October 2006 Ensign - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

ILLUSTRATIONS BY GREGG THORKELSON
Loving Families,
Different Faiths
Gospel principles—particularly
respect, love, and prayer—have
blessed my own part-member
family.
BY ELDER WALTER F. GONZÁLEZ
Of the Seventy
Many Latter-day Saints, particularly
new members, face the important
task of learning how to relate positively
with family members of other faiths.
Even the Savior had family members who
did not share His beliefs. In the Bible we
read, “For neither did his brethren believe
in him” (John 7:5).
It is not uncommon for family members
to have mistaken ideas about The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Loving and
clear communication can do much to
ease any tension that may arise in
these situations. I joined the Church
when I was a teenager. Shortly
after my baptism, I
learned that my Catholic
grandmother believed I
would no longer consider
myself her grandson due to my
newfound faith. What a relief it
was when I was able to clear up this
misunderstanding!
We can strengthen our relationships
with each other by demonstrating that the
teachings of the gospel are intended to
strengthen all families, regardless of individual
beliefs. Many of these teachings are expressed
in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,”
which states, “Successful marriages and families
are established and maintained on principles
of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness,
respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome
recreational activities.” 1
Any family that lives by these principles
will gather the fruits thereof. I have seen how
these principles—particularly respect, love,
and prayer—have
blessed my own partmember
family.
ENSIGN OCTOBER 2006 17