Study Guide for "We Can Do Better and Be Better"

In his talk "We Can Do Better and Be Better", President Russell M. Nelson discusses the importance of repentance, the respect for our bodies, the care for women in our lives, and our duty as priesthood bearers. He emphasizes that repentance is not punishment but a liberating process that brings us closer to Jesus Christ. He also underscores the need for men to honor and respect the women in their lives, and to value their bodies as temples of their spirit.

Before Reading

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

What does President Nelson mean when he says we can "do better and be better"?
How does President Nelson define repentance?
What does President Nelson say about the importance of our bodies?
What counsel does President Nelson give about how we should treat the women in our lives?
What are the responsibilities of priesthood bearers according to President Nelson?

Topics

Understanding Repentance as a Liberating Process

President Nelson emphasizes that repentance is not a punishment but a liberating and ennobling process. It is a daily focus that is crucial to our individual progression. Repentance involves changing our mind, knowledge, spirit, and even the way we breathe. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind, and when coupled with faith, it opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Too many people consider repentance as punishment—something to be avoided except in the most serious circumstances.

When Jesus asks you and me to “repent,” He is inviting us to change our mind, our knowledge, our spirit—even the way we breathe.

Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance.

How does President Nelson define repentance?
Why does President Nelson say repentance is liberating and ennobling?
What changes does repentance bring in our lives according to President Nelson?
How can you make repentance a regular, daily focus in your life?
What changes do you need to make in your life to fully embrace the process of repentance?
How has repentance brought peace and happiness in your life?

Respecting and Honoring Our Bodies

President Nelson discusses the importance of our bodies in our spiritual journey. Our bodies are temples created to house our eternal spirit and we must respect and care for them. We should not let worldly influences cause us to abuse our bodies. Instead, we should see them as divine gifts and treat them reverently.

Your body is your personal temple, created to house your eternal spirit. Your care of that temple is important.

In this reverence for our bodies, brethren, I think we can do better and be better.

What does President Nelson say about the importance of our bodies?
Why does President Nelson say we should respect and care for our bodies?
How can you show more respect and care for your body?
What changes do you need to make in your life to treat your body as a temple?
How has respecting your body brought you closer to God?

Honoring and Respecting Women

President Nelson emphasizes the need for men to honor and respect the women in their lives. He counsels that men should treat their wives, daughters, mothers, and sisters with love and care, and that their well-being should be a top priority. He also stresses the importance of helping women live the Lord’s law of chastity.

Brethren, your first and foremost duty as a bearer of the priesthood is to love and care for your wife.

And remember that it is your responsibility to help the women in your life receive the blessings that derive from living the Lord’s law of chastity.

What does President Nelson say about the importance of honoring and respecting women?
What responsibilities do men have towards the women in their lives according to President Nelson?
How can you show more honor and respect to the women in your life?
What changes do you need to make in your life to better fulfill your responsibilities towards the women in your life?
How has honoring and respecting women brought you closer to God?

Fulfilling Our Duty as Priesthood Bearers

President Nelson discusses the responsibilities of priesthood bearers. They are to provide leadership and love to their families and strength to their quorum and ward or branch. They must be true disciples of the Lord and be willing to repent and serve. They are also to keep themselves sexually pure and be ready to give blessings with pure hearts, clean minds, and willing hands.

Your family needs your leadership and love. Your quorum and those in your ward or branch need your strength.

The Lord needs men who are determined to keep themselves sexually pure—worthy men who can be called upon at a moment’s notice to give blessings with pure hearts, clean minds, and willing hands.

What are the responsibilities of priesthood bearers according to President Nelson?
How does President Nelson say priesthood bearers can serve their families and their wards or branches?
How can you fulfill your duty as a priesthood bearer more effectively?
What changes do you need to make in your life to be a true disciple of the Lord?
How has fulfilling your duty as a priesthood bearer brought you closer to God?