Have I Truly Been Forgiven?
Contents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the story of Danny and how does it relate to the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
- How does Elder Nattress use scriptures to help Danny understand the power of the Atonement?
- What does Elder Nattress teach about the Savior's love and forgiveness?
- How does Elder Nattress encourage us to seek, love, and remember Jesus Christ?
- What role does faith and hope play in the process of repentance and forgiveness?
Topics
Understanding the Atonement through Personal Struggles
Elder Nattress uses the story of Danny, a young man who strayed from the path and became involved with drugs, to illustrate the power of the Atonement. Despite his struggles, Danny felt the love of the Lord and began his journey towards repentance and forgiveness. This journey was not easy, but through faith, hope, and understanding of the Atonement, Danny was able to overcome his guilt and addiction.
During the meeting, Danny felt something he had not felt for a long time. He felt the love of the Lord. He finally had hope.
As we read these passages, tears began to flow. Alma’s joy was the joy he had been searching for!
Danny’s mighty change of heart was nothing short of a miracle.
- What were the key moments in Danny's journey towards understanding the Atonement?
- How did Elder Nattress use the scriptures to help Danny understand his feelings and the process of repentance?
- What role did hope and faith play in Danny's journey?
- How have you experienced the power of the Atonement in your own life?
- What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Atonement?
- How can you apply the lessons from Danny's story to your own struggles and journey towards repentance and forgiveness?
The Promise of Complete and Perfect Forgiveness
Elder Nattress emphasizes the promise of complete and perfect forgiveness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. No matter how serious the sins, as long as we sincerely repent, we can be forgiven and start anew. This promise applies to everyone, as illustrated by Danny's story.
We discussed that while his sins did not rise to the level of Alma’s, the same promise of complete and perfect forgiveness is made to everyone—in and through the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Danny now understood. He knew what he needed to do: he needed to begin his journey by trusting in the Lord and forgiving himself!
Of course you have been forgiven! You are amazing! Now what you need to do is move forward with your life. Don’t look back! Look forward with faith to the next ordinance.
- What does Elder Nattress teach about the promise of complete and perfect forgiveness?
- How did understanding this promise help Danny in his journey?
- Why is it important to not only seek forgiveness from the Lord but also forgive oneself?
- How does the promise of complete and perfect forgiveness affect your perspective on repentance and the Atonement?
- What steps can you take to forgive yourself and move forward with faith?
- How can you apply this promise of forgiveness in your daily life?
The Savior's Infinite Love and Mercy
Elder Nattress highlights the Savior's infinite love and mercy towards each of us. He assures us that the Savior always remembers to love us and stands ready to lift, strengthen, and forgive us. He uses the story of Jesus ministering to the multitude as recorded in the Book of Mormon to emphasize the Savior's compassion and healing power.
Brothers and sisters, I testify that our Heavenly Father always remembers us and that He loves us perfectly. My question is this: Do we remember Him? And do we love Him?
Danny wasn’t lost, and neither are we to the Lord. He stands at the door to lift us, to strengthen us, and to forgive us. He always remembers to love us!
His promise is eternal: He will heal us.
- What does Elder Nattress teach about the Savior's love and mercy?
- How does the story of Jesus ministering to the multitude illustrate the Savior's compassion and healing power?
- Why is it important to remember and love the Savior?
- How have you experienced the Savior's love and mercy in your life?
- What steps can you take to remember and love the Savior more in your daily life?
- How can you seek the Savior's healing power in your own struggles and challenges?
Seeking, Loving, and Remembering the Savior
Eternal happiness and peace come from seeking, loving, and always remembering the Savior, as Elder Nattress teaches. He encourages us to follow the Savior, who is the way, the truth, and the life. By doing so, we can experience the healing and strengthening power of His Atonement.
Brothers and sisters, let us remember to seek Him, to love Him, and to always remember Him.
The Savior said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
- What does Elder Nattress mean when he encourages us to seek, love, and always remember the Savior?
- How does seeking, loving, and remembering the Savior relate to experiencing the power of His Atonement?
- How can you seek, love, and remember the Savior in your daily life?
- What changes can you make to follow the Savior more closely?
- How have you experienced the blessings of seeking, loving, and remembering the Savior?
The Power of Hope and Healing
Elder Nattress emphasizes the power of hope and healing that come from the Savior's Atonement. He assures us that there is always hope, healing, and a way back for those who have strayed from the covenant path. The Savior's eternal message of hope is the healing balm for all who live in a troubled world.
To those who have strayed from the covenant path, please know there is always hope, there is always healing, and there is always a way back.
His eternal message of hope is the healing balm for all who live in a troubled world.
- What does Elder Nattress teach about the power of hope and healing?
- Why is hope important in the process of repentance and forgiveness?
- How does the Savior's Atonement provide healing for those who have strayed from the covenant path?
- How have you experienced the power of hope and healing in your life?
- What steps can you take to maintain hope and seek healing through the Savior's Atonement?
- How can you share the message of hope and healing with others who may be struggling?