Study Guide for "God Knows and Loves You"

In his talk, Elder Alan T. Phillips uses a personal experience to illustrate the deep love our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ have for each of us. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our divine identity as children of God, the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, and the perfect love of our Heavenly Father. He also encourages us to extend this love to others, especially those who are struggling, and to seek comfort and guidance from God through prayer.

Before Reading

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

How does Elder Phillips illustrate the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for us?
What does Elder Phillips say about our divine identity as children of God?
How does Elder Phillips describe the redemptive power of Jesus Christ?
What does Elder Phillips suggest we can do to help those who are struggling?
What does Elder Phillips say about the importance of prayer?

Topics

Understanding Our Divine Identity as Children of God

Elder Phillips emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing our divine identity as children of God. He reminds us that we are not accidental by-products of nature, but rather, we are beloved children of Heavenly Father with a purpose. He also talks about our responsibilities to care for those in need and to build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire each other.

There is one important identity we all share now and forever. … That is that you are and have always been a son or daughter of God. … Understanding this truth—really understanding it and embracing it—is life-changing.

You are not an accidental by-product of nature, a cosmic orphan, or the result of matter plus time plus chance. Where there is design, there is a designer.

The Savior’s message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire.

What does it mean to be a child of God?
How does understanding our divine identity influence our actions and attitudes towards others?
What are some ways we can build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire others?
How can you better embrace your divine identity as a child of God?
What specific actions can you take to build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire others in your life?
How can understanding your divine identity help you in times of struggle or hardship?

The Redemptive Power of Jesus Christ

Elder Phillips discusses the Atonement of Jesus Christ as the supreme expression of our Heavenly Father’s love for His children. He explains how the Savior can support us through life’s challenges and invites us to yoke or bind ourselves to Him through making and keeping sacred covenants.

Our Savior’s mission was to provide both a way to return to Heavenly Father and relief in the journey. The Savior knows through His experience how to support us through life’s challenges.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; … and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Making and keeping sacred covenants yokes us to and with the Lord Jesus Christ. In essence, the Savior is beckoning us to rely upon and pull together with Him.

What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how does it show Heavenly Father’s love for His children?
How does the Savior support us through life’s challenges?
What does it mean to yoke or bind ourselves to the Savior?
How have you experienced the redemptive power of Jesus Christ in your life?
What steps can you take to yoke or bind yourself more closely to the Savior?
How can you rely more fully on the Savior in your daily life?

The Perfect Love of Heavenly Father

Elder Phillips testifies of the perfect and loving nature of our Heavenly Father. He encourages us, especially the rising generation, to develop a personal relationship with Heavenly Father through prayer and to seek His comfort, love, answers, and direction.

If an imperfect, earthly father feels this way about his child, can you imagine how a perfect, glorified, loving Heavenly Father feels about you?

Jesus Christ wants you to know and have a relationship with your Father in Heaven.

You are His child. If you are feeling lost, if you have questions or lack wisdom, if you are struggling with your circumstances or wrestling with spiritual dissonance, turn to Him. Pray to Him for comfort, love, answers, and direction.

How does Elder Phillips describe the love of Heavenly Father for His children?
What does it mean to have a relationship with Heavenly Father?
How can prayer help us in our relationship with Heavenly Father?
How have you experienced the love of Heavenly Father in your life?
What steps can you take to develop a deeper relationship with Heavenly Father?
How can you use prayer more effectively to seek Heavenly Father’s comfort, love, answers, and direction?