personal experiences and teachings of Jesus Christ, he identifies contention as a choice that harms relationships and drives away the Spirit. He calls on followers of Christ to rise above bitterness, replace animosity with understanding, and demonstrate charity—"the pure love of Christ."

He highlights the Savior's example as the ultimate peacemaker, encouraging listeners to reflect Christ’s love in all areas of life, including family, church, work, and online. President Nelson emphasizes that true disciples of Jesus Christ build, lift, and inspire, becoming instruments of peace in a divided world.

President Nelson shared a powerful personal story from his early years as a surgeon. While assisting in a difficult operation to amputate a leg infected with gangrene, tensions escalated when a team member performed a task poorly. The lead surgeon erupted in anger, losing control of his emotions and throwing a scalpel loaded with dangerous germs. Shockingly, the contaminated scalpel struck President Nelson’s forearm.

Although he was fortunate not to become infected, the experience left a deep impression. In that moment, President Nelson made two personal commitments: he would never lose control of his emotions in the operating room, and he would never throw anything in anger—whether scalpels or words. This vow extended beyond his professional life, shaping his resolve to control his temper and choose peace over anger in all aspects of life.

This experience served as a lifelong reminder of how destructive uncontrolled anger can be. He drew a parallel between the "contaminated scalpel" and the "venomous contention" present in today's world, emphasizing that anger and harsh words can harm others just as deeply as a physical wound. His story highlights the importance of self-control, compassion, and the commitment to treat others with respect and understanding.

10 Quotes from President Nelson

  1. “Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.”
  2. “True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.”
  3. “Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions.”
  4. “How we treat each other really matters! How we speak to and about others really matters.”
  5. “Charity is the antidote to contention. Charity defines a peacemaker.”
  6. “Contention drives away the Spirit—every time.”
  7. “Now is the time to bury your weapons of war.”
  8. “If your verbal arsenal is filled with insults and accusations, now is the time to put them away.”
  9. “Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what [Jesus Christ] would.”
  10. “Let us show that there is a peaceful, respectful way to resolve complex issues and work out disagreements.”

Conclusion

President Nelson’s call to become peacemakers is both timely and essential. By choosing reconciliation over contention, individuals can heal relationships, uplift others, and reflect the Savior’s love in their daily lives. As we embrace charity and humility, we help create a more peaceful, Christ-centered world.

Reference

Nelson, R. M. (2023, April). Peacemakers Needed. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/47nelson?lang=eng

Keywords

Peacemaking, charity, contention, Christlike love, reconciliation

Hashtags

#PeacemakersNeeded #ChooseCharity #FollowTheSavior #BuildBridges #BeChristlike

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