Study Guide for "Great Love for Our Father’s Children"

In this talk, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks about the power of love in missionary work, temple and family history work, and home-centered, Church-supported family religious observance. He shares personal experiences and teachings to emphasize the importance of love as the primary attribute and motive for ministering and fulfilling the spiritual purposes of the Church.

Before Reading

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

How does Elder Cook define the role of love in missionary work?
What example does Elder Cook provide to illustrate the power of love in missionary work?
What is the role of love in temple and family history work, according to Elder Cook?
How does Elder Cook suggest we can prepare eternal families and individuals to live with God?
What promise does Elder Cook make regarding the focus on love for the Savior, His Atonement, and His gospel?

Topics

Emphasizing Love in Missionary Work

Elder Cook stresses the importance of love in missionary work. He shares a personal experience of how love was instrumental in the conversion of a friend. He encourages members to move from feelings of responsibility or guilt to feelings of love and participation when sharing the gospel.

My purpose this morning is to emphasize the essential role of that kind of love in missionary work.

I understood even at that early age that sharing the gospel was based on a great love for all our Heavenly Father’s children.

When it comes to gathering Israel, we need to align our hearts with this kind of love and move away from feelings of mere responsibility or guilt to feelings of love and participation in the divine partnership of sharing the Savior’s message, ministry, and mission with the world.

What role does love play in missionary work according to Elder Cook?
How can feelings of love enhance missionary work?
How can we align our hearts with love when sharing the gospel?
How can you incorporate more love into your missionary efforts?
Can you recall a time when love made a difference in your missionary work or the missionary work of others?
How can you move from feelings of responsibility or guilt to feelings of love when sharing the gospel?

Fostering Love in Temple and Family History Work

Elder Cook explains that love is at the center of temple and family history work. As we learn about our ancestors and their trials, our love for them grows. He encourages members to use the internet and the home as tools for family history work, and emphasizes the importance of temple work in strengthening and protecting families.

Love is also at the center of our temple and family history effort to gather Israel on the other side of the veil.

When we learn of the trials and hardships our ancestors faced, our love and appreciation for them is magnified.

I promise that lovingly performing ordinances for ancestors will strengthen and protect our youth and families in a world that is becoming increasingly evil.

How is love connected to temple and family history work?
Why does learning about our ancestors increase our love for them?
What are the benefits of performing ordinances for ancestors?
How can you cultivate more love in your temple and family history work?
What can you do to learn more about your ancestors and their trials?
How has performing ordinances for your ancestors strengthened your family?

Preparing Eternal Families and Individuals Through Love

Elder Cook discusses the importance of love in preparing eternal families and individuals to meet and live with God. He emphasizes the equal roles and responsibilities of men and women in this process. He also highlights the importance of creating a loving atmosphere at home and using media wisely to support the spiritual growth of families.

The new emphasis on home-centered gospel study and living and the resources that are provided by the Church are a great opportunity for lovingly preparing eternal families and individuals to meet and live with God.

Those who seek to know the will of the Lord as individuals and for their families must strive for righteousness, meekness, kindness, and love. Humility and love are the hallmark of those who seek the Lord’s will, especially for their families.

Homes filled with love are a joy, a delight, and a literal heaven on earth.

How can love help in preparing eternal families and individuals to meet and live with God?
What are the hallmarks of those who seek the Lord’s will for their families?
How does a loving atmosphere at home contribute to spiritual growth?
What can you do to create a more loving atmosphere in your home?
How can you use media wisely to support the spiritual growth of your family?
How can you strive for righteousness, meekness, kindness, and love in your personal life and in your family?