We Are His Children
Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier, of the Seventy
Elder Giraud-Carrier testifies that we should see others as children of God and minister to them without judgment or prejudice.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Understanding Our Divine Identity
Elder Giraud-Carrier emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we are all children of God, regardless of our earthly circumstances or differences. This understanding should guide our interactions with others.
"First and foremost," as President Nelson reminded us, I am a "child of God." So are you, and so are all other people around us.
C. S. Lewis put it this way: "It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship."Key Points:
- We are all children of God, regardless of our earthly circumstances.
- Understanding our divine identity changes our perspective and interactions.
- Can you recall an instance when understanding your divine identity changed your perspective?
- How has this understanding influenced your interactions with others?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your understanding of your divine identity?
Avoiding Judgment and Embracing Compassion
Elder Giraud-Carrier discusses the importance of refraining from passing judgment on others based on their outward appearances or circumstances. Instead, we should strive to see others as the Savior does and minister to them with love and compassion.
He inviteth them all to come unto him … , black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God.
Over the years, I and countless others have been blessed by Isabelle’s gift to see as the Lord sees.Key Points:
- We should strive to see others as the Savior does, looking past outward appearances and circumstances.
- Ministering with love and compassion is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Can you recall a time when you refrained from passing judgment and instead ministered with love and compassion?
- How can you apply this principle in your interactions with others?
- What steps can you take to see others as the Savior does?
The Perils of Labeling
Elder Giraud-Carrier warns against the dangers of labeling others based on superficial factors. He emphasizes that labels can lead to division and restrict our understanding of ourselves and others.
The adversary rejoices in labels because they divide us and restrict the way we think about ourselves and each other.
French is not who I am; it is where I was born. White is not who I am; it is the color of my skin, or lack thereof. Professor is not who I am; it is what I did to support my family. General Authority Seventy is not who I am; it is where I serve in the kingdom at this time.Key Points:
- Labels can lead to division and restrict our understanding of ourselves and others.
- We should strive to see beyond labels and recognize the divine identity of everyone.
- Can you recall a time when you were labeled or labeled someone else? How did it affect your interactions?
- How can you strive to see beyond labels in your interactions with others?
- What steps can you take to avoid labeling others?
The Power of Ministering
Elder Giraud-Carrier shares personal experiences of ministering and emphasizes the transformative power of serving others with love and compassion.
Some time later, this good sister had surgery on her feet, which required her bandages to be changed every day, something she could not do for herself. For days, Isabelle went to her home, washed her feet, and changed her bandages. She never saw ugliness; she never smelled stench. She only ever saw a beautiful daughter of God in need of love and tender care.
I testify that He whom we address as our Father in Heaven is indeed our Father, that He loves us, that He knows each of His children intimately, that He cares deeply about each one, and that we are truly all alike unto Him.Key Points:
- Ministering can be a transformative experience for both the giver and the receiver.
- Serving others with love and compassion is a manifestation of our understanding of our divine identity.
- Can you share an experience when you were able to minister to someone in need?
- How has ministering impacted your understanding of your divine identity?
- What steps can you take to improve your ministering efforts?
The Gospel as the Great Equalizer
Elder Giraud-Carrier discusses how the gospel of Jesus Christ serves as an equalizer, bringing people of all backgrounds and circumstances together as children of God.
I have come to realize that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the great equalizer. As we truly embrace it, “the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
We belong to a group of people who all try to place the Savior and their covenants at the center of their lives and to live the gospel joyfully.Key Points:
- The gospel of Jesus Christ is the great equalizer, bringing people of all backgrounds and circumstances together as children of God.
- Living the gospel joyfully and placing the Savior at the center of our lives helps us see each other as children of God.
- How has the gospel served as an equalizer in your life?
- Can you share an experience when you felt unity with others because of the gospel?
- What steps can you take to promote unity and equality through the gospel?
