There are few people in this world who do not wish to be lifted up or honored in some way. Whether in conversation or collaboration with friends and acquaintances, everyone appreciates being respected and valued—no one enjoys being looked down upon. Because of this natural desire, relationships can sometimes feel burdensome or even stressful. This challenge is often one of the most difficult aspects of gospel work. How beautiful it would be if we could simply yield to one another and care sincerely for each other. Yet so often, people insist, “This is right,” or, “No, that is right,” and such clashing of opinions leads to disagreements, and unintentionally, even hurt.
God teaches us that love is the greatest of all (1 Co 13:13). True love places others before oneself. It is a heart that feels the pain of others even before one’s own. Though it is not easy to take on the heart of God, we must be transformed by love if we are to enter the kingdom of heaven. Let us strive to become such people.
Our Heavenly Father said, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Pe 5:6–9). He also taught, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Mt 23:12). A humble heart allows us to recognize that others may also have valid perspectives. Without humility, we cling to our own opinions, and that is stubbornness. When we approach our brothers and sisters with a humble heart, God’s promise will surely be fulfilled: He will lift us up at the proper time, and ultimately we will reach the kingdom of heaven. This is why He has given us so many teachings about humility.
In Zion, we are all spiritual brothers and sisters; there is no higher or lower among us, for we are one family. When someone doesn’t know something, we teach them with kindness. When we have something delicious, we joyfully share it. When it’s hot or cold, we look after one another with care. This is the heart of a true family. Zion should always be a warm and welcoming place, where the love of a family is deeply felt. Each of our brothers and sisters is a precious soul—so valuable that God Himself gave His life to save them. When we greet one another with joy and treat each other with warmth, we bring great delight to our Father in heaven.
We once lived in the splendor of heaven, but now we journey through a world full of hardships. After a long, exhausting day at work, when someone comes to church weary and a brother or sister, filled with God’s love, greets them warmly, that single greeting can lift their spirits and renew their strength. Although a greeting may seem like a small gesture, a heartfelt greeting has the power to encourage the one who receives it and bring joy to the one who gives it. It strengthens faith and stirs up a deeper love to save even one more soul. There is a saying: “One kind word can repay a thousand debts.” In the same way, one warm greeting can revive a weary soul. To offer such love, we must first humble ourselves. When we have a heart that considers others greater than ourselves, greetings flow naturally, and we bow with ease.
Let us live a life of faith by humbling ourselves and lifting others up, just as God’s word teaches us. Sharing the truth is important, but acts of love that warm the heart are the true foundation. Even if a tree bears fruit, without love, the fruit will eventually wither and fall away. This is why our Father has taught us to be united and to live together in harmony.
As children who have learned from our Father, Christ Ahnsahnghong, let us always greet one another warmly, speak gently, and talk kindly. Let us offer words that comfort, encourage, and uplift, rather than words that criticize or wound (Eph 4:25–29). In doing so, we will bear abundant fruit. Just as a tree blooms and bears fruit when it receives good nourishment, our brothers and sisters, when they hear nourishing and beautiful words, gain strength and are able to bear fruit as well. Let us obey our Father’s teachings and live a gospel life that brings Him great joy. May you dwell forever in the heavenly kingdom—a place so beautiful and overflowing with joy that human words cannot fully express it—and may you bear rich and plentiful fruits of love.
