The Ministry of Reconciliation
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the significance of the concept of ministering as introduced by President Russell M. Nelson?
- How did unresolved anger impact the Bowen family, and what led to their reconciliation?
- What does Elder Holland teach about the relationship between forgiving others and our relationship with Christ?
- How does Elder Holland suggest we handle old grievances and painful memories?
- What role does the Atonement of Jesus Christ play in the process of reconciliation and forgiveness?
Topics
Engage in Personal Ministering
Elder Holland emphasizes the importance of personal ministering that goes beyond formal assignments and scheduled interviews. He encourages members to take the initiative in reaching out to those in need, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Just jump into the pool and swim. Head toward those in need. Don’t be immobilized wondering whether you should do the backstroke or the dog paddle.
If we follow the basic principles that have been taught, stay aligned with priesthood keys, and seek the Holy Spirit to guide us, we cannot fail.
- What does Elder Holland mean by personal ministering?
- Why is it important to take initiative in ministering to others?
- How can you personally engage in ministering to those around you?
- Can you think of someone in your life who might need your ministering efforts right now?
The Impact of Unresolved Anger
Through the story of Morrell Bowen, Elder Holland illustrates how unresolved anger and misunderstandings can lead to long-term spiritual and familial consequences. He highlights the importance of addressing and resolving conflicts promptly.
Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more [destructive] than the injury that provokes it.
Regardless of who was right about the tithing, evidently both Morrell and the bishop forgot the Savior’s injunction to "agree with thine adversary quickly."
- What were the consequences of unresolved anger for Brother Bowen and his family?
- How does Elder Holland suggest we handle anger and conflicts?
- Reflect on a time when unresolved anger affected your life. How could it have been handled differently?
- What steps can you take to resolve any current conflicts in your life?
The Power of Reconciliation
Elder Holland shares how reconciliation brought healing and blessings to the Bowen family. He underscores the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of mending relationships for spiritual growth.
But the miracle of reconciliation is always available to us.
Forgiving and forsaking offenses, old or new, is central to the grandeur of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
- What led to the reconciliation of the Bowen family?
- Why is reconciliation important in our spiritual journey?
- Is there someone you need to reconcile with? What steps can you take to initiate that process?
- How has reconciliation brought blessings into your life?
The Savior's Example of Forgiveness
Elder Holland calls upon us to follow Jesus Christ's example of forgiveness. He clarifies that forgiveness does not mean ignoring pain or returning to harmful situations but rather choosing to heal through the Savior's Atonement.
In order to forgive fully, you have to reenter a toxic relationship or return to an abusive, destructive circumstance.
We can rise above our pain only when we put our feet onto the path of true healing. That path is the forgiving one walked by Jesus of Nazareth.
- What does Elder Holland teach about the process of forgiveness?
- How does the Savior's example guide us in forgiving others?
- Are there any past hurts you need to forgive? How can you begin this process?
- How can you follow the Savior's example in forgiving others?
Become Ambassadors for Christ
Elder Holland encourages us to be ambassadors for Christ by engaging in the ministry of reconciliation. He reminds us that peacemaking is an essential part of our discipleship and calls us to actively seek and create peace.
Jesus is asking us to be instruments of His grace—to be "ambassadors for Christ" in "the ministry of reconciliation."
In our shared ministry of reconciliation, I ask us to be peacemakers—to love peace, to seek peace, to create peace, to cherish peace.
- What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ?
- Why is peacemaking an important aspect of discipleship?
- How can you act as an ambassador for Christ in your daily life?
- What steps can you take to create peace in your relationships and community?
