Study Guide for "Simply Beautiful

In this talk, Elder Gary E. Stevenson discusses two fundamental elements of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and shares four inspiring accounts from members of the Church around the world. The first element is God's work of salvation and exaltation, which focuses on divinely appointed responsibilities. The second element is the simplicity of the gospel, which is plain, precious, and simple. Elder Stevenson emphasizes the importance of keeping the gospel simple in our lives and fulfilling our divinely appointed responsibilities.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What are the two elements of the restored gospel Elder Stevenson discusses?
What are the four divinely appointed responsibilities that Elder Stevenson highlights?
How does Elder Stevenson describe the gospel of Jesus Christ?
What experiences do the four Latter-day Saints from around the world share in their efforts to live the gospel principles?
Why is it important to keep the gospel simple in our lives?

Topics

Understanding Divinely Appointed Responsibilities

Elder Stevenson explains that our divinely appointed responsibilities include living the gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for those in need, inviting all to receive the gospel, and uniting families for eternity. These responsibilities align with priesthood keys and the second great commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.

To receive eternal life, we must "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him."

These responsibilities are simple, inspirational, motivating, and doable.

What are the divinely appointed responsibilities as stated by Elder Stevenson?
How are these responsibilities related to the priesthood keys and the second great commandment?
Why does Elder Stevenson emphasize the simplicity of these responsibilities?
How can you better live the gospel of Jesus Christ in your daily life?
What actions can you take to care for those in need in your community?
How can you invite others to receive the gospel?
What steps can you take to unite your family for eternity?

Keeping the Gospel Simple

Elder Stevenson emphasizes the simplicity of the gospel, which is in stark contrast to the complexity of the world. He encourages us to exercise care not to allow worldly complexity to interfere with the way we receive and practice the gospel.

It has been said that the gospel of Jesus Christ is "simply beautiful and beautifully simple."

We should all strive to keep the gospel simple—in our lives, in our families, in our classes and quorums, and in our wards and stakes.

How does Elder Stevenson describe the gospel of Jesus Christ in relation to the world?
Why is it important to keep the gospel simple in our lives?
How can you simplify the way you receive and practice the gospel?
What complex worldly influences might be interfering with the simplicity of the gospel in your life, and how can you remove them?

Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Elder Stevenson shares the story of Jens from Denmark, who prays daily to live the gospel and notice promptings from the Holy Ghost. Jens" story illustrates the importance of seeking divine direction each day and striving to follow that direction when it comes.

Jens lives the gospel by seeking divine direction each day, striving to be worthy, then doing his best to follow that direction when it comes.

What does Jens" story teach us about living the gospel of Jesus Christ?
How does Jens seek and follow divine direction in his life?
How can you better seek and follow divine direction in your life?
What actions can you take to live the gospel of Jesus Christ more fully?

Caring for Those in Need

Elder Stevenson recounts an inspiring story from the Cúcuta stake in Colombia, where ward and stake leaders, along with many families, came together to help three orphaned siblings. This story demonstrates the importance of caring for those in need and acting as the Savior's hands in serving others.

Those who reached out felt the love of the Savior for this family and acted as His hands in serving them.

What does the story from the Cúcuta stake teach us about caring for those in need?
How did the members of the Cúcuta stake act as the Savior's hands in serving the orphaned siblings?
How can you act as the Savior's hands in serving those in need in your community?
What actions can you take to better care for those in need?

Inviting All to Receive the Gospel

Elder Stevenson shares the story of Cleiton from Cape Verde, who invited his family and friends to receive the gospel, resulting in a thriving seminary program and increased youth activity in his ward. This story illustrates the power of personal invitation in sharing the gospel.

Today the ward has 35 active youth, with a thriving seminary program, thanks in large part to Cleiton’s efforts to love, share, and invite.

What does Cleiton's story teach us about inviting others to receive the gospel?
How did Cleiton's efforts impact his ward and the people around him?
How can you invite others to receive the gospel?
Who in your life could you share the gospel with, and how can you do so?

Uniting Families for Eternity

Elder Stevenson tells the story of Lydia from Ukraine, who, after learning about the temple, felt a fervent desire to attend and later served as a temple missionary. Lydia's story emphasizes the importance of temple work in uniting families for eternity.

Together [Lydia and her husband] have found more than 15,000 names of ancestors and have worked to provide temple ordinances for them.

The Lord wants to see us in the temple often.

What does Lydia's story teach us about uniting families for eternity?
How did Lydia and her husband contribute to temple work and family history efforts?
How can you contribute to temple work and family history efforts in your own family?
What steps can you take to unite your family for eternity?