Lessons at the Well
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What lessons does Sister Porter draw from the story of the Samaritan woman at the well?
- How does Sister Porter describe the power within us?
- What roles do salt, leaven, and light play in Sister Porter's talk?
- How does Sister Porter describe the impact of small acts of faith and righteousness?
- What does Sister Porter say about the influence we can have on others and the world around us?
Topics
Our Past and Present Circumstances Do Not Determine Our Future
Sister Porter uses the story of the Samaritan woman at the well to illustrate that our past and present circumstances do not determine our future. She emphasizes that each of us is a beloved daughter of God with a sacred purpose, and that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be cleansed, healed, and empowered to fulfill our purpose regardless of our circumstances.
No matter our circumstances, our lives are sacred and have meaning and purpose. Each of us is a beloved daughter of God, born with divinity in our souls.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, made it possible for us to be cleansed and healed, enabling us to fulfill our purpose on earth regardless of decisions of family members, our marital status, physical or mental health, or any other situation.
- What was the message that Jesus gave to the Samaritan woman at the well?
- How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ enable us to fulfill our purpose regardless of our circumstances?
- How have your past and present circumstances influenced your understanding of your divine purpose?
- In what ways can you turn to the Savior for strength and healing in your current circumstances?
The Power Is in Us
Sister Porter emphasizes that the power to bring about much righteousness is within us. She discusses the importance of honoring sacred covenants and participating worthily in priesthood ordinances. She testifies that as we do these things, the Lord will bless us with His healing and strengthening power and with spiritual insights and awakenings.
Sisters, the power is in us to bring to pass much righteousness!
I have come to know that as we strive to honor sacred covenants made at baptism and in holy temples, the Lord will bless us with His healing, strengthening power and with spiritual insights and awakenings we’ve never had before.
- What does it mean to be "anxiously engaged in a good cause"?
- How does honoring sacred covenants and participating worthily in priesthood ordinances give us access to the power of God?
- In what ways have you experienced the power of God in your life as you have strived to honor your covenants?
- What actions can you take to more fully access and utilize the power of God in your life?
Out of Small Things Proceedeth That Which Is Great
Sister Porter discusses the power of small acts of faith and righteousness, using the metaphors of salt, leaven, and light. She shares stories that illustrate how small acts can have a big impact, and invites us to use the power of God to be as salt, leaven, and light in the world.
Salt, Leaven, Light. Even in very small amounts, each affects everything around it. The Savior invites us to use His power to be as salt, leaven, and light.
Sisters, hearts can be changed and lives blessed as we offer a pinch of salt, a spoonful of leaven, and a ray of light.
- What does it mean to be as salt, leaven, and light?
- How can small acts of faith and righteousness have a big impact?
- In what ways can you be as salt, leaven, and light in your family, at school, and in your community?
- What small acts of faith and righteousness can you do to bring about much righteousness and bless the lives of those around you?
