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Weekly Message: Gathered at Home
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we aspire to and believe in eternal family relationships. Thus, the departure of a family member or loved one from the “fold” can feel sad, discouraging, and confusing. Today I will share some thoughts from inspired leaders that I hope will inform and guide our actions when this happens.
May we always seek to act as true disciples of the Savior and remember precious truths about our relationships with family members and loved ones.
Live the Gospel
“My promise to you is one that a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once made to me. I had said to him that because of choices some in our extended family had made, I doubted that we could be together in the world to come. He said, as well as I can remember,
‘You are worrying about the wrong problem. You just live worthy of the celestial kingdom, and the family arrangements will be more wonderful than you can imagine.’
I believe that he would extend that happy hope to any of us in mortality who have done all we can to qualify ourselves and our family members for eternal life. I know that Heavenly Father’s plan is a plan of happiness. I testify that His plan makes it possible for each of us who has done the best we can to be sealed in a family forever.”
“Acting in accordance with the teachings of the Savior invites spiritual power into our lives—power to hear and heed, power to discern, and power to persevere. Devoted discipleship is the best and only answer to every question and challenge.”
Find Joy
“The joy promised in the scriptures as the purpose of our existence should not be understood to mean that we will have no difficulties or sorrows, that we will have no ‘cracks’ as consequences of temptations, of adversity, or from the actual trials of our earth life. This joy has to do with Nephi’s perspective on life when he said,
‘Having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days.’ (1 Nephi 1:1)
Even the days that Nephi suffered during the incomprehension and rejection of his own brothers, even when they tied him up on the ship, even the day that his father, Lehi, passed away, even when Laman and Lemuel became mortal enemies of his people. Even in those difficult days, Nephi felt highly favored of the Lord.”
Go Forward in Faith
“There are times we hope for a miracle to heal a loved one, to reverse an unjust act, or to soften the heart of a bitter or disillusioned soul. Looking at things through mortal eyes, we want the Lord to intervene, to fix what is broken. Through faith, the miracle will come, though not necessarily on our timetable or with the resolution we desired. Does that mean we are less than faithful or do not merit His intervention? No. We are beloved of the Lord. He gave His life for us, and His Atonement continues to release us from burdens and sin as we repent and draw close to Him.”
Show Compassion
“The expression of compassion for others is… the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a marked evidence of our spiritual and emotional closeness to the Savior. Furthermore, it shows the level of influence He has on our way of life and demonstrates the magnitude of our spirits.”
“Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life. All things are possible to them that believe. (Mark 9:23) Your growing faith in Him will move…the mountains… in your lives. Your flourishing faith will help you turn challenges into unparalleled growth and opportunity.”
As we strive to navigate our unique circumstances, let us not forget that each of us is a “prodigal” child of God, who has strayed from the Covenant Path. Each of us needs the healing and faith-building power of daily repentance in our lives. All of us ultimately rely on the grace of Jesus Christ to save us. As King Benjamin put it, “Are we not all beggars?” (Mosiah 4:19-20)
Let us humbly and with love, reach out and include friends and family members in the joyful living of our lives. Regardless of where we or they may be on our life journeys, we can express positive feelings and show genuine love without condoning actions we disagree with. We can be peacemakers and love in the Savior’s way. We have His promise that He will help us do this.
“Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.” (D&C 19:23)
I love you all,
President Gardner
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