Our attitude determines how we evaluate our life's experiences. They determine how we evaluate ourselves. They also govern how we look at other people. Are we inclined to judge an eternal soul by the appearance of an earthly body? Do we see the beautiful soul of a brother or sister or do we only see that person's earthly tabernacle? Bodies can be distorted by handicap, twisted by injury or worn by age. But if we can learn to see the inner man and woman, we will be seeing as God sees and loving as He loves.
Dallin H. OaksLife is full of physical infirmities that some might see as discriminations - total paralysis or serious mental impairment being two that are relevant to marriage. If we believe in God and believe in His mercy and His justice, it won't do to say that these are discriminations because God wouldn't discriminate. We are in no condition to judge what discrimination is. We rest on our faith in God and our utmost assurance of His mercy and His love for all of His children.
Dallin H. OaksIn order to ask with real intent or to act with full purpose of heart, we must always make an accompanying commitment.
Dallin H. OaksTolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one anotherโs differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning oneโs standards or oneโs opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination.
Dallin H. OaksThe greatest power God has given to His sons cannot be exercised without the companionship of one of his daughters, because only to his daughters has God given the power to be a creator of bodies so that Godโs design and the great plan might meet fruition.
Dallin H. OaksWe urge persons with same-gender attractions to control those and to refrain from acting upon them, which is a sin, just as we urge persons with heterosexual attractions to refrain from acting upon them until they have the opportunity for a marriage recognized by God as well as by the law of the land. That is the way to happiness and eternal life.
Dallin H. Oaks