This weekend is the semi annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It happens the first weekend of April and October. I absolutely love General Conference weekend, and look forward to it twice a year. Throughout the coming months, I will listen to and study the talks and gain my own understanding and knowledge as I go along. I am so grateful for the leaders of my Church who speak at each one of these.

There is one more session today to listen to, but there is one phrase from yesterday that has stood out to me more than all the others. I don’t even remember who spoke it or the exact quote, but this is what the Spirit spoke to my heart: Jesus wasn’t concerned about the politics of His day, He was concerned about the people.

He came to share light, hope, healing, forgiveness, and especially His and our Heavenly Father’s love for us. He did so by caring for the one, regardless of who they were, what they had done, the sickness they endured, the social status they held, each was a brother or sister in need of His care. Each was given His attention and love.

We live in a world that is divided and divisive toward one another, that has a sickness incurable by modern medicine. We live in a world where political affiliation means more than character, more than humanity, and where people don’t see each other as human beings, let alone brothers or sister, but as objects to be acted upon according to the dictates of their politics.

But Jesus Christ taught differently. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right, but He also did so in compassion, teaching correct principles. He never budged on truth, on obedience, on doing what was right, but He also allowed each person to learn at their own pace, and gave grace in abundance. He never condoned those things that went contrary to what was right, what was true, but He also never stopped loving those who chose different paths. Ultimately He alone will be the judge of who we each have become, not the political leaders of our day.

I don’t think it’s wise to be unaware of what goes on around me, but I do feel I need to be less concerned with politics and more concerned with people. Less concerned with what the world thinks I should be doing, and more concerned with what Jesus Christ would have me do and become. I know that Jesus Christ is real and that He lives. I know He is aware of me personally. I know that nothing that is happening today, or will happen in the future will be a shock to Him. He knows the beginning from the end, and He knows that it’s not about the politics, but about the people. He will help each person who turns to Him, I know that because He helps me every single day.