Study Guide for "Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ"

In his General Conference talk, Elder Massimo De Feo of the Seventy emphasizes the central role of pure love in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He recounts personal experiences and teachings from scripture to illustrate that pure love is the defining characteristic of true discipleship. Elder De Feo underscores that love for God, the Savior, and one another forms the foundation of our daily lives and our eternal journey.

Before Reading

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

What is the first great commandment and the first great truth of all eternity?
How does Elder De Feo describe the characteristics of true disciples of Jesus Christ?
What personal experience does Elder De Feo share about his mother and her pure love?
How does the Savior exemplify pure love according to Elder De Feo?

Topics

Recognize Love as the Foundation Stone

Elder De Feo emphasizes that the gospel of Jesus Christ is centered on love. He quotes Elder Jeffrey R. Holland to highlight that the first great commandment is to love God and the first great truth is that God loves us. This love should be the foundation stone of our daily life.

“The first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength—that’s the first great commandment. But the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength.”

“That love is the foundation stone of eternity, and it should be the foundation stone of our daily life.”

What is the first great commandment according to Elder Jeffrey R. Holland?
How does Elder De Feo describe the first great truth of all eternity?
Why should love be the foundation stone of our daily life?
How can you make love the foundation stone of your daily life?
In what ways have you felt God’s love for you?
How can you show your love for God in your daily actions?

Serve as an Expression of True Love

Elder De Feo explains that true disciples love to serve others. Serving is an expression of true love and a covenant made at baptism. Regardless of their callings or roles, true disciples feel an increasing desire to love and serve the Lord and one another.

“True disciples love to serve. They know that serving is an expression of true love and a covenant they made at baptism.”

“Regardless of their callings in the Church or their role in the community, they feel an increasing desire to love and serve the Lord and one another.”

How do true disciples express their love according to Elder De Feo?
What covenant do true disciples make at baptism related to service?
Why do true disciples feel an increasing desire to serve?
In what ways can you serve others more effectively?
How does serving others help you feel closer to the Savior?
Reflect on a time when you felt joy from serving someone else. How did it strengthen your testimony?

Forgive Quickly and Fully

Elder De Feo teaches that true disciples are quick to forgive and ask for forgiveness. They understand that the Atonement of Jesus Christ covers all sins and mistakes. By focusing on what the Savior has done for them, they find strength to forgive others.

“True disciples love to forgive. They know that the Atonement of the Savior covers all sins and mistakes of each one of us.”

“True disciples are quick to forgive and quick to ask for forgiveness.”

“If you are struggling to find the strength to forgive, don’t think of what others have done to you, but think of what the Savior has done for you.”

Why are true disciples quick to forgive?
How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ relate to forgiveness?
What advice does Elder De Feo give to those struggling to forgive?
Is there someone you need to forgive? How can you take steps to do so?
How can focusing on the Savior’s Atonement help you forgive others?
Reflect on a time when you forgave someone. How did it bring you peace?

Submit to the Lord’s Will with Humility

Elder De Feo explains that true disciples submit to the Lord’s will with peace in their hearts. They are humble and submissive because they love the Lord and have faith to accept His will, including the timing and manner of His actions.

“True disciples love to submit themselves to the Lord with peace in their heart.”

“They are humble and submissive because they love Him.”

“True disciples know that the real blessings are not always what they want but rather what the Lord wants for them.”

Why do true disciples submit to the Lord’s will?
How do true disciples demonstrate humility?
What do true disciples understand about the nature of real blessings?
How can you better submit to the Lord’s will in your life?
In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more humility?
Reflect on a time when you accepted the Lord’s will. How did it bless you?

Stand Firm in Faith Amid Worldly Confusion

Elder De Feo highlights that true disciples are steadfast and immovable in their faith despite a changing and confusing world. They love to listen to the voice of the Spirit and the prophets and are not swayed by worldly voices. They strive to make holy the places where they stand.

“True disciples love the Lord more than the world and are steadfast and immovable in their faith.”

“True disciples love to listen to the voice of the Spirit and of the prophets and are not confused by the voices of the world.”

“True disciples love to ‘stand in holy places’ and love to make holy the places where they stand.”

How do true disciples remain steadfast and immovable in their faith?
What role do the Spirit and the prophets play in guiding true disciples?
What does it mean to make holy the places where you stand?
How can you strengthen your faith to remain steadfast amid worldly confusion?
In what ways can you better listen to the voice of the Spirit and the prophets?
Reflect on a time when you stood firm in your faith. How did it impact you and others around you?