Intolerance

[bookofmormontruth]

For seasoned MD&DB veterans and faithful LDS members.

It is easy to do with honest truth seekers and honest critics, but how do you have consistent tolerance and understanding with the constant bickering, lying, faithless pot stirring, complaining and the likes toward our sacred faith?

I know it comes with the territory, but my only answer was to take a hiatus from the interwebs.

Yet, when I tried - I saw the same type of people in life constantly complaining about their job while thousands remain jobless or the people who complain and find everything "negative and wrong" with the USA, but safely enjoy all the freedoms and entitlements as an American. These examples are endless, but it is more blatant for me to see when "professed LDS members" are consistently finding "negative" in the Lord's Church, yet enjoy its blessings.

I am still young, but I almost feel I developed this intolerance in the pre-earth life when countless "sat on the fence" and I am not too optimistic that it will ever change in this life.

[Mars]

I secretly judge them. It makes me feel like I'm better than they are and then I get bonus points for being patient.

But seriously, it's a life long lesson of learning to let go of worrying about what you can't change. Your feelings are completely normal and expected. You do better some days than others. Some days you're touched that someone could be struggling, others you think everyone's out to get you. Some days it's honest discussion and inquiry, other days it's just mindless blather.

[mercyngrace]

...and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.

And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

[ERayR]

For seasoned MD&DB veterans and faithful LDS members.

It is easy to do with honest truth seekers and honest critics, but how do you have consistent tolerance and understanding with the constant bickering, lying, faithless pot stirring, complaining and the likes toward our sacred faith?

I know it comes with the territory, but my only answer was to take a hiatus from the interwebs.

Yet, when I tried - I saw the same type of people in life constantly complaining about their job while thousands remain jobless or the people who complain and find everything "negative and wrong" with the USA, but safely enjoy all the freedoms and entitlements as an American. These examples are endless, but it is more blatant for me to see when "professed LDS members" are consistently finding "negative" in the Lord's Church, yet enjoy its blessings.

I am still young, but I almost feel I developed this intolerance in the pre-earth life when countless "sat on the fence" and I am not too optimistic that it will ever change in this life.

First let me challenge you on there being countless fence sitters in the pre-mortal existence. Orson Pratt speculated that it was so and latter BH Roberts also commented on it. However, Brigham Young did not agree with that doctrine. And again a letter from the First Presidency, Joseph F. Smith, Anthon Lund and Charles Penrosespoke out against it in a letter from the First Presidency in Jan of 1912.

As for your question I have to step back and tell myself that I am responsible only for me and to some extent my family and what these others do is their own doing. Sometimes that works.

[ELF1024]

For seasoned MD&DB veterans and faithful LDS members.

It is easy to do with honest truth seekers and honest critics, but how do you have consistent tolerance and understanding with the constant bickering, lying, faithless pot stirring, complaining and the likes toward our sacred faith?

I know it comes with the territory, but my only answer was to take a hiatus from the interwebs.

Yet, when I tried - I saw the same type of people in life constantly complaining about their job while thousands remain jobless or the people who complain and find everything "negative and wrong" with the USA, but safely enjoy all the freedoms and entitlements as an American. These examples are endless, but it is more blatant for me to see when "professed LDS members" are consistently finding "negative" in the Lord's Church, yet enjoy its blessings.

I am still young, but I almost feel I developed this intolerance in the pre-earth life when countless "sat on the fence" and I am not too optimistic that it will ever change in this life.

It's one of the reasons I attempt to take at least the weekends off from the board. As I find myself being rather, uncharitable in my screamings at the monitor...

[bluebell]

Like MnG's verses said-prayer and the mercy of our Savior to help us overcome our weaknesses is the only way i've found to get over aspects of the natural man.

It's a journey, but i've found that with prayer, Heavenly Father guides us to the right circumstances that will help us to strengthen the weaknesses we are trying to overcome.

[mfbukowski]

For seasoned MD&DB veterans and faithful LDS members.

It is easy to do with honest truth seekers and honest critics, but how do you have consistent tolerance and understanding with the constant bickering, lying, faithless pot stirring, complaining and the likes toward our sacred faith?

I know it comes with the territory, but my only answer was to take a hiatus from the interwebs.

Yet, when I tried - I saw the same type of people in life constantly complaining about their job while thousands remain jobless or the people who complain and find everything "negative and wrong" with the USA, but safely enjoy all the freedoms and entitlements as an American. These examples are endless, but it is more blatant for me to see when "professed LDS members" are consistently finding "negative" in the Lord's Church, yet enjoy its blessings.

