Study Guide for "Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?"

In his General Conference talk, "Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?", Elder Matthew L. Carpenter of the Seventy shares a deeply personal and faith-affirming story about his son's miraculous recovery from a stroke during his mission. Elder Carpenter uses this experience to explore the broader theme of healing through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that the Savior's power extends beyond physical ailments to emotional and spiritual wounds. He invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider the immediate, transformative power of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Before Reading

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

What personal experience does Elder Carpenter share at the beginning of his talk?
How does Elder Carpenter describe the Savior's ability to heal physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments?
What examples from the scriptures does Elder Carpenter use to illustrate Christ's healing power?
How does Elder Carpenter explain the process and importance of repentance in spiritual healing?
What invitation does President Russell M. Nelson extend to those who have stepped off the covenant path?

Topics

Recognize the Savior's Healing Power

Elder Carpenter underscores that Jesus Christ has the power to heal all forms of ailments—physical, emotional, and spiritual. He shares scriptural accounts of Christ healing the sick and emphasizes that this healing power is available to us today.

There is no physical, emotional, or spiritual ailment that Christ cannot heal.

Please note the juxtaposition of how long this man suffered on his own—38 years—and how quickly the healing came once the Savior became involved. The healing was "immediate."

What types of ailments does Elder Carpenter say the Savior can heal?
How does Elder Carpenter illustrate the immediacy of Christ's healing power?
Have you experienced Christ's healing power in your life? How did it affect you?
What steps can you take to invite the Savior's healing power into your life today?

Understand the Role of Mortal Infirmities

Elder Carpenter explains that mortal infirmities can refine us and deepen our reliance upon God. While we cannot control the timing of our physical healing, Christ will always strengthen us spiritually to endure our burdens.

Mortal infirmities can refine us and deepen our reliance upon God.

But when we allow Christ to be involved, He will always strengthen us spiritually so we can have greater capacity to endure our burdens.

What purpose do mortal infirmities serve according to Elder Carpenter?
How does Christ help us endure our burdens?
How have your own challenges helped you rely more on God?
What can you do to involve Christ more in your struggles?

Embrace Spiritual Healing Through Repentance

Elder Carpenter emphasizes the importance of repentance in achieving spiritual healing. He explains that repentance is not a backup plan but God's plan, and that it requires both the Savior's redemptive power and sincere repentance from the sinner.

Repentance isn’t [God’s] backup plan in the event we might fail. Repentance is His plan, knowing that we will.

The faster we repent and bring the Atonement of Jesus Christ into our lives, the sooner we can be healed from the effects of sin.

What does Elder Carpenter say about the role of repentance in God's plan?
What is required for spiritual healing to occur?
Is there something you need to repent of today? What steps will you take to do so?
How can you more fully embrace the Savior's redemptive power in your life?

Act Quickly to Repent and Seek Forgiveness

Elder Carpenter advises against delaying repentance, highlighting that procrastination can lead to spiritual paralysis. He encourages immediate action to seek forgiveness and counsel with church leaders if necessary.

It is never a good idea to procrastinate your repentance.

Act now so that spiritual paralysis does not prevent your eternal progression.

Why does Elder Carpenter warn against delaying repentance?
What actions does he suggest for those who need to repent?
Is there someone you need to ask forgiveness from? How will you approach them?
Do you need to counsel with your bishop about a sin that impacts your temple worthiness? When will you do so?

Feel the Savior's Love and Support

Elder Carpenter reassures that Jesus Christ also heals the innocent victims of sin and that loved ones often want to help the sincerely repentant sinner. He emphasizes that spiritual healing accelerates when surrounded by love and support.

Jesus Christ is mighty in how He also heals the innocent victims of sin who turn to Him.

Spiritual healing accelerates when the sinner confesses and is surrounded by those who love them and help them to forsake their sins.

How does Elder Carpenter describe the Savior's ability to heal victims of sin?
What role do loved ones play in the process of spiritual healing?
How can you support someone who is going through the repentance process?
In what ways have you felt the Savior's love and support in your own journey of healing?