Study Guide for "Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him"

In his General Conference talk, Elder S. Mark Palmer shares a profound personal revelation he received while serving as a mission president. Through the story of the rich young man in the New Testament, Elder Palmer explores how Christ's love and deep understanding of individuals can transform our approach to leadership, teaching, and personal interactions. He emphasizes the importance of seeing others as the Savior sees them and loving them unconditionally, even when inviting them to make difficult changes.

Before Reading

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

What can we learn from the way Jesus interacted with the rich young man?
How can Christlike love influence our relationships and leadership roles?
What are some ways to cultivate the ability to see others as the Savior sees them?
Why is it important to maintain love and compassion even when someone fails to meet our expectations?

Topics

See Others as the Lord Sees Them

Elder Palmer emphasizes the importance of seeing others through the eyes of the Savior. When we do so, our love for them grows, and we are better able to help them realize their potential. This Christlike vision allows us to act with boldness and compassion, especially towards those who are difficult to love.

As we learn to see others as the Lord sees them rather than with our own eyes, our love for them will grow and so will our desire to help them.

We will see potential within others they likely do not see in themselves.

How does seeing others as the Lord sees them change our interactions with them?
What does it mean to see potential in others that they may not see in themselves?
How can you practice seeing others through the eyes of the Savior?
Can you recall a time when someone saw potential in you that you didn't recognize? How did it affect you?

Teach and Lead with Love

True teaching and leadership occur in an atmosphere of love, trust, and compassion. Elder Palmer highlights that frustration and anger are counterproductive in changing hearts. Instead, love must be the foundation of all interactions, especially in roles such as parents, teachers, and leaders.

No true teaching or learning will ever occur when done in frustration or anger, and hearts will not change where love is not present.

Our homes should always be safe havens for our children—not hostile environments.

Why is love essential in teaching and leadership?
How can frustration and anger undermine our efforts to teach and lead?
What can you do to create a more loving and trusting atmosphere in your home or classroom?
Think of a situation where you led or taught with love. How did it impact those involved?

Maintain Love Despite Disappointments

Elder Palmer teaches that love should never be withdrawn when someone fails to meet our expectations. He uses the example of the rich young man who went away sorrowful, emphasizing that Jesus continued to love him perfectly despite his choice. This principle applies to all relationships, encouraging us to maintain love and compassion regardless of others" actions.

Love should never be withdrawn when a child, friend, or family member fails to live up to our expectations.

I am confident Jesus still loved him perfectly even if he chose the easier path.

Why is it important to maintain love even when someone disappoints us?
How does Jesus" example with the rich young man illustrate this principle?
How can you show love to someone who has disappointed you?
Reflect on a time when you felt loved despite your shortcomings. How did it influence your behavior?

Embrace the Lord's Invitations

The Lord's invitations to repent, sacrifice, and serve are expressions of His perfect love for us. Elder Palmer explains that these invitations, though challenging, are opportunities for growth and receiving the Lord's forgiveness and peace. We should welcome these invitations as evidence of His love and desire for our improvement.

Because He loves us, the Lord expects much of us.

An invitation to repent is also an invitation to receive the wonderful gift of forgiveness and peace.

Why does the Lord invite us to do hard things?
How can we recognize the Lord's love in His invitations to repent and change?
What difficult invitation from the Lord are you currently facing? How can you embrace it as an expression of His love?
Describe a time when accepting a challenging invitation from the Lord led to personal growth and peace.

Recognize and Act on Christ's Love

Elder Palmer encourages us to remember that Christ is always beholding and loving us, especially when we are asked to make difficult changes. This recognition should inspire gratitude and a willingness to follow Him more closely. It is a reminder that His love is constant and transformative.

Anytime you feel you are being asked to do something hard, think of the Lord beholding you, loving you, and inviting you to let it go and follow Him.

Thank Him for loving you enough to invite you to do more.

How does recognizing Christ's love help us when facing difficult changes?
What does it mean to be "beheld" by the Savior?
How can you remind yourself of Christ's love during challenging times?
Think of a difficult change you need to make. How can recognizing Christ's love help you take that step?