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The Measure of True Discipleship
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf begins his message by testifying that love is the defining mark of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Quoting the Savior’s words, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35), he teaches that our love for God and His children serves as a powerful and visible testimony to the world that this is truly the Savior’s Church.
A Personal Story from Southern Germany
Elder Uchtdorf shares a touching personal experience that illustrates this principle:
While traveling through southern Germany before Easter, he and Sister Uchtdorf invited a nonmember friend to attend Sunday worship with them. The branch met in rented rooms above a grocery store, with a less-than-ideal setting—odors from stored goods, imperfect singing, and noisy children during sacrament meeting. Elder Uchtdorf was internally cringing, worried that the experience would be a poor representation of the Church.
However, after the meetings, the friend surprised him by saying:
“That was beautiful… I’m so impressed with how people treat each other in your church… This is what I imagine Christ wanted His Church to be like.”
This moment humbled Elder Uchtdorf. He realized that while he had hoped for a picture-perfect Church experience, what truly mattered was the “heart-perfect spirit” the branch members had shown. Their genuine love and kindness had done more to represent the Church than polished programs ever could.
The Essence of the Church
Elder Uchtdorf bears testimony of the Church’s divine nature, emphasizing:
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It is the Savior’s true and living Church.
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It holds His priesthood power and authority.
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It is led by Jesus Christ through living prophets, including President Russell M. Nelson.
However, he reminds listeners that when visitors come to church, they aren’t usually focused on doctrine or prophetic authority. What they remember most is how they are treated and how they feel among the Saints.
“Very often, a person’s first testimony of Jesus Christ comes when he or she feels love among disciples of Jesus Christ.”
The Ideal vs. The Real
Elder Uchtdorf acknowledges the gap between the ideal (what the Church strives to be) and the real (our current, imperfect reality). He reassures us that imperfections—whether in the Church or in ourselves—do not disqualify us from participating in God’s work.
Quoting the Book of Mormon’s title page, he reminds us:
“If there are faults, they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God.”
Rather than abandoning the ideal when faced with shortcomings, we should:
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Be patient with one another.
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Strive to align our hearts with Christ.
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Remember that with the Lord’s help, nothing is impossible.
Fit and Belonging
Elder Uchtdorf addresses those who feel like they don’t quite “fit in”—perhaps because of background, personality, or life circumstances. Drawing from personal experience as a displaced child with a noticeable accent, he affirms:
“From His perspective, there is one category that comes before all others: child of God. And we all fit perfectly in this one.”
The Church is not united by appearance, political views, or culture, but by:
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Our love for God and neighbor.
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Our commitment to Christ.
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Our shared desire to follow Him.
“The unity we seek is not to have everyone stand in the same place; it is to have everyone face in the same direction—toward Jesus Christ.”
One Body, Many Roles
In the body of Christ, each person—regardless of how different—has a role:
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Some are like ears, some like eyes.
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Some are hands, some are feet.
“If you’re earnestly seeking to keep the Savior’s commandments—even though you’re not perfect at it yet—then you are a perfect fit for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
Being different doesn’t make someone a misfit; it makes them a vital part of the whole. Each member has both something to contribute and something to learn.
One Voice, Many Parts
Elder Uchtdorf compares the Church to a choir. Just as choir members sing different notes, yet harmonize with the same goal—to praise God—so too can we be diverse yet unified.
“They truly become one voice.”
A Loving Invitation
To those not yet members of the Church, Elder Uchtdorf extends a heartfelt invitation:
“We need you. We love you. The Church will be better with your efforts to serve the Lord and His children.”
To current members, he offers gratitude and encouragement to continue living up to the ideals of Christlike love.
He concludes:
“Our love for God and His children is a powerful testimony to the world that this is truly the Savior’s Church.”
10 Questions
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When people interact with me, do they feel Christ’s love through my words and actions?
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Am I more focused on outward appearances or on the condition of the heart?
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Do I allow imperfections in Church meetings to overshadow the spirit of the gospel?
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How do I treat people who are new to the Church or different from me?
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Am I willing to love others, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable?
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Have I contributed to the unity of my ward or branch?
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Do I believe there’s a place for me—even with my imperfections—in the body of Christ?
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Am I patient with the gap between the “ideal” and the “real” in Church life?
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How can I better align my heart with Jesus Christ?
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What role can I play in helping others feel like they belong in the Savior’s Church?
dyejo
Guest Author
