Study Guide for "Gathering the Family of God"

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, addresses the global congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this General Conference talk. He focuses on the concept of gathering, not just in the physical sense that occurs during General Conference, but more profoundly, the spiritual gathering of the family of God. He delves into the eternal nature of families, the divine plan for our earthly experience, and the pivotal role of family history and temple work in uniting God's children across generations.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does President Eyring mean by the "gathering of the family of God"?
How does the concept of family extend beyond our earthly relationships according to President Eyring?
What role does the "spirit of Elijah" play in family history work?
Why is family history and temple work crucial in the plan of salvation?
How can youth and adults alike contribute to the work of gathering Heavenly Father's family?

Topics

Understand the Eternal Family

President Eyring emphasizes that the terms "brother" and "sister" are more than just friendly greetings; they reflect an eternal truth that we are all children of God. He explains that God’s plan involves us coming to earth in families to learn and grow, with Jesus Christ’s Atonement as the central element.

The names "brother" and "sister" are not just friendly greetings or terms of endearment for us. They are an expression of an eternal truth: God is the literal Father of all mankind; we are each part of His eternal family.

He ordained a plan by which we would come to earth, in families, and have experiences that would prepare us to return to Him and live as He lives.

What does it mean to be part of God's eternal family?
How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ fit into Heavenly Father's plan for us?
How can you better recognize and honor your role in God's eternal family?
What steps can you take to teach your family about the importance of the Atonement?

Recognize the Role of Families in God's Plan

Families are the basic organizational unit both in heaven and on earth, designed to help us return to God’s presence. Despite earthly imperfections, families provide the best environment to teach moral virtues and true principles.

Families are the basic organizational unit of the eternal realms, and so He intends for them also to be the basic unit on earth.

Families are also the best way to preserve and pass on moral virtues and true principles that are most likely to lead us back to God’s presence.

Why are families considered the basic organizational unit in God's plan?
How do families help us learn and grow according to God's plan?
In what ways can you strengthen your family to better fulfill its divine role?
How can you ensure that your family environment is conducive to learning and living true principles?

Embrace the Spirit of Elijah

The prophecy of Elijah turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and vice versa is being fulfilled in our time. This spirit motivates us to engage in family history work and temple ordinances, uniting us with our ancestors.

The hearts of the children—of you and me—have turned to our fathers, our ancestors.

To gather and unite God’s family requires more than just warm feelings. It requires sacred covenants made in connection with priesthood ordinances.

What is the "spirit of Elijah" and how is it manifesting today?
Why are sacred covenants and priesthood ordinances essential in family history work?
How have you felt the spirit of Elijah in your own life?
What can you do to engage more fully in family history and temple work?

Utilize Technology and Revelation in Family History

While technology facilitates family history work, it is ultimately guided by revelation from heaven. The combination of technological advancements and spiritual guidance enables us to accomplish the work of gathering God’s family.

Even the best technology can never be a substitute for revelation from heaven.

This is a spiritual work, and the Lord directs it through His Holy Spirit.

How does technology aid in family history work?
Why is revelation from heaven essential in this work?
What technologies can you use to enhance your family history work?
How can you seek and recognize revelation in your efforts to gather God's family?

Engage Youth and Adults in Gathering God's Family

Both youth and adults are called to participate in the work of gathering God’s family. Youth have shown great enthusiasm in temple and family history work, setting an example for adults to follow.

The youth have caught the vision admirably; now their parents need to catch up.

The work of gathering Heavenly Father’s family is not just for young people, and it is not just for grandparents. It is for everyone. We are all gatherers.

Why is it important for both youth and adults to engage in family history and temple work?
How does participating in this work bless individuals and families?
How can you encourage and support the youth in your family or ward in their temple and family history efforts?
What actions can you take to become more involved in gathering God’s family?