TrendZion

Passages drawn from the sermons and published works that carry this theme forward.

1. 1837·Joseph Smith·Prophet
   I want some one to make a motion that all of them be restord to full fellowship (with out baptism) as though no action had ben taken against them”. [p. [53]]
   Discourse, Early December 1837 — jspcopy citation
2. 1859·John Taylor·Apostle
   Could any of you have that Spirit and not have fellowship with President Young and the other authorities of the Church and kingdom of God? No, you could not.
   Union, etc. — jodcopy citation
3. 1899·James E. Talmage·Apostle
   "10. "We believe that all religious societies liav^ a right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct according to the rules and regulations of such societies, provided that such dealing be for fellowship and good standing; but we do not believe that any religious society has authority to try men on the right of property or life, to take from them this world's goods, or to put them in jeopardy of either life or limb, neither to inflict any physical punishment upon them; they can only excommunicate them from their society, and withdraw from them their fellowship.
   The Articles of Faith — apostle_bookcopy citation
4. 1974·Ezra Taft Benson·Apostle
   Ninth, friends. The fellowship of true friends who can hear you out, share your joys, help carry your burdens, and correctly counsel you is priceless. For one who has been in the prison of depression, the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith have special meaning when he said, “How sweet the voice of a friend is; one token of friendship from any source whatever awakens and calls into action every sympathetic feeling.” ( Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 134.)
   Do Not Despair — cojccopy citation
5. 1981·David B. Haight·Apostle
   Those that stray need a friend—but they need one who knows the Shepherd. Seldom do people cease coming to Church because of doctrine; they are waiting for a show of genuine love and friendly fellowship to heal their hurts or doubts.
   People to People — cojccopy citation
6. 1987·Thomas S. Monson·Apostle
   Change for the better can come to all. In December of 1985 the First Presidency proclaimed “An Invitation to Come Back.” To the inactive, the critical, the transgressor, the message declared: “‘Come back. Come back and feast at the table of the Lord, and taste again the sweet and satisfying fruits of fellowship with the Saints’” ( Ensign, Mar. 1986, p. 88). Hundreds, if not thousands, have responded to this invitation. Their lives have taken on new meaning. Their families have been blessed. They have drawn closer to God.
   The Will Within — cojccopy citation