The Eternal Principle of Love
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does Elder Montoya mean by the "eternal principle of love"?
- How does Elder Montoya suggest we can manifest love in our lives?
- What role does love play in times of adversity according to Elder Montoya?
- What does Elder Montoya say about God's love for us?
- How does understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ affect our love for God and our desire to sin?
Topics
Manifesting Love Through Service
Elder Montoya discusses how love can be manifested through acts of service. He shares a personal experience of helping his neighbor during a snowstorm, emphasizing that we should be willing to help others because we love them. He also mentions the principle of ministering introduced by President Nelson, which involves a more personal, deeper approach to serving others.
We are willing to help each other because we love each other, and my brother’s needs become my needs, and mine become his.
When ministering was announced, President Russell M. Nelson said, "We will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others."
- What does Elder Montoya's snowstorm experience teach about love and service?
- How does the principle of ministering relate to the manifestation of love?
- How can you show love to your neighbors through acts of service?
- What opportunities do you have to minister to others in a more personal and deeper way?
Understanding God's Love
Elder Montoya explains the reasons why love for God is the first great commandment. He emphasizes our relationship with God as His children and our dependence on Him. He also talks about God's plan that includes agency, the possibility of making mistakes, and the provision of a Savior for our redemption.
Why is love for God the first great commandment? I think it’s because of what He means to us. We are His children, He oversees our welfare, we are dependent on Him, and His love protects us.
His plan includes agency; therefore, we will likely make some mistakes. He also allows us to be tested and tempted. But whether we are making some mistakes or falling into temptation, the plan provides a Savior so we can be redeemed and return to the presence of God.
- Why does Elder Montoya consider love for God as the first great commandment?
- How does God's plan reflect His love for us?
- How have you experienced God's love in your life?
- How can understanding God's love influence your choices and actions?
Facing Adversity with Love
Elder Montoya discusses the role of love in facing adversity. He shares several examples where individuals faced adversity but remained happy because their happiness did not depend on their circumstances but on their attitude towards them. Elder Montoya emphasizes that we can still be happy amidst adversity because of God's love and mercy.
Even when we do what is right, the circumstances in our life can change from good to bad, from happiness to sadness. God answers our prayers according to His infinite mercy and love and in His own time.
When circumstances change from good and positive to bad and negative, we can still be happy because happiness does not depend on the circumstances but on our attitude toward the circumstances.
- How does Elder Montoya suggest we can maintain happiness amidst adversity?
- What role does love play in facing adversity?
- Have you experienced a time when you were able to maintain happiness amidst adversity? What role did love play in that experience?
- How can you cultivate an attitude that allows you to remain happy regardless of your circumstances?
Expressing Love to Our Children
Elder Montoya talks about the importance of expressing love to our children. He shares his personal experience of blessing his children and spending joyful time with them. He emphasizes that each child is unique and valuable to God and that, regardless of their challenges, sins, and weaknesses, God loves them and so should we.
My wife and I always try to be there for our children at any time, under any condition, and by any means. Each child is unique; their worth to God is great, and no matter what challenges, sins, and weaknesses they have, God loves them, and so do we.
Although providing is a responsibility established by divine design, we must not forget to share joyful time with our children.
- Why does Elder Montoya emphasize the importance of expressing love to our children?
- What does he suggest are ways to express love to our children?
- How do you express love to your children or to the children in your life?
- What opportunities do you have to spend joyful time with your children?
The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Principle of Love
Elder Montoya discusses the Atonement of Jesus Christ as the supreme demonstration of God's love. He explains that understanding the Atonement increases our love for God, decreases our desire to sin, and increases our willingness to be better. He also reminds us that because of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice, we can live forever with God.
I believe that the supreme demonstration of God’s love for us happened in Gethsemane, where the Son of the living God prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
I have noticed that the small portion that I can understand of the Atonement of Jesus Christ increases my love for the Father and His Son, decreases my desire to sin and to be disobedient, and increases my willingness to be better and do better.
- How does Elder Montoya describe the Atonement of Jesus Christ as a demonstration of God's love?
- What effects does understanding the Atonement have on our love for God and our desire to sin, according to Elder Montoya?
- How has understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ affected your love for God and your desire to sin?
- What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Atonement and its significance in your life?
