Study Guide for "The Lord Looketh on the Heart"

In his General Conference talk, Elder Ronald M. Barcellos explores the profound truth that the Lord looks beyond outward appearances and judges us by the condition of our hearts. Through scriptural examples and personal insights, Elder Barcellos emphasizes the importance of aligning our hearts with God's will. He encourages us to engage in spiritual assessments and to take actions that will strengthen our relationship with Christ, align our will with His, and serve others with sincerity. This talk offers guidance on how to cultivate a pure heart and experience the joy and peace that come from living a Christ-centered life.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does it mean that the Lord looks on the heart?
Why is the condition of our heart important to God?
How can we assess the spiritual health of our hearts?
What actions can we take to improve our heart's spiritual health?
How does aligning our will with God's impact our lives?

Topics

Understand God's Focus on the Heart

Elder Barcellos explains that God looks beyond outward appearances and focuses on the heart's condition. He illustrates this with the story of David, chosen by God for his heart's strength despite his youth and inexperience. The Lord desires our hearts to be fully turned to Him, as this allows us to receive His strength and spiritual gifts.

For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Why does the Lord focus on the heart rather than outward appearances?
How did David's heart demonstrate his worthiness in God's eyes?
In what ways can you turn your heart more fully to God?
Reflect on a time when focusing on your heart's condition brought you closer to the Lord.

Assess Your Heart with Spiritual Tests

Elder Barcellos outlines spiritual tests to evaluate the condition of our hearts: examining our focus, priorities, and motives; our willingness to obey commandments; our diligence in scripture study; and the nature of our thoughts and words. These tests help us understand where our hearts truly lie.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The Savior warned that while many are called by Him, few are chosen "because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world."

What are the spiritual tests Elder Barcellos suggests for assessing our hearts?
How do our priorities and motives reflect the condition of our hearts?
What changes can you make to align your priorities with God's will?
How can you improve your scripture study to better understand and apply the gospel?

Strengthen Your Relationship with Christ

Elder Barcellos emphasizes the importance of daily dedication to strengthening our relationship with Christ. Through scripture study, prayer, and fasting, we can experience a change of heart and grow closer to the Savior. This relationship is key to receiving strength and spiritual gifts.

As we dedicate time daily to come closer to Christ, our hearts are changed.

They did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ.

What practices does Elder Barcellos recommend for strengthening our relationship with Christ?
How does a closer relationship with Christ change our hearts?
How can you make time each day to strengthen your relationship with Christ?
Reflect on how your relationship with Christ has influenced your thoughts and actions.

Align Your Will with God's

Aligning our will with God's involves making and keeping covenants, obeying commandments, and repenting sincerely. Elder Barcellos explains that this alignment brings the companionship of the Holy Ghost, who guides us in making righteous choices and understanding God's will.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

The Holy Ghost will guide you and help you know the will of the Lord and make good choices.

What does it mean to align our will with God's?
How does keeping covenants help us align our will with God's?
In what areas of your life can you better align your will with God's?
Consider a time when aligning your will with God's brought you peace or guidance.

Serve God and Others with Sincerity

Serving God and others with a sincere heart transforms each act of service into a powerful spiritual experience. Elder Barcellos encourages us to engage in service with real intent, which strengthens our faith and fills our hearts with joy and love.

Serve him with all your heart.

Let each act of worship and service be sincere and intentional.

Why is it important to serve with a sincere heart?
How does sincere service strengthen our faith and testimony?
How can you serve others more sincerely in your daily life?
Reflect on a service experience that was particularly meaningful to you. What made it impactful?