The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf testifies of the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father and invites us to repent and return to Him.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the main theme of the parable of the prodigal son?
- How does Elder Uchtdorf relate the parable to our lives today?
- What does Elder Uchtdorf say about the role of repentance and forgiveness in our lives?
- What insights does Elder Uchtdorf provide about the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father?
Topics
Understanding the Parable of the Prodigal Son
Elder Uchtdorf provides a detailed examination of the parable of the prodigal son, highlighting the son's rebellion, his eventual repentance, and the father's overwhelming love and forgiveness.
It was told by Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who came to earth “to save that which was lost.”
But the party did not last—it rarely does. Two things happened: first, he ran out of money, and second, a famine swept through the land.
As the physical and spiritual hunger grew, his thoughts returned to his father. Would he help him after all that had happened?
- What are the key elements of the parable of the prodigal son?
- How does the son's journey reflect the consequences of rebellion and the power of repentance?
- What does the father's reaction to his son's return teach us about God's love and mercy?
- How can you apply the lessons from the prodigal son in your life?
- What steps can you take to return to the Father if you feel like you have strayed?
- How can you extend the same love and forgiveness to others that the father showed to his prodigal son?
The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness
Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes the importance of repentance and forgiveness, assuring us that no matter how far we have strayed, we can always return to our Heavenly Father through repentance.
Our Heavenly Father will run to us, His heart overflowing with love and compassion. He will embrace us; place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, and sandals on our feet; and proclaim, “Today we celebrate! For my child, who once was dead, has come back to life!”
Though choices may have taken you far away from the Savior and His Church, the Master Healer stands at the road that leads home, welcoming you.
I do not pretend that coming back is an easy thing to do. I can testify of that. It may, in fact, be the toughest choice you will ever make.
- What does Elder Uchtdorf teach about the power of repentance and forgiveness?
- What assurances does Elder Uchtdorf give about our ability to return to our Heavenly Father, no matter how far we have strayed?
- How can you apply the principle of repentance in your life?
- What actions can you take to seek forgiveness and return to your Heavenly Father?
- How can you extend forgiveness to others in your life?
The Love and Mercy of Our Heavenly Father
Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes the infinite love and mercy of our Heavenly Father, assuring us that He is always ready to welcome us back, regardless of our mistakes.
Our Heavenly Father will run to us, His heart overflowing with love and compassion.
And so will we, your family in Christ. After all, we know what it’s like to be a prodigal. We all rely daily on the same atoning power of Christ.
No, our path will not be free from grief, sorrow, or sadness. But we came this far “by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.”
- What does Elder Uchtdorf teach about the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father?
- How does our Heavenly Father respond when we return to Him?
- How have you experienced the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father in your life?
- What can you do to draw closer to your Heavenly Father and experience His love more fully?
- How can you show love and mercy to others as our Heavenly Father does to us?
The Joy of Return and Redemption
Elder Uchtdorf speaks of the joy that comes with returning to the Father and receiving His forgiveness. He assures us that heaven and the church community will rejoice at our return.
Heaven will rejoice at our return.
Your return will not diminish the blessings of others. For the Father’s bounty is infinite, and what is given to one does not in the slightest diminish the birthright of others.
And so will we, your family in Christ. After all, we know what it’s like to be a prodigal. We all rely daily on the same atoning power of Christ.
- What does Elder Uchtdorf say about the joy that comes with returning to the Father?
- How does our return affect others, according to Elder Uchtdorf?
- How have you experienced the joy of return and redemption in your life?
- What can you do to help others experience this joy?
- How can you join in the rejoicing when others return to the Father?
The Role of the Church Community in Our Return
Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes the role of the church community in welcoming back those who have strayed, assuring us that we are all prodigals who rely on the atoning power of Christ.
And we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ seek to follow His example and embrace you as our brothers and sisters, as our friends. We rejoice and celebrate with you.
And so will we, your family in Christ. After all, we know what it’s like to be a prodigal. We all rely daily on the same atoning power of Christ.
We know this path, and we will walk with you.
- What role does the church community play in our return, according to Elder Uchtdorf?
- How can we as members of the church community follow Christ's example in welcoming back those who have strayed?
- How can you contribute to creating a welcoming church community for those who have strayed?
- What actions can you take to walk with others on their path of return?
- How can you rely on the atoning power of Christ in your daily life?
