And Jesus said*:
There was a certain people, a congregation of Latter-day Saints, who gathered in their chapel to worship God.
But there came upon them a man filled with anger and darkness, and he brought violence against them. Some were wounded, and some lost their lives. Their families wept, and their house of worship was left in ruin and smoke.
And it came to pass that as the news spread throughout the city, many spoke of the sorrow, yet few drew near.
A minister from a large church heard of it, and as he drove past the burned chapel, he saw the mourners gathered outside. His heart was troubled, but he thought within himself, “Surely someone else will comfort these Mormons. I must not be late to the meeting on community unity.”
So he offered a silent prayer from his car window and went on his way.
And likewise, a woman of great influence—one who often spoke of love and service—heard of the tragedy. She took to her social page and wrote, “Praying for the Mormon community after this awful event. Though I have serious concerns about their doctrine, no one should have to suffer such hate.”
And when her post was liked and shared, she felt her duty was done, and she too passed by at a distance.
But a certain man, a quiet follower of Christ, when he heard what had happened, was moved with compassion. He did not think of doctrines, nor of the names men give their faiths. He thought only of neighbors.
He went unto the wounded and the grieving. He brought them meals and supplies, comforted their children, and helped to raise what was fallen. He sat with them in their sorrow, listening, praying, and mourning as one of their own.
When others questioned him, saying, “Why do you help those Mormons?” he answered,
“Because they are God’s children. And when one part of the body suffers, all suffer with it. To love God is to love His people—every one.”
And Jesus said, “Which of these three was neighbor unto those who suffered?”
They answered, “The one who showed mercy.”
Then Jesus said unto them, “Go, and do thou likewise.”
*This was generated by ChatGPT through iterative prompting and post-generation modifications. It is based on the parable of the good Samaritan found in the New Testament of the Bible. See Luke 10:25-37. The idea came after seeing some responses online after the Grand Blanc massacre. Some who profess to be Christians had rhetoric that not only came across as less than compassionate, but even condemned the church and beliefs of these victims.
I pray we can unite as children of God to "mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort" (Mosiah 18:9). Lift where you stand. Help those in your immediate proximity, despite your differences.
