Love One Another as He Has Loved Us
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What new commandment did Jesus give to His disciples during the Last Supper?
- How does Elder Alonso describe the relationship between love and service?
- What personal story does Elder Alonso share to illustrate the power of forgiveness?
- How can we follow the Savior's example in our daily lives according to Elder Alonso?
Topics
Understand Love as Action and Service
Elder Alonso explains that love is not just a feeling but also an action. He emphasizes that true love involves serving others, as demonstrated by the Savior. He recounts a personal story to illustrate how love is shown through deeds and highlights the importance of tangible acts of kindness.
Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection. The greatest example of God’s love for His children is found in the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Love without service is like faith without works; it’s dead indeed.
- How does Elder Alonso define love?
- Why is service an essential component of love according to Elder Alonso?
- How did King Benjamin describe the relationship between service and love?
- In what ways can you show love through service in your daily life?
- Can you think of a recent experience where someone showed you love through their actions?
- What are some practical steps you can take to serve others more effectively?
Embrace Love as Forgiveness
Elder Alonso shares a poignant story of a family who experienced a tragic loss and chose to forgive the young man responsible. He explains that the pure love of Christ, or charity, empowers us to forgive others, regardless of the circumstances, and that this forgiveness brings peace and healing.
The pure love of Christ, which is charity, inspires us not only to act and provide service but also to have the strength to forgive, regardless of the situation.
By God’s grace, we were able to take the big path, the obvious path, the only path, and love this good young man.
- What does Elder Alonso identify as the pure love of Christ?
- How did the family in Elder Alonso's story demonstrate forgiveness?
- What are the effects of forgiveness according to Elder Alonso?
- Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? How can you take steps toward that forgiveness?
- Reflect on a time when you were forgiven. How did it make you feel?
- How can you cultivate a forgiving heart in your everyday interactions?
Follow the Savior's Example
Elder Alonso urges us to follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving, and charitable. He emphasizes that by emulating Christ’s love and service, we can experience joy and happiness. He also shares a quote from President Thomas S. Monson encouraging self-examination and Christlike behavior.
President Thomas S. Monson has counseled us, saying, "Let us examine our lives and determine to follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving, and charitable."
I know that our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love us and are willing to help us to act as we love one another as They have loved us.
- What does Elder Alonso suggest we do to follow the Savior's example?
- How does following the Savior's example bring joy and happiness?
- What counsel does President Thomas S. Monson give regarding Christlike behavior?
- How can you follow the Savior's example in your daily interactions?
- What are some specific ways you can show kindness and love to those around you?
- Reflect on a time when following the Savior’s example brought you joy. How can you seek to replicate that experience?
Experience Joy through Service and Forgiveness
Elder Alonso emphasizes that serving and forgiving others with real love leads to joy and happiness. He shares personal anecdotes and teachings to illustrate that when we follow Christ’s example of love, we receive strength to overcome our challenges and find true happiness.
We, likewise, can have joy and happiness as we serve and forgive others.
By serving and forgiving others with real love, we can be healed and receive the strength to overcome our own challenges.
- How does Elder Alonso link service and forgiveness to joy?
- What personal experiences does Elder Alonso share to illustrate this principle?
- How does following Christ’s example help us overcome challenges?
- How can you find joy in serving others?
- Reflect on a time when you forgave someone. How did it impact your happiness?
- What challenges are you currently facing that you can overcome by following Christ’s example of love and forgiveness?
Recognize the Impact of Real Love
Elder Alonso underscores the transformative power of real love, which is manifested through service and forgiveness. He shares stories and teachings to illustrate that such love not only blesses others but also brings profound peace and healing to ourselves.
Love without service is like faith without works; it’s dead indeed.
By God’s grace, we were able to take the big path, the obvious path, the only path, and love this good young man.
- What does Elder Alonso mean by "real love"?
- How does real love transform both the giver and the receiver?
- What examples does Elder Alonso provide to illustrate the impact of real love?
- How can you demonstrate real love in your daily life?
- Reflect on a time when you experienced real love from someone else. How did it affect you?
- What steps can you take to ensure your love for others is genuine and impactful?
