The Joy of Our Redemption
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by displaying a blank canvas and a paintbrush. Invite the class to consider how they would feel starting a painting of someone they deeply respect, like the Savior. Use this to introduce Sister Yee's experience with painting a portrait of Jesus Christ.
- Share a personal story or ask a volunteer to share an experience where they felt they had "ruined" something important but later discovered it was an opportunity for growth or improvement. Connect this to Sister Yee's story of the painting.
- Play a short video clip or slideshow of various paintings of Jesus Christ, asking class members to reflect on what emotions or thoughts these images evoke. Relate this to the challenge Sister Yee faced in capturing the Savior's spirit.
- Begin with a group discussion on the concept of "redemption." Ask class members to share what redemption means to them personally, setting the stage for exploring Sister Yee's insights.
- Invite class members to silently ponder a mistake or weakness they are currently working on. Encourage them to hold this in their minds as they learn about the Savior's power to redeem and heal, as discussed in the talk.
Topics
Trust in the Lord's Help in Our Efforts
Sister Yee shared her experience of painting a portrait of Jesus Christ, a task she found daunting. Despite her initial doubts, she moved forward with faith, trusting that the Lord would assist her. This experience taught her about the Lord's ability to help us in our endeavors, especially when we feel inadequate.
Even with my questions, I decided to move forward and trust that the Lord would help me.
- Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a task or calling? How did you find the strength to move forward?
- What are some ways we can invite the Lord's help in our daily efforts?
- How can trusting in the Lord change our perspective on our abilities and challenges?
- Why is it important to "keep moving and leave the possibilities to Him"?
- Can you share an experience where you felt the Lord's guidance in a challenging situation?
The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness
Sister Yee emphasized the transformative power of repentance and forgiveness, illustrating how they allow us to feel God's love and grow closer to Him. She highlighted the story of the woman who anointed Jesus" feet, illustrating the deep love and gratitude that comes from being forgiven.
Repenting allows us to feel God’s love and to know and love Him in ways we would never otherwise know.
- How has repentance brought you closer to God?
- What does it mean to receive an "ongoing remission of our sins"?
- Why do you think love and forgiveness are so closely connected?
- How can we cultivate a spirit of forgiveness in our own lives?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in the process of repentance?
Understanding the Savior's Redeeming Power
Sister Yee testified of Jesus Christ's power to save and redeem us through His atoning sacrifice. She reassured us that no one is beyond the reach of the Savior's love and redemption, emphasizing the Savior's ability to heal our "waste places" and bring us into His light.
He has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance.
- What does it mean to you that the Savior can heal the "waste places" of your soul?
- How can we better understand and appreciate the Savior's atoning sacrifice?
- What are some ways the Savior has redeemed aspects of your life?
- Why might someone feel they are "an exception to God’s love"? How can we combat these feelings?
- In what ways can we help others feel the Savior's redeeming power?
The Importance of Sincere Repentance
Sister Yee taught that sincere repentance involves recognizing our sins, exercising faith in Christ, and making genuine efforts to change. She encouraged us to not defend ourselves from the good God wants to give us and to lay aside "weapons of war" like pride and fear.
To truly repent and change, we must first be "convinced of our sins."
- What does it mean to have a "broken heart and a contrite spirit"?
- Why is it sometimes difficult to recognize our own sins?
- How can we overcome pride and other "weapons of war" that prevent us from repenting?
- What steps can we take to ensure our repentance is sincere?
- How does sincere repentance bring us closer to the Savior?
Living Our Covenants Brings Strength and Healing
Sister Yee emphasized that living our covenants provides us with the strength and power needed to overcome weaknesses and receive divine help. She shared personal insights on the ongoing effort required to replace weakness with strength through the Savior's guidance.
Repentance is the pathway to purity, and purity brings power.
- How do our covenants help us recognize and overcome personal weaknesses?
- Why is it important to keep our covenants, especially when facing challenges?
- In what ways have you felt strength from living your covenants?
- How can we support each other in our covenant journeys?
- What role does the temple play in providing strength and healing?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we apply Sister Yee's experience with the painting to our own life challenges?
- What does it mean to you that the Savior is 'mighty to save'?
- How can we better recognize the Lord's hand in our lives?
- What are some ways to cultivate gratitude for the Savior's atoning sacrifice?
- How can we help others who feel they are beyond the Savior's reach?
- What does 'bringing forth fruit meet for repentance' look like in daily life?
- How can we identify and lay aside our personal 'weapons of war'?
- What experiences have strengthened your testimony of the Savior's love and mercy?
- How can we better prepare ourselves to receive the blessings of repentance?
- What are some practical steps to deepen our covenant relationship with God?
