Study Guide for "God’s Favourite"

In his heartfelt address, Elder Karl D. Hirst shares profound insights into the nature of divine love and our individual worth in the eyes of God. Drawing parallels between his love for his children and Heavenly Father's love for us, Elder Hirst explores how each of us can feel like God's "favourite" through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the unchanging and encompassing nature of God's love, encouraging us to seek and share that love even amidst life's challenges.

Before Reading

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

How does Elder Hirst relate his love for his children to God's love for us?
What does Elder Hirst suggest about feeling like God's "favourite"?
How can we overcome feelings of unworthiness or separation from God's love?
What role do covenants and the temple play in feeling God's love?
How can sharing Christlike love with others increase our own capacity to feel divine love?

Topics

Experience God's Unconditional Love

Elder Hirst discusses the concept of God's unconditional love, comparing it to the love he has for his children. He emphasizes that just as parents love each of their children equally and uniquely, God loves each of us as His cherished favorites.

Our love for each of our children is pure and fulfilling and complete.

Divine love never runs dry, and we are each a cherished favourite.

How does Elder Hirst compare parental love to God's love?
What does it mean to be a "cherished favourite" of God?
When have you felt like God's "favourite"? What contributed to that feeling?
How can you remind yourself of God's love during difficult times?

Overcome Feelings of Unworthiness

Elder Hirst addresses the feelings of unworthiness and separation from God's love that many experience. He reassures us that despite our perceived flaws, God's love is always within reach and that we should not let feelings of brokenness or shame keep us from His embrace.

We can confidently disregard brokenness in any way disqualifying us from heavenly love.

No. They are always long enough to "reach our reaching" and embrace each one of us.

What does Elder Hirst say about the voices of discouragement and darkness?
How does Elder Hirst describe God's ability to reach us despite our perceived brokenness?
What are some personal "voices of discouragement" you need to disregard?
How can you actively seek to feel God's love when you feel unworthy?

Embrace the Power of Covenants

Elder Hirst highlights the importance of covenants and the temple as sources of divine love and strength. He encourages us to immerse ourselves in covenantal love and find solace and strength in our sacred promises with God.

The house of the Lord is the home of our most precious covenants.

Are these ways that we can become more immersed in the precious covenantal love hesed?

How does Elder Hirst describe the temple in relation to God's love?
What role do covenants play in feeling God's love according to Elder Hirst?
How have your covenants helped you feel God's love?
What steps can you take to deepen your connection with God through your covenants?

Find Comfort in Creation and Service

Elder Hirst suggests that nature, music, and acts of service can help us feel closer to God. These experiences provide opportunities to sense divine love and find solace in His creations.

Birdsong, feeling the sun or a breeze or rain on my skin, and times when nature puts my senses in awe of God.

Perhaps the comfort of faithful friends will help. Maybe music? Or serving?

What are some ways Elder Hirst suggests we can experience God's love?
How can nature and service help us connect with divine love?
What activities help you feel connected to God?
In what ways can you use your talents to serve others and feel God's love?

Share and Multiply Divine Love

Elder Hirst encourages us to share the love of Christ with others, noting that doing so not only blesses those around us but also fills us with greater love and joy. This principle aligns with the idea that losing oneself in service leads to finding one's true purpose.

Splash it everywhere you go.

One of the miracles of the divine economy is that when we try to share Jesus’s love, we find ourselves being filled up.

What does Elder Hirst say about the effects of sharing God's love?
How does sharing love relate to the principle of losing oneself?
How have you experienced increased joy through sharing love with others?
Who in your life can you reach out to and share Christlike love with today?