“By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples”
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes that love and unity among members exemplify true discipleship of Jesus Christ.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Embrace the Heart-Perfect Spirit
Elder Uchtdorf recounts a personal experience that taught him the importance of love and unity in the Church, rather than focusing on outward perfection.
I had wanted picture-perfect meetings to impress my friend. But what the members of this branch had achieved was a heart-perfect spirit of love, kindness, patience, and compassion.Key Points:
- The true essence of the Church is in the love and unity among its members.
- Outward imperfections are less important than the spirit of love and compassion.
- Recall a time when you felt the love and unity of your church community.
- Share an experience where you were impressed by someone's kindness or compassion.
- Describe a moment when you realized that love was more important than perfection.
Increase Faith Through Love
Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes that the Church's mission is to increase faith in Jesus Christ by demonstrating love and kindness.
Very often, a person’s first testimony of Jesus Christ comes when he or she feels love among disciples of Jesus Christ.Key Points:
- The Church's mission is to increase faith in Jesus Christ.
- Love and kindness are crucial in helping others build their faith.
- Think of a time when someone’s kindness strengthened your faith.
- Share how you have witnessed love increasing faith in your community.
- Reflect on how you can show love to help others increase their faith.
Strive for the Ideal, Accept the Real
Elder Uchtdorf discusses the gap between the ideal and reality in the Church and encourages patience and perseverance in striving for the ideal.
If there are faults, they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God.
We are each a work in progress, and we all rely on the Savior for any progress we make.Key Points:
- There is often a gap between the ideal and the real in the Church.
- Patience and perseverance are necessary to strive for the ideal.
- Describe a situation where you had to be patient with imperfections.
- Share how you have worked towards an ideal despite challenges.
- Reflect on how you can help others in their journey towards the ideal.
Find Your Place in the Body of Christ
Elder Uchtdorf reassures members that everyone has a place in the Church, emphasizing the importance of diversity and individual contributions.
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.Key Points:
- Everyone has a place in the Church, regardless of differences.
- Diversity is important and each person has unique contributions to make.
- Share a time when you felt like you truly belonged in the Church.
- Reflect on how your unique talents contribute to your community.
- Think about how you can help others feel like they belong.
Unity Through Diversity
Elder Uchtdorf highlights the importance of unity in diversity, focusing on a common objective and love for God and neighbor.
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.Key Points:
- Unity is achieved not by sameness, but by focusing on a common goal.
- Love for God and neighbor is central to achieving unity.
- Think of a time when you worked with others towards a common goal.
- Share how diversity has strengthened your community.
- Reflect on how you can promote unity in your church or community.
