Over the past several months, our family has had many conversations about faith, Christianity and what it truly means to follow Jesus Christ. Some of those conversations have been uplifting. Others have been painful.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Janet and I believe with all our hearts in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the Redeemer of mankind. We pray in His name, worship in His name, strive to follow His teachings and seek every day to become more like Him.

That is Christianity.

Throughout history, Christian churches have differed on doctrine, organization, worship styles and interpretation of scripture. But at the center of Christianity is Jesus Christ. When people sincerely believe in Him, follow Him and testify of Him, we should be very careful about condemning one another or declaring who is and is not Christian.

Our communities, our nation and our families already face enough division. We should not allow faith in Jesus Christ to become another weapon used to divide neighbors, churches and believers.

I firmly believe we can stand strong in our own beliefs while still showing respect, kindness and Christlike love toward those whose worship may look different than ours. The Savior taught us to love one another, to lift one another, and to be peacemakers.

The world needs more disciples of Jesus Christ and fewer people, like the secretary of war, trying to decide who qualifies to bear His name.

I am grateful for my faith, grateful for those who defend religious liberty for all people, and grateful to live in a country where we are free to worship according to the dictates of our own conscience.

At the end of the day, I would rather be known for how faithfully I tried to follow Jesus Christ than for winning an argument about religion.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35