Speak the truth

An experimental approach to the scripture reading for August 12. I emphasize "experimental"—I would need to see this done before I could judge how well it works, or if it's just unwieldy. (For what it's worth, though, Christian Scientists are used to hearing two different books read from side-by-side.) Because of how the text is laid out, the reading looks longer than it actually is.

1st Reader:   

In the mouth of two or three witnesses—

2nd Reader:        

—shall every word be established.

1st Reader:    [holding up the Bible]

These are the words of Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

written to the saints at Ephesus.

2nd Reader:    [holding up the Doctrine and Covenants]

These are the words of the Lord to the Latter Day Saints,

as given through Joseph the Martyr.

1st Reader:    [Eph. 4:25]

So, then, putting away falsehood,

let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors,

for we are members of one another.   

2nd Reader:    [D&C 16:4e]

Take upon you the name of Christ,

and speak the truth in soberness.   

1st Reader:    [Eph. 4:26]

Be angry but do not sin;

do not let the sun go down on your anger.   

2nd Reader:    [D&C 42:23a]

If [your] brother or sister offend [you], . . .

take him or her between him or her and [you] alone;

and . . . be reconciled.   

1st Reader:    [Eph. 4:29]

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths,

but only what is useful for building up . . .

so that your words may give grace to those who hear.   

2nd Reader:    [D&C 17:11a]

See that there is no iniquity in the church,

neither hardness with each other;

neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking.   

1st Reader:    [Eph. 4:31-32]

Put away from you

all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander,

together with all malice[;]

be kind to one another, tenderhearted,

forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.   

2nd Reader:    [D&C 85:38a, c]

See that [you] love one another;

cease to be covetous; . . .

cease to find fault one with another; . . .

and above all things, clothe yourselves with the bonds of charity, . . .

which is the bond of perfectness and peace.   

1st Reader:

Amen.

2nd Reader:

Amen.