Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What was the relationship between Parley and Orson Pratt, and how was it healed?
- How does family history and temple work bless both the living and the dead?
- What specific blessings are promised to those who engage in family history and temple work?
- How did the story of Todd, Rod, and Betty illustrate the healing power of temple work?
- What did President Russell M. Nelson say about the importance of personal sacrifice in temple and family history work?
Topics
Heal Family Relationships through Family History
Elder Renlund recounts the strained relationship between Parley and Orson Pratt and how their shared interest in family history helped to mend their rift. This story illustrates the healing power of family history work, which can turn hearts toward each other and foster forgiveness and reconciliation.
Despite their unshakable testimonies, their love for their ancestors was the catalyst to heal a rift, mend a hurt, and seek and extend forgiveness.
- What caused the rift between Parley and Orson Pratt?
- How did family history work help to heal their relationship?
- Have you experienced a strained relationship that could benefit from family history work?
- How can you use family history to foster reconciliation in your own family?
Recognize the Dual Purpose of Family History and Temple Work
Family history and temple work bless both the living and the dead. Elder Renlund explains that these efforts not only provide necessary ordinances for ancestors but also bring numerous blessings to those who participate, such as increased understanding of the Savior and protection from temptation.
Family history and temple work is not only for the dead but blesses the living as well.
When ordinances are performed on behalf of the deceased, God’s children on earth are healed.
- What are the dual purposes of family history and temple work?
- How does family history work bless the living?
- What blessings have you experienced from participating in family history and temple work?
- How can you increase your involvement in these sacred activities?
Experience the Healing Power of Temple Ordinances
Elder Renlund shares a poignant story about Todd, Rod, and Betty to illustrate the healing power of temple ordinances. Despite tragedy and loss, the temple provided a means for eternal family connections and personal healing.
God, in His infinite capacity, seals and heals individuals and families despite tragedy, loss, and hardship.
Temple blessings can heal hearts and lives and families.
- How did the temple work performed for Todd bring healing to his family and Rod?
- What does Elder Renlund mean by "God seals and heals individuals and families"?
- Have you witnessed or experienced the healing power of temple ordinances?
- What steps can you take to ensure your family benefits from temple ordinances?
Gain Specific Blessings through Family History Work
Elder Renlund lists specific blessings that come from engaging in family history and temple work, including increased understanding of the Savior, deeper faith, and protection from temptation. These blessings are promised by prophets and apostles and are available to all who participate in these sacred activities.
This long list includes these blessings: Increased understanding of the Savior and His atoning sacrifice; Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives; Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding...
- What are some of the specific blessings mentioned by Elder Renlund that come from family history and temple work?
- How do these blessings impact our daily lives?
- Which of the listed blessings do you most desire in your life?
- What can you do to more fully engage in family history and temple work to receive these blessings?
Accept President Nelson’s Invitation to Sacrifice Time
Elder Renlund quotes President Russell M. Nelson, who invites members to prayerfully consider what kind of sacrifice they can make to do more temple and family history work. This call to action emphasizes the importance of personal commitment and the joy that comes from participating in these sacred activities.
I invite you to prayerfully consider what kind of sacrifice—preferably a sacrifice of time—you can make [to] do more temple and family history work.
We must do something to actually experience the joy ourselves.
- What does President Nelson invite members to do regarding temple and family history work?
- Why is personal sacrifice important in these efforts?
- What specific sacrifices of time can you make to engage more in temple and family history work?
- How can you encourage your family and friends to participate in these sacred activities?
