Until Seventy Times Seven
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- Why does the Lord allow us to experience failures and mistakes?
- How did Elder Robbins" physics professor influence his perspective on learning from mistakes?
- What is the significance of the Savior’s teaching to forgive "seventy times seven"?
- How does repentance play a role in our spiritual growth?
- What does Elder Robbins mean by "growing from failure to failure"?
Topics
Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
Elder Robbins begins by acknowledging that mistakes are an inevitable part of life. He illustrates this with examples from learning new skills, such as playing the piano or learning a foreign language, and emphasizes that success is not the absence of failure but the ability to persist through failures.
“Success isn’t the absence of failure, but going from failure to failure without any loss of enthusiasm.”
“Hopefully, each mistake we make becomes a lesson in wisdom, turning stumbling blocks into stepping-stones.”
- Why are mistakes considered a necessary part of learning?
- How did Nephi and Moses demonstrate persistence through their failures?
- Think about a recent mistake you made. How can you turn it into a learning opportunity?
- How can you maintain enthusiasm and faith when facing repeated failures?
Understand the Role of Opposition in Spiritual Growth
Elder Robbins explains that the Lord allows us to experience failures and opposition to gain experience, appreciate the good, prove that success is through His grace, and develop Christlike attributes. These trials refine us and help us grow spiritually.
“These things shall give [us] experience, and shall be for [our] good.”
“To prove that ‘the battle is the Lord’s,’ and it is only by His grace that we can accomplish His work and become like Him.”
- What are some reasons the Lord allows us to experience opposition and failure?
- How do these experiences contribute to our spiritual growth?
- Reflect on a challenging experience you’ve had. What Christlike attributes did you develop as a result?
- How can you rely on the Lord’s grace to overcome current challenges?
Recognize the Savior’s Infinite Grace and Atonement
Elder Robbins highlights the Savior’s infinite grace that allows us countless second chances to overcome our sins and weaknesses. He emphasizes that the Atonement is not just a backup plan but the central part of God’s plan for our salvation.
“No one is more on our side than the Savior. He allows us to take and keep retaking His exams.”
“His grace and His loving eye are upon us throughout our entire journey as He inspires, lightens burdens, strengthens, delivers, protects, heals, and otherwise ‘succor[s] his people.’”
- How does the Savior’s grace help us in our daily struggles?
- Why is the Atonement essential for our spiritual progress?
- In what ways have you felt the Savior’s grace in your life?
- How can you show gratitude for the Savior’s infinite Atonement?
Practice Repentance as a Lifelong Process
Elder Robbins explains that repentance is a continuous process that allows us to grow from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm. The sacrament is a key part of this process, providing us with weekly opportunities for forgiveness and renewal.
“Repentance isn’t His backup plan in the event we might fail. Repentance is His plan, knowing that we will.”
“Real intent implies with real effort and real change.”
- What does it mean to repent with real intent?
- How does the sacrament help us in our process of repentance?
- Reflect on your recent sacrament experience. How can you make it more meaningful?
- What steps can you take to ensure your repentance involves real change?
Forgive Others Limitlessly
Elder Robbins discusses the Savior’s teaching to forgive "seventy times seven," emphasizing that there should be no limits to our forgiveness. This teaching reflects the Savior’s boundless love and grace, encouraging us to extend the same to others.
“Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
“Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.”
- What does the phrase "seventy times seven" teach us about forgiveness?
- How does the Savior’s example of forgiveness influence our own actions?
- Is there someone you need to forgive? How can you extend forgiveness to them?
- How can you cultivate a forgiving heart in your daily interactions?
