Fear Not: Believe Only!
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is Elder Holland's main message to the youth of the Church?
- How does Elder Holland suggest we can find happiness and overcome fear?
- What role does the Church play in supporting its members according to Elder Holland?
- How does Elder Holland relate the story of Jairus" daughter to his message?
- What does Elder Holland say about the challenges faced by the Church and its leaders?
Topics
Understanding the Challenges of Today's World
Elder Holland discusses the numerous challenges that the world faces today, from pandemics to social and political issues. He acknowledges that these challenges can be discouraging, especially for the youth.
For nearly two years a pandemic of biblical proportions has enveloped our planet, and while that plague brought a halt to almost everything socially, obviously it did not bring a halt to brutality, violence, and cruel aggression politically—nationally or internationally.
As if that were not enough, we are still facing long-standing social and cultural challenges, ranging from economic deprivation to environmental desecration to racial inequity and more.
- What are some of the challenges Elder Holland mentions that the world is facing today?
- How do these challenges impact the youth?
- How have you personally been affected by the challenges Elder Holland mentions?
- What can you do to remain hopeful and optimistic in the face of these challenges?
Finding Happiness through the Gospel
Elder Holland encourages the youth to find happiness by embracing the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude for the blessings we have received and the significance of the Church in offering a way to find good and do good.
My plea today to our youth, and to you parents and adults who advise them, is to begin your search for happiness by embracing the bounty we have already received from the giver of every good gift.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which holds aloft the mission and message of the Savior of the world, offers the most eternally significant way to both find good and do good at such a needful time.
- What does Elder Holland suggest as a way to find happiness?
- How does the Church help us to find good and do good?
- How can you better embrace the teachings of the gospel in your search for happiness?
- What are some ways you can contribute to the good the Church does in the world?
Maintaining Faith in Difficult Times
Elder Holland discusses the importance of maintaining faith in difficult times. He refers to the story of Jairus" daughter, emphasizing Jesus's words, "Fear not: believe only." He encourages the youth to hold onto their faith, even when facing challenges.
When the Jewish leader Jairus pled for Jesus to heal his 12-year-old daughter, who lay dying at home, the surrounding crowd waylaid the Savior so long that a servant soon came saying to this anxious father, "Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master."
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
And she was. And so will you. "Fear not: believe only."
- What is the significance of the story of Jairus" daughter in Elder Holland's message?
- What does "Fear not: believe only" mean to you?
- How can you apply the principle of "Fear not: believe only" in your life?
- Can you recall a time when your faith helped you through a difficult situation?
The Role of the Church in Supporting its Members
Elder Holland discusses the role of the Church in supporting its members. He highlights the various ways in which the Church provides support, from strengthening families to providing a community where members can gather, serve, and pray for each other.
He has also given you a church that strengthens families for mortality and binds them together for eternity.
This is where every person is named, accounted for, and ministered to and where lay friends and neighbors voluntarily serve each other in callings that range from clerical work to custodial duty.
- What are some of the ways Elder Holland mentions that the Church supports its members?
- How does the Church strengthen families according to Elder Holland?
- How have you experienced the support of the Church in your life?
- How can you contribute to the support the Church provides to its members?
Preserving Life and the Importance of Intervention
Elder Holland emphasizes the sacredness of life and the importance of intervention in cases of depression, despair, or thoughts of self-harm. He urges leaders, advisers, friends, and family to be vigilant for signs of these struggles and to offer help.
We must commit ourselves fully to that gift of life and run to the aid of those who are at risk of giving up this sacred gift.
Leaders, advisers, friends, family—watch for signs of depression, despair, or anything hinting of self-harm. Offer your help. Listen. Make some kind of intervention as appropriate.
- What does Elder Holland say about the sacredness of life?
- What is the role of leaders, advisers, friends, and family in helping those who are struggling?
- How can you be more aware of the struggles of those around you?
- What actions can you take to offer help to those who may be struggling?
