Speaking With the Tongues of Angels

I have been thinking alot about what it means to be a peacemaker. At a recent conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson gave a talk called "Peacemakers Needed" In it he counseled, 

"My dear brothers and sisters,...As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be examples of how to interact with others—especially when we have differences of opinion. One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people."

 I have thought a lot lately how we treat others. I have seen anger and resentment over flowing on social media. Debate and arguing has become the norm, - it seems - of the modern keyboard warrior. It seems as if victory is the only goal. we must slay out opponents with sharp words and well reasoned arguments. These are not the way to winning over hearts and minds. There is a better way we can interact with those whom we disagree. A way to a path of better understanding, a way that promotes peace. And I must say we are in desperate need of peace and camaraderie with our fellow man.

    I was recently studding an address given at BYU in 1998. The topic of the address was on the topic of change. "Change: It's always a Possibility!" By Wendy L. Watson. She is know now by Wendy L. Nelson.  As a Professor of Marriage and Family therapy she give councle on how we might better communicate. she begins, "One belief that consistently constraints change is the belief that “there is only one correct view, and I have it!” Being passionate about your ideas is one thing—perhaps even a great thing. Offering your ideas to another and understanding that they may hold different ideas than you do can be the essence of a congenial discussion—even merging into a warm debate. However, requiring that someone must change their ideas to comply with yours is more than demanding—it is demonic!" She then goes on to quote former President of the church Howard W. Hunter, in the October 1989 general conference (He) points out the Lord’s approach to influencing others:

God’s chief way of acting is by persuasion and patience and long-suffering, not by coercion and stark confrontation. He acts by gentle solicitation and by sweet enticement. He always acts with unfailing respect for the freedom and independence that we possess. [“The Golden Thread of Choice,” Ensign, November 1989, p. 18] 

I love that this approach speaks to the need of respect and agency of others and where they may be in their life’s journey. They may be in some regards behind in their understanding, they may also be far ahead of us in other respect. Is it more important to be right? or is it better to come to an understanding of the perspective another holds and what the belief is grounded in? More is accomplished on common ground then on the battlefield of words and syntax. 

Sister Watson/Nelson continues with the next aspect of better communication that will facilitate change. She calls it an "Invitation to reflection". She states "Through clinical research I have found that change is most likely to occur when we are invited to reflection. Through the process of reflection we can become aware of ourselves and others in a whole new way" this reflection she speaks of is that of thought full questaning. Not just surface level questioning. But questaning with the intent to understand. This is both done when we speak with others and well as looking within ourselves to see where we might be lacking. These questions are a tool to build bridges and awakening understanding. Without this deepening communication there will remain a rift of misunderstanding and distrust.

Now, the last point Sister Watson/Nelson touches on I feel will add to our discussion. She talks about what she calls "Voices of Authority" she begins by asking who the Voices of Authority are in our lives. who are our influences? Whose opinion matters most to you? Are they uplifting voices or are the voices that drag you down? now lets flip the script. Let’s look at are selfs in that position. 

"And what if you are the voice of authority in someone else’s life? If so, it matters to that person what you think about them and what you say to them. Are you the keeper of some words that would make all the difference in someone else’s life? Are you willing to speak the words of healing, comfort, and cheer? Have you already got clues about what someone is longing to hear from you? What would need to be different for you to offer those words—honestly, and from your heart?

As the voice of authority in someone else’s life, have you unwittingly been silencing their voice—through your sermonettes, through your over-explanations and defenses of your actions, through inviting them to defend themselves by asking, “Why did you do that?” and yet never accepting their explanations or apologies? If you are the voice of authority in someone else’s life, you are also the ears of authority. You need to listen." There needs to be a lot more listening in today's world. 

Now you are probably wondering about the title of this post. let me try to bring all of these pieces together. Sister Watson/Nelson's address is about change. She touches on many aspect of how we can come unto Jesus Christ and enact change. Within ourselves and help to better others in the Lord's way. I have focused on our language and communication. We need to change how we speaks. The words we chose and the intent behind them. In 2 Nehpi 31:14 we read that after baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost, we can speak with a new tongues. 

14 But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels,...  

We also learn in Mark 16:17 that there are signs that follow those who believe in christ  

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

The tongue of angels and new tongues is a fascination g thing to think about. It seems super human. Now you may read that and say they are talking about speaking in a language foreign to your own. and

you would be right, that is one way to read that text. But what if there is another way to read those scriptures? What is it is also talking about speaking as angels do. Speaking the words of peace. the language of hope, salvation, and and glad tidings. Speaking and proclaiming Christ. Angels are “Voices of Authority” set by the Lord to testify of him. Angels have and do appear to men and they speak peace. They speak/spoken to countless prophets of scripture,  Mary (the mother), to the shepherds, to the Savior in the garden, and to a boy named Joseph in his bedroom. The tongue of angels is that of love and invitation. They are peacemakers and truth bringers. they follow the pattern outlined in this post. As followers of Christ this is the language we need to learn and become fluent in.  It is the tongue that proceeds a follower of Christ. The world desperately needs Peacemakers. Will you be one of them? “Fear not for I bring you a message of great comfort and joy”