Room in the Inn
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How does Elder Gong use the metaphor of an inn to describe the Church?
- What does Elder Gong say about the importance of unity and compassion in the Church?
- How does Elder Gong suggest we can make the Church a welcoming place for all?
- What does Elder Gong say about the role of the Savior's atonement in our lives?
- How does Elder Gong describe the importance of personal growth and transformation in our spiritual journey?
- What does Elder Gong say about the importance of preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
Topics
Making the Church a Welcoming Place for All
Elder Gong emphasizes the importance of making the Church a welcoming place for all, regardless of their circumstances or differences. He encourages members to be thoughtful, considerate, and welcoming to all, including new converts, returning members, young people, and those who are mourning or struggling.
He entreats us to make His Inn a place of grace and space, where each can gather, with room for all.
We see and acknowledge each person. We smile, sit with those sitting alone, learn names, including of new converts, returning brothers and sisters, young women and young men, each dear Primary child.
- What does Elder Gong mean when he says we should make the Church a "place of grace and space"?
- How can we be more welcoming and considerate to all members of the Church?
- What actions can you take to make your ward or branch more welcoming to all?
- Can you think of a time when you felt particularly welcomed or unwelcomed in the Church? How did that experience impact you?
The Importance of Unity and Compassion
Elder Gong discusses the importance of unity and compassion in the Church. He encourages members to counsel together, listen to each other, and seek to understand each other's perspectives. He also emphasizes the importance of forgiving and seeking forgiveness when we fall short of our ideals.
We belong as united community—whether confronting pandemics, storms, wildfires, droughts or quietly meeting daily needs.
When we fall short of our ideals and are rushed, unaware, judgmental, or prejudiced, we seek each other’s forgiveness and do better.
- Why is unity important in the Church?
- How can we foster greater unity and compassion in our ward or branch?
- What actions can you take to promote unity and compassion in your ward or branch?
- Can you think of a time when you needed to seek or offer forgiveness in the Church? How did that experience impact you?
The Power of Personal Growth and Transformation
Elder Gong discusses the power of personal growth and transformation in our spiritual journey. He emphasizes that as we strive to follow Christ, we can become better and develop qualities such as faith, selflessness, and trust in God.
In Him, we find cause to do good, reason to be good, and increasing capacity to become better.
In His Inn, we find and deepen our personal relationship with God, our Father, and Jesus Christ.
- What does Elder Gong say about the process of personal growth and transformation?
- How does following Christ help us to become better?
- What steps can you take to foster personal growth and transformation in your life?
- Can you think of a time when you experienced significant personal growth or transformation? How did that experience impact you?
The Importance of Preparing for the Second Coming
Elder Gong emphasizes the importance of preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He encourages members to serve each other and strive to follow Christ's example in their daily lives as a way of preparing for His return.
We prepare for His promised Second Coming as each day we do unto “the least of these” as we would unto Him.
Our Good Samaritan promises to return. Miracles occur when we care for each other as He would.
- What does Elder Gong say about the importance of preparing for the Second Coming?
- How can serving and caring for each other help us to prepare for the Second Coming?
- What actions can you take to better prepare for the Second Coming?
- Can you think of a time when you felt particularly prepared or unprepared for the Second Coming? How did that experience impact you?
The Role of the Savior's Atonement
Elder Gong discusses the role of the Savior's atonement in our lives. He emphasizes that through the atonement, we can receive second and third chances and become less judgmental and more forgiving of ourselves and others.
His is a gospel of second and third chances, made possible by His atoning sacrifice.
He invites each of us to be a good Samaritan, less judgmental and more forgiving of ourselves and of each other, even as we strive more fully to keep His commandments.
- What does Elder Gong say about the role of the Savior's atonement in our lives?
- How can the atonement help us to become less judgmental and more forgiving?
- How can you better apply the Savior's atonement in your life?
- Can you think of a time when you particularly felt the power of the Savior's atonement? How did that experience impact you?
