Taking upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does it mean to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ?
- How can we learn to see others as God sees them?
- In what ways can we serve others as Jesus Christ served?
- Why is it important to trust in Jesus Christ and His atonement?
- How can we apply the teachings of Elder Gay in our daily lives?
Topics
See Others as God Sees Them
Elder Gay emphasizes the importance of seeing others through God's eyes. He shares a personal story about his sister, who faced many challenges in life, and how he learned to see her goodness and divine worth. This perspective helps us understand that everyone is a sacred being, deserving of love and compassion.
“The Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard.”
“I was made acutely aware of her goodness and allowed to see her as God saw her.”
“Can’t you see that everyone around you is a sacred being?”
- What does it mean to see others as God sees them?
- How did Elder Gay's experience with his sister change his perspective?
- Why is it important not to judge others based on their struggles or actions?
- How can you practice seeing others as God sees them in your daily interactions?
- Can you recall a time when you judged someone unfairly? How can you change your perspective?
- What steps can you take to develop a more compassionate view of those around you?
Serve Others as Jesus Christ Served
Elder Gay teaches that taking upon ourselves the name of Christ means serving others selflessly, just as Jesus did. He recounts the story of Elder James E. Talmage, who risked his own health to care for a family stricken with diphtheria. This example illustrates the power of Christlike service and its impact on both the giver and the receiver.
“We must do His work and serve as He served.”
“Saints take the Savior’s name upon themselves by becoming holy and ministering to all regardless of where or how they stand.”
“Lives are saved as we do so.”
- What does it mean to serve others as Jesus Christ served?
- How did Elder Talmage exemplify Christlike service?
- Why is selfless service an essential part of discipleship?
- How can you find opportunities to serve others in your community?
- What sacrifices are you willing to make to serve others as Jesus did?
- How does serving others help you grow spiritually and become more like Christ?
Trust in Jesus Christ and His Atonement
Elder Gay discusses the importance of trusting in Jesus Christ and His atonement. He addresses the concerns of a young woman whose boyfriend left the Church and seemed happier. Elder Gay explains that true and enduring joy comes only through the gospel of Jesus Christ and encourages us to trust in the Savior's power to heal and deliver us.
“There simply is no enduring joy outside the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
“His love is greater than our fears, our wounds, our addictions, our doubts, our temptations, our sins, our broken families, our depression and anxieties, our chronic illness, our poverty, our abuse, our despair, and our loneliness.”
“His grace is sufficient. He alone descended below all things.”
- Why is it important to trust in Jesus Christ and His atonement?
- What did Elder Gay say about enduring joy and the gospel of Jesus Christ?
- How does Jesus Christ's love and grace help us overcome our challenges?
- In what areas of your life do you need to increase your trust in Jesus Christ?
- How can you strengthen your faith in the Savior's atonement?
- What experiences have you had that testify of Jesus Christ's power to heal and deliver?
Sanctify Yourself through Covenants and Ordinances
Elder Gay explains that sanctifying ourselves involves living the covenants and ordinances of the restored Church. This process endows us with power to bless ourselves and others. By purifying our hearts and becoming converted, we align ourselves with God's will and receive His blessings.
“We receive and live the covenants and ordinances of His restored Church.”
“We sanctify ourselves by purifying our hearts.”
“God will work wonders among us as we sanctify ourselves.”
- What does it mean to sanctify ourselves?
- How do covenants and ordinances help us receive God's power?
- Why is it important to purify our hearts and become converted?
- How can you better live the covenants and ordinances you have made?
- What steps can you take to purify your heart and align with God's will?
- How have you seen God's power manifest in your life as you strive to sanctify yourself?
Increase Faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
Elder Gay concludes with a testimony of the importance of increasing our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He urges us to choose faith, trust in the living Christ, and follow the true prophet. This faith will guide us to enduring joy and eternal life.
“Let us choose to increase our faith in Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Savior’s Church, directed by the living Christ through a true prophet.”
“His grace is sufficient to deliver us home and to enduring joy.”
- Why is it important to increase our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
- What did Elder Gay testify about the Church and its leadership?
- How does faith in Jesus Christ lead to enduring joy?
- What actions can you take to strengthen your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
- How can you follow the guidance of the living prophet more closely?
- What experiences have you had that confirm your faith in the Savior's grace and power?
