The Joy of the Saints
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does "the joy of the saints" mean according to Elder Christofferson?
- How does keeping the commandments bring joy?
- How can we find joy in overcoming trials and challenges?
- In what ways does serving others bring joy?
- What role does Christ play in our pursuit of joy?
Topics
Understanding the Joy of the Saints
Elder Christofferson explains that "the joy of the saints" refers to the joy that comes from striving to become Christlike. This joy is enduring and is derived from keeping God's commandments, overcoming sorrow and weakness through Christ, and serving others as Christ did.
Thus, "the joy of the saints" denotes the joy of becoming Christlike.
The joy of the Saints is enduring.
- What does Elder Christofferson mean by "the joy of the saints"?
- How can we strive to become more Christlike in our daily lives?
- How have you experienced "the joy of the saints" in your own life?
- What steps can you take to become more Christlike and experience this joy?
Experiencing Joy through Keeping the Commandments
Elder Christofferson emphasizes the joy that comes from keeping the Lord's commandments. He points out that while those who ignore divine directives may seem to prosper, their joy is temporary. On the other hand, the joy of obedience is enduring and leads to better choices and happier outcomes.
God sees things in their true perspective, and He shares that perspective with us through His commandments, effectively guiding us around the pitfalls and potholes of mortality toward eternal joy.
The Lord’s commandments are our guide to better choices and happier outcomes. How we ought to rejoice and thank Him for showing us this more excellent way.
- How does keeping the commandments bring joy?
- What does Elder Christofferson mean when he says that God's commandments guide us "toward eternal joy"?
- What commandments have brought you particular joy in keeping?
- How can you better align your life with God's commandments to experience this joy?
Overcoming Trials through Christ
Elder Christofferson discusses how trials and challenges can interrupt our joy. However, as we strive to overcome these challenges with the Savior's help, it preserves both the joy we feel now and the joy we anticipate. He shares the experience of Jack Rushton, who despite physical paralysis, found joy in turning to the Lord.
It is in turning to Him, obeying Him, binding ourselves to Him that trial and sorrow are turned to joy.
My faith never wavered, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t have depressions. I think for the first time in my life, I was pushed to the limit, and literally there was nowhere to turn, and so I turned to the Lord, and to this day, I feel a spontaneity of joy.
- How can we find joy in the midst of trials and challenges?
- What does it mean to turn to the Lord in times of difficulty?
- How have you experienced joy in overcoming trials through Christ?
- What trials are you currently facing and how can you turn to the Lord for help?
Finding Joy in Serving as Christ Serves
Elder Christofferson talks about the joy that comes from serving others as Christ did. He emphasizes that the Savior found joy in bringing to pass our immortality and eternal life and we can find joy in assisting Him in His work of redemption. Our service to one another in the Church is part of the joy "set before us".
Similarly, the joy "set before us" is the joy of assisting the Savior in His work of redemption.
Even in times of discouragement or stress, we can minister patiently if we are focused on the joy of pleasing God and bringing light, relief, and happiness to His children, our brothers and sisters.
- How does serving others bring us joy?
- What does it mean to assist the Savior in His work of redemption?
- How have you experienced joy through serving others?
- What opportunities do you have to serve others in a way that brings you joy?
