By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power with God
Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency
Sharon Eubank teaches the importance of unity and mercy in obtaining power with God.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does Sister Eubank mean by "union of feeling"?
- How does Sister Eubank suggest we can create a "union of feeling"?
- What role does mercy play in achieving unity?
- What lessons can we learn from the story of the 1936 Olympic rowing team?
- How can we apply the principle of "clearing away the bad as fast as the good can grow" in our lives?
- What are the prophetic promises mentioned by Sister Eubank?
Topics
The Power of Mercy
Sister Eubank emphasizes the importance of mercy in achieving unity. She urges us not to judge each other harshly, but to keep each other's names safe and give the gift of mercy.
Jacob 2:17 reads, "Think of your [brothers and sisters] like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you." Let’s replace the word substance with mercy—be free with your mercy that they may be rich like unto you.
Let’s not judge each other or let our words bite. Let’s keep each other’s names safe and give the gift of mercy.
- What does it mean to be "free with your mercy"?
- How can showing mercy help us achieve unity?
- How can you show more mercy in your interactions with others?
- Can you recall a time when someone showed you mercy? How did it make you feel?
Achieving Unity Through Cooperation
Drawing from the story of the 1936 Olympic rowing team, Sister Eubank discusses the concept of "swing", which represents perfect unison and cooperation. She suggests that we can achieve unity by adjusting to the needs and capabilities of others.
Rowers must rein in their fierce independence and at the same time hold true to their individual capabilities. Races are not won by clones. Good crews are good blends—someone to lead the charge, someone to hold something in reserve, someone to fight the fight, someone to make peace.
Differences can be turned to advantage instead of disadvantage. Only then will it feel as if the boat is moving on its own. Only then does pain entirely give way to exultation. Good "swing" feels like poetry.
- What does "swing" represent in the context of unity?
- How can differences be turned to advantage in achieving unity?
- How can you better adjust to the needs and capabilities of others in your own life?
- Can you think of a time when you experienced "swing" in a group setting? What was that like?
Clearing Away the Bad as Fast as the Good Can Grow
Sister Eubank discusses the principle of clearing away the bad as fast as the good can grow, as illustrated in the allegory in Jacob 5. She suggests that unity takes work and happens gradually when we clear away the bad as fast as the good can grow.
Unity doesn’t magically happen; it takes work. It’s messy, sometimes uncomfortable, and happens gradually when we clear away the bad as fast as the good can grow.
Each of us is going to have deeply wounding experiences, things that should never happen. Each of us will also, at various times, allow pride and loftiness to corrupt the fruit we bear. But Jesus Christ is our Savior in all things. His power reaches to the very bottom and is reliably there for us when we call on Him.
- What does it mean to "clear away the bad as fast as the good can grow"?
- How can this principle help us achieve unity?
- What "bad" can you clear away in your life to make room for the "good" to grow?
- How can you rely on Jesus Christ in your efforts to clear away the bad?
Prophetic Promises of Unity
Sister Eubank reminds us of the prophetic promises of unity and peace. She encourages us to use our individual and collective efforts to increase unity in the world.
When the Church commemorated the 1978 revelation on priesthood, President Russell M. Nelson extended a powerful prophetic blessing: "It is my prayer and blessing that I leave upon all who are listening that we may overcome any burdens of prejudice and walk uprightly with God—and with one another—in perfect peace and harmony."
May we draw on this prophetic blessing and use our individual and collective efforts to increase unity in the world.
- What is the prophetic promise that Sister Eubank mentions?
- How can we draw on this prophetic blessing in our efforts to increase unity?
- What steps can you take to increase unity in your own sphere of influence?
- How can you overcome any burdens of prejudice in your life?
