“By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples”
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What personal experience does Elder Uchtdorf share about bringing a friend to church?
- How does Elder Uchtdorf define the true essence of the Savior's Church?
- What is the significance of love and unity in the Church according to Elder Uchtdorf?
- How does Elder Uchtdorf suggest we handle the gap between the ideal and the real in Church experiences?
Topics
Demonstrate Christlike Love
Elder Uchtdorf shares a personal story about inviting a non-member friend to a church meeting, where the outward imperfections were overshadowed by the genuine love and kindness among the members. This experience highlights that the true essence of the Church is reflected in how we treat each other, which is the strongest testimony of Christ's teachings.
I’m so impressed with how people treat each other in your church. They all seem to come from different backgrounds, and yet it’s clear that they genuinely love each other.
Love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples.
- What does Elder Uchtdorf's story teach about the importance of love among Church members?
- How can love among members be a testimony of Jesus Christ to others?
- How can you demonstrate Christlike love in your interactions at church?
- Reflect on a time when you felt the love of Christ through others. How did it impact your faith?
Strive for the Ideal Despite Imperfections
Elder Uchtdorf acknowledges the gap between the ideal and the real in our Church experiences. He encourages members not to give up on striving for the ideal of Christlike love and unity, even when faced with imperfections. He reminds us that the Church, like individuals, is a work in progress and that patience and persistence are key.
There will always be a gap between the ideal and the real. So, what should we do when the Church doesn’t feel like the perfect day?
Can a book—or a church or a person—have "faults" and "mistakes" and still be the work of God? My answer is a resounding yes!
- What does Elder Uchtdorf say about the existence of imperfections within the Church?
- How should members respond to the gap between the ideal and the real?
- In what ways can you contribute to bridging the gap between the ideal and the real in your ward?
- How can you exercise patience and persistence when faced with imperfections in the Church?
Embrace Unity in Diversity
Elder Uchtdorf discusses the importance of unity in the Church, emphasizing that it is not based on sameness but on a shared commitment to Jesus Christ. He highlights that differences such as nationality, language, and culture should not divide us but rather enrich our unity as we all strive towards the same divine purpose.
In the Savior’s Church, we gather all of God’s children who are willing to be gathered and who seek the truth.
The unity we seek is not to have everyone stand in the same place; it is to have everyone face in the same direction—toward Jesus Christ.
- How does Elder Uchtdorf describe the unity we should seek in the Church?
- What role does diversity play in the unity of the Church?
- How can you contribute to unity in your ward despite differences in background or opinion?
- Reflect on a time when diversity in your ward enriched your Church experience. What did you learn?
Find Your Place in the Body of Christ
Elder Uchtdorf assures those who feel different or out of place in the Church that they are needed and valued. He compares the Church to a body, where each member has a unique and important role to play. He encourages members to recognize their contributions and learn from others, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
If you love God, if you want to know Him better by following His Son, then you belong here.
That doesn’t make you a misfit—it makes you a needed part of the body of Christ.
- What does Elder Uchtdorf say about feeling different in the Church?
- How does the analogy of the body of Christ help us understand our role in the Church?
- What unique contributions can you make to your ward as a part of the body of Christ?
- How can you help others feel like they belong in the Church?
Join in the Savior’s Song of Redeeming Love
Elder Uchtdorf invites those not yet members of the Church to join in the collective effort of praising God and serving others. He emphasizes that the Church is enriched by the diversity and contributions of each member, and that all are welcome to participate in the Savior's work.
If you are not yet a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we invite you to join us as we rejoice in the Savior’s "song of redeeming love."
The Church will be better with your efforts to serve the Lord and His children.
- What invitation does Elder Uchtdorf extend to those not yet members of the Church?
- How does Elder Uchtdorf describe the impact of new members joining the Church?
- How can you help others feel invited and welcomed into the Church?
- Reflect on your own journey in the Church. How has participating in the "song of redeeming love" impacted your life?
