Come and Belong
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ according to Elder Uchtdorf?
- How does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints help us in our journey of discipleship?
- Why are we invited to "come and belong" to the Church?
- How does Elder Uchtdorf address those who feel they might not belong in the Church?
- What role does personal growth and learning from our mistakes play in our spiritual journey?
Topics
Understanding and Practicing Discipleship
Elder Uchtdorf explains that being a disciple of Jesus Christ involves more than just talking and preaching about Christ. It involves practicing the teachings of Christ and participating actively in the Church. The Church provides opportunities for us to grow spiritually, learn to recognize and act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and develop a disposition of compassion and kindness towards others.
However, being a disciple of Jesus Christ involves much more than talking and preaching of Christ.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is structured to provide opportunities to practice the fundamentals of discipleship.
Through our participation in the Church, we learn to recognize and act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We develop the disposition of reaching out in compassion and kindness to others.
- What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
- How does the Church help us in practicing discipleship?
- What are some ways we can develop a disposition of compassion and kindness towards others?
- How can you practice the teachings of Christ more fully in your life?
- What opportunities has the Church provided you to grow spiritually?
- How can you reach out in compassion and kindness to others?
Invitation to Join the Church
Elder Uchtdorf extends an invitation to all of God's children to join the Church. He assures that everyone will make the Church stronger and that they will become better, kinder, and happier. He encourages reading the Book of Mormon, visiting ComeuntoChrist.org, and inviting missionaries to visit.
We invite all of God’s children throughout the world to join us in this great endeavor. Come and see!
Come and belong! You will make us stronger. And you will become better, kinder, and happier as well.
We invite you to read the Book of Mormon.
- What are some ways Elder Uchtdorf invites people to join the Church?
- What benefits does Elder Uchtdorf mention about joining the Church?
- How can you extend a similar invitation to others?
- What has been your experience with the Book of Mormon and how has it strengthened your testimony?
The Savior's Embrace Extends to All
Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes that Jesus Christ cares deeply about each and every one of God's children, regardless of their past mistakes or current circumstances. He assures that there is a place in His Church for everyone and that God's grace is available to all.
Jesus the Christ, though He is “the King of kings,” the Messiah, “the Son of the living God,” does care deeply about each and every one of God’s children.
There is no threshold of perfection you must attain in order to qualify for God’s grace.
As we incline our hearts to our Heavenly Father and draw near to Him, we will feel Him draw near to us.
- How does Elder Uchtdorf describe the Savior's love for all of God's children?
- What does it mean that there is no threshold of perfection to qualify for God's grace?
- How have you felt the Savior's love in your life?
- How can you draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
Learning from Our Mistakes
Elder Uchtdorf discusses the importance of learning from our mistakes and growing through experiences. He assures that Jesus Christ died so our mistakes might not condemn us and halt our progress. He also discusses the importance of the First Vision and the Restoration of the Gospel.
We learn the important lessons of life through experience. Through learning from our mistakes. Through repenting and realizing for ourselves that “wickedness never was happiness.”
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died so that our mistakes might not condemn us and forever halt our progress.
This is why, in the spring of 1820, He appeared with His Son, Jesus Christ, to a young man, Joseph Smith.
- What does Elder Uchtdorf say about the importance of learning from our mistakes?
- What is the significance of the First Vision and the Restoration of the Gospel?
- What are some lessons you have learned from your own mistakes?
- How has the First Vision and the Restoration of the Gospel impacted your life?
Hearing and Following Christ
Elder Uchtdorf encourages us to hear and follow Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that our discipleship begins with our decision to hear and follow the Savior. He invites us to gather our faith, take upon ourselves His cross, and find belonging in His Church.
When God appeared to Joseph Smith, He introduced His Son, Jesus Christ, and said, “Hear Him!”
As with Joseph, our discipleship begins with our decision to hear and follow the Savior Jesus Christ.
If you desire to follow Him, gather your faith and take upon yourself His cross.
- What does it mean to hear and follow Jesus Christ?
- How does our discipleship begin according to Elder Uchtdorf?
- How can you better hear and follow Jesus Christ in your life?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your discipleship?
