In preparation for my lesson this morning I read two articles that really touched me. The first one: "The Way to Christlike Love" by Brother Allen Bergin. This article was in an Ensign from 1982. The other: "The Merciful Obtain Mercy" by President Uchtdorf from a conference address given in 2012. Here is a quote from Brother Bergen's talk:
"Jesus Christ taught that his capacity to love and to redeem the human race depended first on a harmonious relationship with his Father. It was as though this relationship was essential for gaining the capacity to redeem and bless the rest of humanity. The Lord revealed that his perfected relationship with the Father consisted of two ingredients: love and obedience (see John 17). When combined and harmonized, these appeared to produce an alloy stronger than either ingredient alone. They seemed to be the keys by which Father and Son became perfectly united. The question struck me: Did the Savior obtain his power to love completely, and thus to redeem us, by virtue of submission to his Father, a submission that was loving and voluntary? Do we likewise gain the capacity to love and participate in the redemptive process as we voluntarily and lovingly submit ourselves to the will of the Savior and our Father? It seems that this is exactly what the Lord taught. OUr unity with them is a result of obedience and love; and this oneness with a higher power in turn enables us to love more effectively and become one with each other."
This talk is amazing and this quote is only a sampling!
From President Uchtdorf's talk:
"When we feel hurt, angry, or envious, it is quite easy to judge other people, often assigning dark motives to their actions in order to justify our own feelings of resentment. Of course, we know this is wrong. The doctrine is clear. We all depend on the Savior; none of us can be saved without Him. Christ's Atonement is infinite and eternal. Forgiveness for our sins comes with conditions. We must repent, and we must be willing to forgive others. Jesus taught: 'Forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not...stands condemned before the Lord; for there remained in him the greater sin' and 'Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.'"
My handouts:
Tyler Hunsaker and the Chafin's were the speaker's in sacrament meeting. The Chafin's spoke about their handicapped grandson Braylin and what a blessing he is in their lives. Kim, Brian, Joseph, and Alex left after sacrament meeting.
This afternoon we played Five Crowns while football was on TV. Normally James and I do not watch TV on Sunday or play games.
Before Kim and Brian left I had to take a picture. We will see them again at Thanksgiving time.
So long, farewell!
