Your Repentance Doesn’t Burden Jesus Christ; It Brightens His Joy
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What misconceptions about repentance does Sister Runia address in her talk?
- How does Sister Runia describe the Savior's reaction to our repentance?
- What role does shame play in our spiritual journey, according to Sister Runia?
- How does Sister Runia suggest we view our worth in relation to obedience?
- What is the significance of "affectionate obedience" as discussed by Sister Runia?
Topics
Reframe Commandments and Repentance
Sister Runia encourages us to view commandments not as burdens but as pathways away from pain. Repentance is not a sign of failure but an expression of love for the Savior and a commandment itself.
Heaven isn’t for people who’ve been perfect; it’s for people who’ve been forgiven.
The Savior loves us always but especially when we repent.
- What does Sister Runia say about the purpose of commandments?
- How does repentance express our love for the Savior?
- How can you reframe your view of commandments in your daily life?
- What steps can you take to embrace repentance as a positive part of your spiritual journey?
Understand the Constant Worth
Sister Runia emphasizes that our worth is not tied to our obedience or mistakes. Our worth is constant, given by God, and unchangeable regardless of our actions.
Your worth isn’t tied to obedience. Your worth is constant; it never changes.
Your worth is always "great in the sight of God," no matter where your decisions have taken you.
- How does Sister Runia differentiate between worth and obedience?
- What does it mean that our worth is "great in the sight of God"?
- Reflect on a time when you felt your worth was diminished. How can you apply Sister Runia's teachings to that experience?
- What can you do to remind yourself of your constant worth in challenging times?
Combat Shame with Truth
Sister Runia addresses the destructive nature of shame, which Satan uses to distance us from God. She encourages us to reject shame and embrace the truth of our identity and worth.
Satan is the thief of hope.
You are not the voice in your head or the mistakes you have made.
- What role does shame play in our spiritual journey?
- How can we combat the negative effects of shame?
- Identify a situation where shame has affected your relationship with God. How can you apply Sister Runia's counsel to overcome it?
- What truth about your identity can you focus on to counteract feelings of shame?
Embrace Affectionate Obedience
Sister Runia introduces the concept of "affectionate obedience," which is choosing to follow Christ out of love, even when we are not perfect. This type of obedience reflects a heart turned towards God.
Even though we don’t have perfect obedience yet, we try affectionate obedience now, choosing to stay, again and again, because we love Him.
Their hearts were turned and tuned to God while they struggled!
- What is "affectionate obedience" according to Sister Runia?
- How does affectionate obedience differ from perfect obedience?
- How can you practice affectionate obedience in your daily life?
- What are some ways you can show your love for the Savior through your actions?
Find Hope in the Savior’s Light
Sister Runia encourages us to seek the Savior’s light in times of darkness. His light dispels shame and fear, offering us hope and the assurance of His constant presence and love.
No one can sink lower than the light of Christ shines.
The Savior is forever brighter than the darkness of shame.
- How does the Savior’s light provide hope in times of darkness?
- What assurance does Sister Runia give about the Savior's presence in our lives?
- Reflect on a time when you felt enveloped by darkness. How did you find hope in the Savior’s light?
- What can you do to seek and share the Savior’s light with others?
