Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are the three interconnected elements of turning our hearts to God as outlined in the Old Testament?
- How does Elder Renlund describe the principle of "doing justly"?
- What does it mean to "love mercy" and how can we apply this principle in our lives?
- What does it mean to "walk humbly with God"?
- How do these principles help us qualify for salvation and eternal happiness?
Topics
Understanding the Insufficiency of Good Deeds Alone
Elder Renlund emphasizes that good deeds alone are not sufficient for salvation. While we are encouraged to strive to do better and be better, salvation cannot be earned. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can become enough and be saved from both physical and spiritual death.
Good deeds are not sufficient. Salvation is not earned. Not even the vast sacrifices Micah knew were impossible can redeem the smallest sin. Left to our own devices, the prospect of returning to live in God’s presence is hopeless.
Without the blessings that come from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, we can never do enough or be enough by ourselves.
- Why are good deeds alone not sufficient for salvation?
- How does Jesus Christ make us "enough" for salvation?
- How does understanding the role of Jesus Christ in your salvation influence your actions and decisions?
- What can you do to more fully rely on the Savior for your salvation?
Doing Justly and Walking Humbly with God
Elder Renlund explains that to "do justly" means to act honorably with God and with other people. This is achieved by walking humbly with God and loving mercy. He emphasizes the importance of turning away from sin, making and keeping covenants with God, obeying His commandments, and continually striving to improve.
To do justly means acting honorably with God and with other people. We act honorably with God by walking humbly with Him. We act honorably with others by loving mercy.
A just person turns away from sin and toward God, makes covenants with Him, and keeps those covenants.
- What does it mean to "do justly" in our interactions with God and with others?
- How can we walk humbly with God?
- How can you strive to "do justly" in your daily life?
- What steps can you take to walk more humbly with God?
Loving Mercy and Dealing Justly with Others
Elder Renlund discusses the principle of "loving mercy", highlighting that it means not only delighting in the mercy God extends to us, but also rejoicing in the mercy He extends to others. He underscores the importance of not being judgmental and treating everyone with love and understanding.
Loving mercy means that we do not just love the mercy God extends to us; we delight that God extends the same mercy to others. And we follow His example.
People who love mercy are not judgmental; they manifest compassion for others, especially for those who are less fortunate; they are gracious, kind, and honorable.
- What does it mean to "love mercy"?
- How can we follow God's example in extending mercy to others?
- How can you better demonstrate love of mercy in your interactions with others?
- In what ways can you show more compassion and understanding towards others?
Emulating Christ's Example
Elder Renlund encourages us to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who exemplified what it means to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Christ treated everyone with respect and sought to lift rather than condemn, denouncing self-righteousness and judgment.
Jesus Christ exemplified what it means to do justly and to love mercy. He freely associated with sinners, treating them honorably and with respect.
To be Christlike, a person does justly, behaving honorably with both God and other people. A just person is civil in words and action and recognizes that differences in outlook or belief do not preclude genuine kindness and friendship.
- How did Jesus Christ exemplify doing justly and loving mercy?
- What does it mean to be Christlike in our interactions with others?
- How can you strive to be more Christlike in your daily actions and interactions?
- What steps can you take to treat everyone with love and understanding, regardless of their differences?
Continual Progress and Assurance of Salvation
Elder Renlund addresses the concerns of those who wonder if they are doing enough to be saved and exalted. He reassures us that while we should not take salvation for granted, we should not be paralyzed by continual uncertainty or excessive apprehension. We can assess our own progress and have assurance of God's will when we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
But at the same time, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do not want us to be paralyzed by continual uncertainty during our mortal journey, wondering whether we have done enough to be saved and exalted.
We can assess our own progress. We can know “that the course of life [that we are] pursuing is according to God’s will” when we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
- Why is it important not to be paralyzed by continual uncertainty about our salvation?
- How can we assess our own progress in doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God?
- How can you overcome feelings of uncertainty or apprehension about your salvation?
- What steps can you take to assess your progress in following God's will?