I am still young, but I almost feel I developed this intolerance in the pre-earth life when countless "sat on the fence" and I am not too optimistic that it will ever change in this life.

Wait until you are a bishop

We are all complaining children. I don't know how Heavenly Father puts up with us- other than by knowing that we are all babies, crying and squabbling with each other continuously, he loves us anyway.

This life is just Nursery- some of us make it to Sunbeams, others just stay in Nursery forever.

[bookofmormontruth]

I secretly judge them. It makes me feel like I'm better than they are and then I get bonus points for being patient.

But seriously, it's a life long lesson of learning to let go of worrying about what you can't change. Your feelings are completely normal and expected. You do better some days than others. Some days you're touched that someone could be struggling, others you think everyone's out to get you. Some days it's honest discussion and inquiry, other days it's just mindless blather.

Thanks for sharing, that helps.

I wouldn't define it as "worrying" about what I can't change though. The people who have "struggled" in my life, it has been very easy to be there for them. The interwebs seem to be a different beast that has no comparison to real life experiences. I feel there is a big difference between someone who is sincerely struggling to someone who has already made a conclusion and only wants to seed doubt to reaffirm their own decisions. Maybe, I need to learn that they are all the same and need to be consistent with them all, hard to do!

[bookofmormontruth]

...and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.

And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

As always, one of the best examples on here. Thanks for collectively raising the bar for us.

[Calm]

For seasoned MD&DB veterans and faithful LDS members.

It is easy to do with honest truth seekers and honest critics, but how do you have consistent tolerance and understanding with the constant bickering, lying, faithless pot stirring, complaining and the likes toward our sacred faith?....These examples are endless, but it is more blatant for me to see when "professed LDS members" are consistently finding "negative" in the Lord's Church, yet enjoy its blessings.

I am still young, but I almost feel I developed this intolerance in the pre-earth life when countless "sat on the fence" and I am not too optimistic that it will ever change in this life.

Ignore is a wonderful function. That way if I read a comment that hits me the wrong way, it is usually in a post that is already responding to it and so the need to instantly respond isn't there and by reading that response I get a chance to compare my own response to someone else's and that generally helps me figure out whether it is appropriate or over the top.

Also I get up and leave the computer if I start getting overly emotional about a discussion and take a break with something positive. Generally when I come back to the screen, I then find the situations more amusing due to the absurdity of it all than distressing.

PS: I believe it was Brigham Young who said that no one 'sat on the fence' in the Pre-existence.(nice to see my memory is not off)

[bookofmormontruth]

It's one of the reasons I attempt to take at least the weekends off from the board. As I find myself being rather, uncharitable in my screamings at the monitor...

The "screamings" are definitely entertaining though!

[Calm]

Thanks for sharing, that helps.

I wouldn't define it as "worrying" about what I can't change though. The people who have "struggled" in my life, it has been very easy to be there for them. The interwebs seem to be a different beast that has no comparison to real life experiences. I feel there is a big difference between someone who is sincerely struggling to someone who has already made a conclusion and only wants to seed doubt to reaffirm their own decisions. Maybe, I need to learn that they are all the same and need to be consistent with them all, hard to do!

If someone is investing personal time to attack someone else or is trying to sabotage someone else's faith, there is most definitely something they are struggling with...though quite possibly it has nothing to do with what they are currently complaining about.

[bookofmormontruth]

"Fence sitters" was not the most appropriate term, I apologize.

I should have described them as "they" and "them" as found in Abraham 3:25. According to what I was taught, this is not faithful members, but the world to be given another "chance" to see if they will do all things worthy for exaltation. This could be another thread I have always thought of doing.

[Deborah]

It's one of the reasons I attempt to take at least the weekends off from the board. As I find myself being rather, uncharitable in my screamings at the monitor...

I can relate. I often have to change a whole response so I don't come across as irritated as I feel.

[Deborah]

If someone is investing personal time to attack someone else or is trying to sabotage someone else's faith, there is most definitely something they are struggling with...though quite possibly it has nothing to do with what they are currently complaining about.

I agree.

I would also like to respond to the OP, that this is why I've never visited the anti-Mo sites that others seem to like. I just don't want all that negativity in my life. You'd think if people were really happy where they are they wouldn't start complaining to an anonymous group about how miserable they are because of what they perceive as being misled, deceived, short-changed, or whatever. Move on. That's why I like Mudcat. He isn't of our faith but he shares his faith and I often find myself in agreement with him.

[ELF1024]

I would also like to respond to the OP, that this is why I've never visited the anti-Mo sites that others seem to like. I just don't want all that negativity in my life.

