Study Guide for "The Father"

In his General Conference talk, Brian K. Ashton, Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, addresses the nature and character of our Heavenly Father. Through personal anecdotes and doctrinal teachings, Ashton aims to help members of the Church understand God's love, His plan for us, and how we can develop faith in Him. This talk is especially poignant for those who may feel unworthy of God's love, offering reassurance and guidance to foster a deeper, more accurate understanding of our Heavenly Father.

Before Reading

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

What misconceptions might people have about Heavenly Father's nature?
How does a correct understanding of God's character affect our lives?
What are the key elements of the plan of salvation?
How does Heavenly Father support us during our mortal life?
What attributes of Heavenly Father can we develop to become more like Him?

Topics

Understanding the Premortal Life

In the premortal existence, we lived with our Heavenly Parents and were taught by them. To become like our Heavenly Father, we needed to obtain physical bodies, form eternal families, and develop divine attributes. Heavenly Father created a plan of salvation to help us achieve these goals, which we accepted with joy.

In the premortal world, we were born as spirits to Heavenly Parents and lived with Them as a family.

We were so grateful for this plan that when it was presented to us, we shouted for joy.

What was our relationship with Heavenly Parents in the premortal life?
What were the key components of the plan of salvation?
How does understanding the premortal life influence your perspective on mortality?
What steps can you take to align your life with the plan of salvation?

Recognizing God's Support in Mortal Life

During our mortal life, Heavenly Father provides us with the conditions we need to progress. He gives us agency, daily sustenance, and answers our prayers. He also sends the Holy Ghost to guide us and chastens us when necessary. All our blessings come from the Father, who is deeply invested in our success.

Heavenly Father will likewise help each of us if we will strive to keep His commandments.

Heavenly Father delivers us from evil when we let Him.

How does Heavenly Father support us in our daily lives?
What role does the Holy Ghost play in our mortal journey?
Can you identify moments in your life where you felt God's support?
What can you do to better recognize and accept Heavenly Father's help?

Experiencing God's Love in the Postmortal Life

In the postmortal spirit world, Heavenly Father continues to care for us by sending the Holy Ghost and missionaries to those in need. Through Jesus Christ's Resurrection, we can obtain immortal bodies and return to God's presence, where we will experience eternal happiness and continue to progress.

The Father raised up Jesus Christ and gave Him power to bring to pass the Resurrection.

There, the Father will wipe away all our tears and help us continue on our journey to become like Him.

What happens in the postmortal spirit world?
How does Jesus Christ's Resurrection impact our eternal journey?
How does the knowledge of the Resurrection influence your daily life?
What can you do to prepare for your postmortal life?

Emulating the Character of Heavenly Father

To become like Heavenly Father, we must develop His attributes, such as being just, merciful, and loving. Heavenly Father is unchanging, keeps His covenants, and knows all things. Trusting in His eternal perspective helps us understand that everything He does is for our benefit.

Heavenly Father’s perfections and attributes include the following: The Father is "Endless and Eternal."

We can trust in and rely upon the Father.

What are some of the key attributes of Heavenly Father?
Why is it important to trust in Heavenly Father's eternal perspective?
Which attributes of Heavenly Father do you feel you need to develop more fully?
How can you better trust in Heavenly Father's plan for you?

Striving to Become Like Our Father

We have the potential to become like Heavenly Father by worshiping Him in the name of the Son, being obedient, and continually repenting. This process involves receiving grace for grace until we are endowed with His attributes. Although challenging, this journey is worth every sacrifice, leading to immeasurable joy and eternal happiness.

As spirit sons and daughters of God, each of us has the potential to become like the Father.

I invite you to trust that Heavenly Father knows how to exalt you; seek His daily, sustaining help; and press forward with faith in Christ even when you cannot feel God’s love.

What does it mean to receive "grace for grace"?
How can we strive to become like our Heavenly Father?
What sacrifices are you willing to make to become more like Heavenly Father?
How can you seek Heavenly Father's help in your daily efforts to improve?