“Return unto Me … That I May Heal You”
S. Mark Palmer, of the Presidency of the Seventy
Elder Palmer invites those who have strayed to return to the Church for healing and renewal.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Find Hope in Restoration
Elder Palmer shares the story of a fallen willow tree that, despite being uprooted, was able to thrive once more with care and nourishment. He likens this to individuals whose faith may have faltered but can be restored through the Savior’s love and healing.
He then pointed to one root still in the ground and said that if we propped the tree up, cut off its branches, and nourished it, the roots would take hold once again.
And the result? After some time, we saw signs of life as the tree began to take root.Key Points:
- The willow tree represents those whose faith has been weakened but can be renewed.
- Care and nourishment are essential for restoration.
- The Savior offers healing and renewal to all who return to Him.
- Have you ever witnessed something that seemed beyond repair be restored? How did that impact your faith?
- Can you recall a time when you felt spiritually uprooted? What steps did you take to find stability again?
- How have you seen the Lord's hand in restoring something in your life that was once broken?
Embrace the Invitation to Return
Elder Palmer extends a loving invitation to those who have distanced themselves from the Church, emphasizing that the Savior’s invitation to return is filled with love and the promise of healing.
This message is not a challenge, and it is not a condemnation. It is an invitation, extended with love and a sincere desire to welcome you back to your spiritual home.
I have prayed that you will feel the witness of the Holy Ghost as you now hear this loving invitation and magnificent promise from our Saviour, Jesus Christ: "Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?"Key Points:
- The Savior's invitation to return is one of love and healing.
- Returning to the Church is a personal journey that can lead to spiritual renewal.
- The Savior promises healing to those who come back to Him.
- Reflect on a time you felt a spiritual prompting to return to something you had left behind. What was that experience like?
- How have you felt the Savior's invitation to return in your own life?
- What does the concept of spiritual home mean to you, and how have you sought to return to it?
Learn from Stories of Return
Elder Palmer shares stories of individuals from around the world who have returned to the Church, highlighting their journeys and the lessons learned from their experiences.
A former missionary from Africa wrote a senior Church leader, apologising and seeking forgiveness for being offended by his teachings about a certain cultural tradition, which then led him to leave the Church.
A sister in the United States was gone from the Church for many years. Her story of coming back includes powerful lessons for parents and family members who anguish over loved ones who step away.Key Points:
- Personal stories of return illustrate the diverse paths individuals take back to the Church.
- Each story offers unique lessons and insights into the process of spiritual renewal.
- The support and love of family and Church members play a crucial role in helping individuals return.
- Have you or someone you know experienced a journey of returning to the Church? What insights did you gain from that journey?
- How can the stories of others inspire your own journey of faith?
- What role has community played in your spiritual journey, especially during times of doubt or distance?
Overcome Challenges with Faith
Elder Palmer acknowledges that the journey back to faith is often difficult but assures us that it is worth it. He encourages patience and persistence, drawing parallels to the growth and resilience of the willow tree.
The journey back is often not easy or comfortable, but it is worth it.
Be patient as your faith and testimony also grow.Key Points:
- Returning to faith requires overcoming personal challenges and discomfort.
- Patience is essential as faith and testimony are rebuilt.
- The Savior’s teachings provide the foundation for enduring through trials.
- What challenges have you faced in your spiritual journey, and how have you overcome them?
- Reflect on a time when patience was key to your spiritual growth. What did you learn from that experience?
- How has your faith been strengthened through trials or periods of doubt?
Nourish Faith and Testimony
Elder Palmer emphasizes the importance of regular worship and spiritual nourishment in strengthening faith and testimony. He encourages feasting at the sacrament table and seeking the Spirit’s guidance.
You will nourish your faith and your testimony as you feast at the sacrament table each week and as you worship in the house of the Lord.
Just as the willow needed sunshine for its branches and leaves to grow again, so your testimony will grow as you stay sensitive to the feelings and the witness of the Spirit.Key Points:
- Regular participation in Church activities is crucial for spiritual nourishment.
- The sacrament provides a weekly opportunity to renew covenants and strengthen faith.
- The Spirit’s guidance is essential for personal growth and testimony development.
- How have regular Church activities and the sacrament strengthened your faith?
- Describe a time when you felt spiritually nourished by the Spirit. What impact did it have on your testimony?
- What practices have you found most effective in keeping your faith strong and vibrant?