I find more than enough negativity here that I don't feel I need to go to anti-mo sites to find it.

[Alla]

For seasoned MD&DB veterans and faithful LDS members.

It is easy to do with honest truth seekers and honest critics, but how do you have consistent tolerance and understanding with the constant bickering, lying, faithless pot stirring, complaining and the likes toward our sacred faith?

Ignore them. And remember: they don't understand us, we don't understand them.

Yet' date=' when I tried - I saw the same type of people in life constantly complaining about their job while thousands remain jobless or the people who complain and find everything "negative and wrong" with the USA, but safely enjoy all the freedoms and entitlements as an American. These examples are endless, but it is more blatant for me to see when "professed LDS members" are consistently finding "negative" in the Lord's Church, yet enjoy its blessings.

[/quote']

I just mind my own busyness. It is their problem. If I can help them with something I will.

I was born in Ukraine but I am s citizen of USA. And I know many Russians who complaine about America. I always tell them:"go back to Russia or Ukraine." They have nothing to say.

P.S.I like all the answers in this topic. It is so wonderful to be here (on this forum) where there are so many people of my faith and we can understand each other.

[consiglieri]

I am still young, but I almost feel I developed this intolerance in the pre-earth life when countless "sat on the fence" and I am not too optimistic that it will ever change in this life.

Intolerance is a virtue that should be cultivated.

Shallow soil is preferred.

All the Best!

--Consiglieri

[blueadept]

I believe being a little 'thick-skinned' is a prerequisite if you are to be a contributor on this site regardless of where your beliefs happen to be. None the less, I like calmoriah response...

Ignore is a wonderful function. That way if I read a comment that hits me the wrong way, it is usually in a post that is already responding to it and so the need to instantly respond isn't there and by reading that response I get a chance to compare my own response to someone else's and that generally helps me figure out whether it is appropriate or over the top.

I will always read the posts from those I have on my ignore list, but it keeps me from overreacting if I run across their posts by accident. The ignore button allows me to calm down prior to opening the post. Certain posters on certain days can have that affect but I see no advantage in allowing my blood preesure to rise just because.

Also I get up and leave the computer if I start getting overly emotional about a discussion and take a break with something positive. Generally when I come back to the screen, I then find the situations more amusing due to the absurdity of it all than distressing.

I believe we all do this on occasion. A good, ocasional stress reliever.

[bookofmormontruth]

Intolerance is a virtue that should be cultivated.

Shallow soil is preferred.

All the Best!

--Consiglieri

You have me pegged! I am intolerant to faithless pot stirrers.

But what do you expect? I was raised in a "racist" Church that has "racist" leaders.

[bookofmormontruth]

I believe being a little 'thick-skinned' is a prerequisite if you are to be a contributor on this site regardless of where your beliefs happen to be. None the less, I like calmoriah response...

I will always read the posts from those I have on my ignore list, but it keeps me from overreacting if I run across their posts by accident. The ignore button allows me to calm down prior to opening the post. Certain posters on certain days can have that affect but I see no advantage in allowing my blood preesure to rise just because.

I believe we all do this on occasion. A good, ocasional stress reliever.

Good tips, thanks!

I guess I have to admit, I do enjoy the antagonizers. They are entertaining and definitely don't increase the blood pressure, I just have to work on my approach like what mercyngrace stated in doing.

[Alla]

Good tips, thanks!

I guess I have to admit, I do enjoy the antagonizers. They are entertaining and definitely don't increase the blood pressure, I just have to work on my approach like what mercyngrace stated in doing.

Where do you talk to them? On different forums? If yes, what kind of forums? Thanks.

[Calm]

P.S.I like all the answers in this topic. It is so wonderful to be here (on this forum) where there are so many people of my faith and we can understand each other.

I have been greatly enjoying your comments, glad you found us.

[Calm]

I will always read the posts from those I have on my ignore list, but it keeps me from overreacting if I run across their posts by accident. The ignore button allows me to calm down prior to opening the post. Certain posters on certain days can have that affect but I see no advantage in allowing my blood preesure to rise just because.

I always tell myself if I choose to open up an ignored user, that it's my own fault if I get upset, lol. I also have put some on ignore to avoid being 'ambushed' because they are good at pushing my buttons and I don't like being manipulated that way,

[Deborah]

I have been greatly enjoying your comments, glad you found us.

Agreed.

We had a poster on here who hasn't been on for awhile, Maya, for whom English was also a second language, but she always had such great insights. I love seeing members of the church from different nationalities yet whose thoughts are so in tune with mine.