The Cost and Blessings of Discipleship

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.