Shelly gave the lesson again today and it was perfect as usual! It was on the talk by Elder Holland called The Cost and Blessings of Discipleship. I love Elder Holland's talks because he is bold and always says what needs to be said.
We
talked about the story of the missionary who was spit on, had food
thrown at her, and finally was hit in the back of the head with mashed
potatoes as she was peacefully walking away. This is just one example of
many, where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
have been persecuted for trying to talk about our cherished beliefs.
Sometimes
it is best just to walk away when we realize that a certain person does
not want to hear what we have to say. We bear Christ's burden by
standing for truth and not bending when difficult things happen, such as
criticism and lost friendships, although both are hard.
This is an awesome quote from the talk about how Christ was loving but firm:
"There is a crucial difference between the commandment to forgive sin
(which He had an infinite capacity to do) and the warning against
condoning it (which He never ever did even once)."
When
we see people sinning, we should still show our love for them, but
should not give the impression that we approve of what they are doing.
This has always been a hard thing for me to do, because I feel like
showing my support for someone is inseprably tied to showing my love for
them. There were some great examples of people who have done this in
their lives in Relief Society today though.
I am so
grateful to be a part of this gospel, I know Jesus Christ loves every
one of us and I am so grateful that he atoned for our sins. I have
learned to trust in the Lord's timing, in every aspect of life. I know
he wants us all to be happy and sometimes he knows what we want better
than we do. I know he loves all of his children, especially those who
are lost, and I hope we can all help by showing love to others and doing
what he would want us to do.
