Study Guide for "Happy and Forever"

In his talk, Elder Gerrit W. Gong explores the concept of "happy and forever", explaining how enduring joy and eternity with loved ones are not just fairy tale concepts but rather the very essence of God's plan of happiness. He discusses the nature of family relationships, the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the role of temple ordinances in uniting families and healing conflicts. He shares personal experiences to illustrate these principles and provides five key doctrinal principles that underscore the importance of these concepts.

Before Reading

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

What is the role of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in uniting families and healing conflicts?
How does Elder Gong describe the nature of "happy and forever"?
What are some of the key doctrinal principles Elder Gong discusses in relation to family relationships and the plan of happiness?
How do temple ordinances contribute to our understanding and experience of "happy and forever"?
What personal experiences does Elder Gong share to illustrate these principles?

Topics

Understanding "Happy and Forever"

Elder Gong explains that the concepts of enduring joy and eternity with loved ones, or "happy and forever", are not just fairy tale notions but are integral parts of God's plan of happiness. He emphasizes that these are achievable through faith, obedience, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

True, enduring joy and eternity with those we love are the very essence of God’s plan of happiness.

His lovingly prepared way can make our eternal journey happy and forever.

What does Elder Gong mean by "happy and forever"?
How does Elder Gong describe the way to achieve "happy and forever"?
What steps can you take to experience "happy and forever" in your life?
How has your understanding of "happy and forever" changed after reading this talk?

The Power of the Atonement in Healing Relationships

Elder Gong discusses the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in healing and uniting families, even resolving intergenerational conflicts. He shares personal experiences to illustrate this principle, emphasizing that the Atonement can bring peace to our past and hope to our future.

Infinite and eternal, stronger than the cords of death, Jesus Christ’s Atonement can help us bring peace to our past and hope to our future.

How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ help in healing and uniting families?
What does Elder Gong mean when he says the Atonement can bring peace to our past and hope to our future?
How have you experienced the healing power of the Atonement in your relationships?
What steps can you take to allow the Atonement to bring peace to your past and hope to your future?

The Role of Temple Ordinances in Uniting Families

Elder Gong discusses the role of temple ordinances in uniting families eternally. He explains that these ordinances do not change us or those in the spirit world of themselves, but enable sanctifying covenants with the Lord, which can bring harmony with Him and each other.

Temple ordinances do not of themselves change us or those in the spirit world. But these divine ordinances enable sanctifying covenants with the Lord, which can bring harmony with Him and each other.

What role do temple ordinances play in uniting families?
How do temple ordinances enable sanctifying covenants with the Lord?
How have temple ordinances helped you feel closer to your family and to the Lord?
What steps can you take to participate more fully in temple ordinances and covenants?

Repentance and Forgiveness in Our Relationships

Elder Gong teaches about the importance of repentance and forgiveness in our relationships. He explains that the mercy we receive and offer can help make life's injustices just. He also warns against the dangers of procrastinating repentance.

Our joy becomes full as we feel Jesus Christ’s grace and forgiveness for us. And as we offer the miracle of His grace and forgiveness to each other, the mercy we receive and the mercy we offer can help make life’s injustices just.

We should none of us put off repentance. The blessings of repentance begin as we begin to repent.

Why are repentance and forgiveness important in our relationships?
What are the dangers of procrastinating repentance?
What steps can you take to incorporate more repentance and forgiveness in your relationships?
How have you experienced the blessings of repentance in your life?

Becoming Like God Through Service

Elder Gong teaches that we can become more like God as we offer proxy saving temple ordinances for others. He explains that as we serve others, the Holy Spirit of Promise can ratify the ordinances and sanctify both giver and receiver.

The Lord gives us divine opportunity to become more like Him as we offer proxy saving temple ordinances others need but cannot do for themselves. We become more complete and perfected as we become "saviours … on mount Zion."

How does offering proxy saving temple ordinances help us become more like God?
What role does the Holy Spirit of Promise play in this process?
What steps can you take to participate more fully in the work of saving ordinances for others?
How have you felt the influence of the Holy Spirit of Promise as you have participated in this work?