Study Guide for "Finding Personal Peace"

In his talk, "Finding Personal Peace", President Henry B. Eyring discusses the concept of peace as taught by Jesus Christ and how members can find it in their lives. He shares five truths about peace, explains why some might not feel it, and offers hope for finding it. He also discusses the role of parents and other influencers in helping the rising generation experience this peace.

Before Reading

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

What is the Savior's promise regarding peace?
What are the five truths President Eyring learned from the Savior's teachings about peace?
Why might some people not feel the peace the Lord promised?
What role do parents and other influencers play in helping the rising generation find peace?
What is the "multiplier effect" President Eyring talks about?

Topics

Understanding the Savior's Promise of Peace

President Eyring discusses the Savior's promise of peace as outlined in the book of John. He explains that this peace is not given as the world gives, but comes through obedience to Christ's commandments and the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

The Savior knows that all of Heavenly Father’s children yearn for peace, and He said that He could give it to us. You remember the words of Jesus Christ recorded in the book of John: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

First, the gift of peace is given after we have the faith to keep His commandments. For those who are covenant members of the Lord’s Church, obedience is what we have already promised to do.

Second, the Holy Ghost will come and abide with us. The Lord says that as we continue to be faithful, the Holy Ghost will dwell in us. That is the promise in the sacramental prayer that the Spirit will be our companion and that we will feel, in our hearts and minds, His comfort.

What does the Savior mean when He promises peace?
What conditions must we meet to receive the Savior's peace?
How does the Holy Ghost contribute to our personal peace?
How have you experienced the Savior's peace in your life?
What can you do to better obey the Savior's commandments and invite His peace?
How can you invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost to help you find peace?

Feeling the Love of the Father and the Son

President Eyring emphasizes that as we keep our covenants, we can feel the love of the Father and the Son for each other and for us. This love is a source of peace in our mortal lives, and will continue to be in eternity.

Third, the Savior promises that as we keep our covenants, we can feel the love of the Father and the Son for each other and for us. We can feel Their closeness in our mortal lives, just as we will when we are blessed to be with Them forever.

How does keeping our covenants help us feel the love of the Father and the Son?
How does feeling Their love contribute to our personal peace?
Have you ever experienced the love of the Father and the Son in your life?
What can you do to better keep your covenants and feel Their love?

Loving God and Keeping His Commandments

President Eyring teaches that keeping the Lord's commandments requires more than obedience; it requires love for God. Those who do not love Him do not keep His commandments and consequently, do not have the gift of peace.

Fourth, keeping the Lord’s commandments requires more than obedience. We are to love God with all our heart, might, mind, and soul. Those who do not love Him do not keep His commandments. And so they will not have the gift of peace in this life and in the world to come.

Why is loving God necessary for keeping His commandments?
How does loving God and keeping His commandments relate to having peace?
How can you show your love for God in your daily life?
What steps can you take to better keep His commandments out of love?

The Atonement and the Gift of Peace

President Eyring explains that the Lord loved us enough to pay the price of our sins so we can have the gift of peace. Through faith, repentance, and the effects of His Atonement, we can have this peace that "passeth all understanding".

Fifth, it is clear that the Lord loved us enough to pay the price of our sins so that we can—through our faith in Him and our repentance, through the effects of His Atonement—have the gift of the peace that "passeth all understanding," in this life and with Him eternally.

How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ relate to the gift of peace?
What must we do to access the peace that comes through the Atonement?
How have you experienced the peace that comes through the Atonement?
What can you do to more fully apply the Atonement in your life and find peace?

Finding Peace Amidst Opposition

President Eyring acknowledges that there are forces, including Satan, that seek to prevent us from finding peace. However, he offers hope, emphasizing the Light of Christ in every child and the role of parents and other influencers in nurturing this light and fostering peace.

There is an enemy of your soul who does not want you and those you love to find peace. He cannot enjoy it. He works to prevent you from even wanting to find the peace the Savior and our Heavenly Father desire you to have.

Yet there is reason for optimism: it is that the Light of Christ is placed in every newborn child. With that universal gift comes a sense of what is right, a desire to love and be loved. There is an inborn sense of justice and truth in every child of God as he or she comes into mortality.

Our optimism for personal peace for those children lies in the people who care for them. If those who rear them and serve them have worked to receive the gift of peace from the Savior, they will, by personal example and effort, encourage the faith of the child to qualify for the supernal gift of peace.

What are some forces that can prevent us from finding peace?
How can the Light of Christ help us find peace?
What role do parents and other influencers play in fostering peace?
How have you experienced opposition to finding peace in your life?
How can you better nurture the Light of Christ in yourself and others to foster peace?