Study Guide for "Believe, Love, Do"

In his General Conference talk, "Believe, Love, Do," Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addresses the feelings of emptiness and disillusionment that can plague our lives. He offers the transformative power of the gospel of Jesus Christ as the solution to these challenges. Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes that by believing in God, loving as Jesus loved, and doing as He did, we can find purpose, meaning, and peace. This talk serves as a guide for becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ and experiencing the abundant life He promises.

Before Reading

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

What does Elder Uchtdorf identify as the root cause of feelings of emptiness and disillusionment?
How does Elder Uchtdorf describe the solution to overcoming these feelings?
What are the three simple words that Elder Uchtdorf suggests begin the journey of discipleship?
How does Elder Uchtdorf define the love that Jesus spoke about?
What role does the Church play in helping us practice living the way Jesus taught?

Topics

Recognize the Emptiness of Worldly Success

Elder Uchtdorf begins by discussing the life of King Solomon, who despite having everything—money, power, and honor—ended up feeling that life was "all vanity." He introduces the concept of Weltschmerz, a German term for a sadness that arises from the disparity between how the world is and how we think it ought to be. Elder Uchtdorf acknowledges that many of us experience this feeling but offers hope through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The ancient King Solomon was one of the most outwardly successful human beings in history. He seemed to have everything—money, power, adoration, honor. But after decades of self-indulgence and luxury, how did King Solomon sum up his life? "All is vanity," he said.

Perhaps there is a little Weltschmerz in all of us.

What did King Solomon conclude about his life despite his worldly success?
How does Elder Uchtdorf describe Weltschmerz?
Have you ever felt that life is "all vanity"? What triggered those feelings?
How can you apply the gospel of Jesus Christ to overcome feelings of emptiness and disillusionment?

Embrace the Transformative Power of the Gospel

Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to heal our "soul-sickness." By believing in Jesus Christ, loving others as He did, and engaging in His work, we can find an abundant life filled with purpose and meaning.

There is a solution to the emptiness, vanity, and Weltschmerz of life. There is a solution to even the deepest hopelessness and discouragement you might feel.

We achieve that abundant life not by focusing on our own needs or on our own achievements but by becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ—by following in His ways and engaging in His work.

What does Elder Uchtdorf say is the solution to feelings of emptiness and hopelessness?
How do we achieve an abundant life according to Elder Uchtdorf?
In what ways can you become more engaged in the work of Jesus Christ?
How has the gospel of Jesus Christ transformed your life?

Believe in God

Elder Uchtdorf discusses the importance of belief in God as the foundation of discipleship. He acknowledges that believing can be difficult due to pride or skepticism but encourages us to draw near to God, promising that He will draw near to us.

The scriptures teach us that "without faith it is impossible to please [God]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is."

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. This is the promise to all who seek to believe.

Why is belief in God essential for discipleship?
What challenges might prevent someone from believing in God?
What steps can you take to strengthen your belief in God?
How has drawing near to God impacted your life?

Love as Jesus Loved

Elder Uchtdorf explains that true love is not fleeting or conditional but is a deep, abiding love that influences our actions and interactions with others. This love helps us see others as God sees them and inspires us to serve and minister to them.

The love Jesus spoke about, however, isn’t a gift-card, throwaway, move-on-to-other-things love. It isn’t a love that is spoken of and then forgotten.

It is this endless compassion that allows us to more clearly see others for who they are. Through the lens of pure love, we see immortal beings of infinite potential and worth and beloved sons and daughters of Almighty God.

How does Elder Uchtdorf describe the love that Jesus spoke about?
What does true love enable us to see in others?
How can you cultivate a deeper, more abiding love for others?
In what ways can you show love to those around you, especially those who are difficult to love?

Do as Jesus Did

Elder Uchtdorf highlights the importance of action in discipleship. He explains that the Church provides opportunities for us to practice living the way Jesus taught through callings, responsibilities, and ministering to others. He encourages us to participate actively in the Church and to help build a culture of healing, kindness, and mercy.

In the Savior’s work, it is often by small and simple means that "great things [are] brought to pass."

The organization our Savior created on earth—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—helps us to do just that. It offers a place to practice living the way He taught and blessing others the way He did.

Why is it important to not only believe and love but also to do?
How does the Church help us practice living the way Jesus taught?
What specific actions can you take to follow Jesus" example more closely?
How can you contribute to building a culture of healing, kindness, and mercy in your community?