Overview 

• Task: Read a General Conference talk, share what you learn, and advise on different conflict situations. 
• Purpose: To learn more about conflict and contention.

Background

The need for peace in our day is great. Wars rage both in the world and in the hearts of men—maybe even in your own heart. Perhaps you’ve asked yourself, “Where can I turn for peace?”  

Instructions

1. Pick any General Conference talk that teaches how to deal with conflict in this world or in your heart. You are welcome to find your own talk, but here’s a list of examples:     
   • Peacemakers Needed
   • The Power of Spiritual Momentum
   • One in Christ
   • Following Jesus: Becoming a Peacemaker
   • Love your Enemiesi
   • Loving Others and Living with Difference
   • The Canker of Contention
2. Read your talk at least twice to ensure you comprehend its full meaning.  

Initial Post - Due Midweek

In your WhatsApp group 

1. Start your post with the name of the talk you studied. It is fine if more than one student chooses the same talk.  
   Example: [“The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity”] 
2. Summarize what you learn about contention or conflict. Include one brief quote from the talk you studied and why you chose that quote.  
3. Write a short scene about a conflict and request feedback from the group. 

Responses - Due End of the Week

1. Read two other posts from your peers, responding to their question/scene. Apply the advice/information from the talk’s summary.
2. Check in to the WhatsApp group on at least two separate days. 
3. Respond to the questions asked on your original post.
4. Indicate you are done with your assignment by going to the W06 Discussion: Where Can I Turn for Peace assignment in Canvas and doing the following:
   • Select Start Assignment of this Canvas assignment
   • Copy/paste the text of your initial WhatsApp post in the Text Entry box
   • Include which days and dates you posted. One day should be before the midweek deadline. 
   • Summarize one interaction where a classmate responded to your question. Summarize an interaction when you responded to a question on another student's post. Include each student's name.
   • Select Submit Assignment.
   • (Your assignment will not be graded unless you complete this step.)

Omari’s Example on WhatsApp

“The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity”  

In 2021, Elder Renlund gave a talk about how the love of Christ can help us in our disagreements. He pointed out that the world knows Christians because they love one another—this is our defining characteristic. Contention is unhealthy in our hearts, robbing us of peace. He reminded us that when Jesus visited America "there was no contention in all the land,” even though there were obviously differences. However, they placed their discipleship of the Savior above everything. You can disagree without being rude or angry.   

He said, “When we contend with each other in anger, Satan laughs and the God of heaven weeps.” I chose this quote because it helps me see the bigger picture with contention. I never want to be the cause of our Father’s tears.  

SCENE: Imagine your child is being bullied by another child. How do you respond without creating contention using Elder Renlund’s advice?       

Example of Feedback to Omari’s WhatsApp Post 

It would be hard not to be angry at a bully to my child! If this were my situation, I would apply Elder Renlund’s talk by praying first to heal the contention in my heart. I would remember that I am a disciple of the Savior. Because my child is young, I first would reach out to the parents of the bully. I would make them aware of the situation with kindness but also directness with the goal to resolve this conflict so my child is safe. I would hope that by talking it through with them, we can resolve the situation.  

Example of Omari’s submission to be graded in Canvas 

My initial post:  “The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity”  In 2021, Elder Renlund gave a talk about how the love of Christ can help us in our disagreements. He pointed out that the world knows Christians because they love one another—this is our defining characteristic. Contention is unhealthy in our hearts, robbing us of peace. He reminded us that when Jesus visited America "there was no contention in all the land,” even though there were obviously differences. However, they placed their discipleship of the Savior above everything. You can disagree without being rude or angry.   He said, “When we contend with each other in anger, Satan laughs and the God of heaven weeps.” I chose this quote because it helps me see the bigger picture with contention. I never want to be the cause of our Father’s tears.  SCENE: Imagine your child is being bullied by another child. How do you respond without creating contention using Elder Renlund’s advice?       

My days: I posted on Monday Jan 1 and Friday Jan 5. 

My interaction: Gael replied to my scenerio about the bully that he would pray before contacting the other child's parents. He said he would want peace. Andrea summarized a talk by President Nelson and gave us an example about having peace when your roommate had a cat in our apartment and knows it is not allowed. She asked how we could still have peace with her. I responded to her question by reminding that "Conflict doesn't have to be contention." I would use "I" language and tell my roommate that I felt uncomfortable with her breaking these rules and ask her why she was doing it and what we could do to help her but obey the rules. I would hope a conversation would lead to action that we could all agree.