God Knows and Loves You
Alan T. Phillips, of the Seventy
Elder Alan T. Phillips describes the divine identity and love of God's children, the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, and the importance of knowing one's true divine identity.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Understanding Our Divine Identity as Children of God
Elder Phillips emphasizes the importance of understanding our divine identity as children of God. He explains that this knowledge can restore a sense of belonging and purpose, especially during challenging times.
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.Key Points:
- We are all children of God and members of His eternal family.
- Our lives have meaning and purpose.
- We are the subject matter of all those parables and teachings.
- What experiences have strengthened your understanding of your divine identity?
- How has this knowledge impacted your life during challenging times?
- Can you share a time when you felt God's love for you as His child?
Experiencing the Redemptive Power of Jesus Christ
Elder Phillips discusses the Atonement of Jesus Christ as the supreme expression of God's love. He explains how Christ is our rescuer and the healer of our souls, and invites us to yoke ourselves to Him through sacred covenants.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the supreme expression of our Heavenly Father’s love for His children.
Christ is our rescuer and the healer of our souls.
You come unto Christ to be yoked with Him and with His power, so that you’re not pulling life’s load alone. You’re pulling life’s load yoked with the Savior and Redeemer of the world.Key Points:
- The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides a way to return to Heavenly Father and relief in the journey.
- Through the Atonement of Christ and His ordinances, we can be yoked or bound to Him.
- Christ is always ready to provide the strength and healing we need to face the journey ahead.
- How has the Atonement of Jesus Christ impacted your life?
- Can you share a time when you felt Christ's healing power?
- How does being yoked with Christ help you in your daily life?
Experiencing Heavenly Father's Perfect Love
Elder Phillips shares the profound love of Heavenly Father for each of His children. He invites us to develop a personal relationship with God and assures us that He is always ready to provide 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.
Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. For some, you may want to follow President Nelson’s invitation and ask “if He is really there—if He knows you. Ask Him how He feels about you. And then listen.”Key Points:
- Heavenly Father loves each of His children perfectly.
- We can develop a personal relationship with God through prayer.
- Heavenly Father is always ready to provide comfort, love, answers, and direction.
- Can you share a time when you felt Heavenly Father's love for you?
- How has prayer helped you to develop a personal relationship with God?
- Can you share a time when you received comfort, love, answers, or direction from Heavenly Father?
