Study Guide for "How Can I Understand?"

In his talk, Elder Ulisses Soares discusses the importance of learning and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the role of faithful and inspired teachers in strengthening our faith and conversion. He also highlights the significance of our actions reflecting what we learn and teach, and the necessity of maintaining hope and patience when loved ones stray from the gospel path.

Before Reading

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

What does the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch teach about learning and teaching the gospel?
What is the ultimate purpose of learning and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Elder Soares?
How does Elder Soares suggest we handle situations where loved ones distance themselves from the Church?
What example does Elder Soares provide of a faithful member applying gospel principles in her life?
How does Elder Soares describe the role of the Holy Ghost in understanding the gospel?

Topics

Understanding the Gospel Through Teaching and Learning

Elder Soares uses the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch to illustrate the importance of teaching and learning in understanding the gospel. He emphasizes the need for faithful and inspired teachers to guide us in our journey of faith and conversion.

The question asked by this Ethiopian man is a reminder of the divine mandate we all have to seek to learn and to teach one another the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our purpose as we seek to learn and to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ must be to increase faith in God and in His divine plan of happiness and in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice and to achieve lasting conversion.

What does the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch teach us about the importance of teaching and learning in understanding the gospel?
How can teaching and learning the gospel lead to increased faith and lasting conversion?
How can you seek opportunities to learn and teach the gospel in your daily life?
Who has been an inspired teacher in your life and how have they helped strengthen your faith and conversion?

Living the Gospel Through Our Actions

Elder Soares stresses the importance of our actions reflecting what we learn and teach. He emphasizes that we must live the gospel truths we teach, and that our actions can have a profound impact on those around us.

Brothers and sisters, our actions must reflect what we learn and teach. We need to show our beliefs through the way we live.

The best teacher is a good role model. Teaching something that we truly live can make a difference in the hearts of those we teach.

Why does Elder Soares emphasize the importance of our actions reflecting what we learn and teach?
How can living the gospel truths we teach impact those around us?
How can you strive to live the gospel truths you learn and teach?
What changes can you make in your life to better reflect your beliefs through your actions?

Dealing with Loved Ones Who Stray from the Gospel

Elder Soares provides counsel for dealing with situations where loved ones distance themselves from the Church. He encourages maintaining love and patience, preserving relationships, and keeping hope in the gospel plan.

It is hard to understand all the reasons why some people take another path. The best we can do in these circumstances is just to love and embrace them, pray for their well-being, and seek for the Lord’s help to know what to do and say.

Remember, brothers and sisters, always that hope is an important part of the gospel plan.

What advice does Elder Soares give for dealing with loved ones who stray from the gospel?
Why is hope an important part of the gospel plan in these situations?
How can you show love and patience towards loved ones who have distanced themselves from the Church?
How can you maintain hope in the gospel plan when dealing with these situations?

The Power of the Gospel in Family Life

Elder Soares shares the story of a single mother who made her home a center of spiritual learning. Despite challenges, she and her children found strength in the gospel and its teachings.

Mary had always been faithful, and at that critical juncture, she decided to cling to what she already knew to be true.

Despite the sorrows they went through, her children developed a love for Christ’s gospel and a desire to serve and share it with others.

What lessons can we learn from Mary's story about the power of the gospel in family life?
How did Mary's dedication to the gospel impact her children?
How can you make your home a center of spiritual learning?
What challenges have you faced in your family life, and how can the gospel help you overcome them?

The Role of the Holy Ghost in Understanding the Gospel

Elder Soares highlights the role of the Holy Ghost in helping us understand the gospel. He assures that if we bring the gospel to the center of our lives, the Holy Ghost will bear witness of the truth to our hearts and minds.

If we do so, I promise that the influence of the Holy Ghost will bring truth to our heart and mind and will bear witness of it, teaching all things.

What role does the Holy Ghost play in helping us understand the gospel?
How can bringing the gospel to the center of our lives invite the influence of the Holy Ghost?
How have you felt the influence of the Holy Ghost in your understanding of the gospel?
What steps can you take to bring the gospel more fully to the center of your life?