"Every Good Thing Which Is In You"

In Philemon, Paul wrote something that I believe applies to LGBT+ Mormons rather well:

"Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.  For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother." (Phil. 1:5-7) 

For clarification, I'll further define a few of the words in this scripture, according to the Greek to English translation of the New Testament.  "Communication" can also be translated as participation or fellowship, "effectual" could also mean active, and "bowels" is also defined as affections or compassion.  With that explanation, then, it becomes clear what doctrine is meant for us in this scripture, at least in part.  Jesus Christ gives everyone an individual purpose in this life, tailored according to their life circumstances, personality, spiritual upbringing, and more.  We all have the common purpose of seeking after our Savior in love and righteousness through His everlasting gospel.  But, in our own personal lives, we employ the virtue taught therein differently.  For example, a single working mother will likely utilize her virtue of patience far more and far differently than, say, her small children.  Likewise, a heterosexual member of the Church will practice charity differently whilst interacting with other members than a LGBT+ member will.  Both are definitely valid executions of this virtue, but diverging paths require one member to act in another way as compared to the other.  My purpose in composing this blog post today is to explore what OUR purpose is as LGBT+ children in our Father's kingdom, both now and in the hereafter of the Millenial Reign of Jesus Christ.  I do not wish to explore our purpose in terms of time, but instead what it is supposed to look like from day to day.  :)

Let's take this verse by verse, then.  The first one declares, "Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints."  I believe that our experiences, both positive and negative, as LGBT+ Mormons & individuals can yield an exceptional amount of empathy, love, compassion, faith in Christ, and more.  Perhaps this is why people in our community say we're "special" for being LGBT+ - because our adversity is often impossible to ignore as we suffer pain directly resulting from our diverse sexuality.  And yet, I cannot help but observe that virtue develops gradually in anyone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ.  So for those who choose to follow the Light from Heaven, yes, they will develop testimonies and be converted to Christ.  In this process, that love and faith mentioned above will blossom in their hearts, and they will inevitably share it with others in & out of the Church.  I think the golden message that lies within this verse is just that - ANY member can make a difference by inviting the love of Christ into their lives!!  Most particularly, the verse points this out by using the phrase, "Hearing of thy love and faith..."  I would view it as a good sign indeed if someone had actually heard of my love and faith towards the Savior, and also towards the other members of the Church!  That would mean that people I'm supposed to be spiritually touching first, such as friends and family, are being positively influenced by the love and faith I've intentionally chosen and maintained, despite fierce temptation and general opposition! 

Next verse - "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."  I feel like we, as LGBT+ Latter-Day Saints, so often seek to find our place within the figurative & literals walls of the Church.  For many of us, we often feel lonely, misunderstood, and even persecuted at times within our own wards. But, there is a solution. :)  Seeking out opportunities to both fellowship and participate in the gospel will largely eliminate those negative feelings, and will also prevent them from returning.  As part of this journey, I feel Paul's words speak very appropriately to the need for self-love among us.  Even Jesus had an unwavering, majestic aura of self-confidence - particularly when He was ministering to the Israelites according to His anointing, prophesied about in Isaiah 61:1-4.  Therefore, I feel it is perfectly fine to choose to love, over time, everything about ourselves - including the messy, dark, sinful, and weak parts within us.  It is only through becoming familiar with our undesirable parts within that we can have sufficient knowledge to replace them with goodness, light, and virtue.  And as we become familiar with those aspects of ourselves, we particularly must acknowledge "every good thing which is in (us) in Christ Jesus."  To me, this phrase of truth practically commands us to love & embrace every strength and spiritual gift which our Father has given to us!  It means that, through continuing prayer, study in the scriptures, positive inner conversations about ourselves, and more that we draw upon His grace to love ourselves!!  Satan hates himself.  He despises his own company, and so he tries so hard to get us to join him in his wretched misery and self-hatred.  But, we know better, and as Paul taught, "we are not ignorant of his devices (or, tricks)" (2nd Cor. 2:11)

Final verse states, "For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."  I testify that when we cultivate charity in our lives as much as possible, even seeking out the Savior's grace as needed for tough days, it creates joy and comfort (consolation) in others' lives!!!  Obviously sharing the Lord's love with and for others brightens their day, and leads them along the path of Light.  But, did you ever stop to wonder at how else it might create that joy & comfort for others?  I can think of one way! :)  I don't know about you, but whenever I see someone sharing their love with someone else, my heart thrills with a rapturous feeling of joy, because I love lifting others myself, and comfort, because it reinforces my deep, abiding faith in the inherent goodness & potential of humanity.  Even beyond this, it inspires others to act in a spirit of Love, by spreading the presence of the Spirit throughout others' lives!  How remarkable indeed to consider that you and I can have place in the Lord's Kingdom here in mortality, simply by turning outwards and sharing His love with His children. :)  This is what is meant by "the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother (or, sister)" :)  The inner affections and compassion of the Saints are stirred up, refreshed, and made new by the ones who at least try sometimes to share the Lord's love!  By giving Love selflessly, you and I are giving out God with each act of Love, because Love is His nature indeed (see 1st John 4:8).  And through the "giving out of God", you and I can spread healing, hope, comfort, faith, light, love, and more among everyone.  I testify that Christ can show us "every good thing" that is in us, if only we will let Him.  I love you guys!!! Until next time... :) :) :)