No One Sits Alone
Gerrit W. Gong, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Gong encourages embracing gospel culture by ensuring no one sits alone in church.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Distinguish Gospel Culture through Comparison
Elder Gong uses the example of fortune cookies to illustrate how comparing cultural practices can help us understand and distinguish gospel culture from worldly traditions.
Fortune cookies are a fun, simple example. But the same principle of comparing practices in different cultural settings can help us distinguish gospel culture.Key Points:
- Fortune cookies are not originally part of Chinese culture, illustrating how cultural practices can be misunderstood.
- Comparing cultural practices across different settings helps us identify authentic gospel culture.
- Have you ever encountered a cultural practice that seemed out of place or misunderstood?
- How do you differentiate between cultural traditions and gospel principles in your life?
- Can you recall a time when understanding gospel culture helped you make a better decision?
Gathering and Grafting in the Lord’s Vineyard
Elder Gong references the allegory of the olive tree from Jacob 5 to describe how the gathering of diverse individuals into the Church strengthens both roots and branches, fulfilling scriptural prophecies.
Recently, in Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Switzerland, and Germany, I witnessed new members fulfilling the Book of Mormon allegory of the olive tree.Key Points:
- The Church is growing with members from diverse backgrounds, fulfilling the allegory of the olive tree.
- Gathering diverse individuals strengthens the Church's roots and branches.
- How have you seen diversity strengthen your ward or branch?
- Can you share an experience where you felt included in the Church despite cultural differences?
- What does the allegory of the olive tree mean to you personally?
Embrace the Spirit of "No One Sits Alone"
Elder Gong encourages members to ensure that no one sits alone, emotionally or spiritually, by extending genuine friendship and love to all, regardless of differences.
The spirit of "room in the inn" includes "no one sits alone."
On the dusty roads to Jericho, each of us has been laughed at, embarrassed and hurt.Key Points:
- We should not simply accommodate or tolerate others but genuinely welcome and love them.
- Ensuring no one sits alone includes emotional and spiritual support.
- Reflect on a time when someone reached out to you during a lonely moment.
- How can you ensure that no one sits alone in your ward or branch?
- Share a personal story where you helped someone feel included at church.
Covenant Belonging in Jesus Christ
Elder Gong emphasizes that covenant belonging in Jesus Christ ensures that no one sits alone, as we are all united in the household of faith and fellowship of the Saints.
Doctrinally, in the household of faith and fellowship of the Saints, no one sits alone because of covenant belonging in Jesus Christ.Key Points:
- Covenant belonging unites us as children of God and disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Gospel culture requires us to put off worldly practices and embrace Christlike attributes.
- What does covenant belonging mean to you personally?
- How has your understanding of gospel culture influenced your daily life?
- Describe a time when your covenants helped you feel a sense of belonging.
The Peace and Hope of Jesus Christ
Elder Gong shares stories of individuals finding hope and peace through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that everyone can be forgiven and feel joy through the Savior's love.
The peace of Jesus Christ is meant for us personally.
I even like myself now!Key Points:
- Jesus Christ offers hope and forgiveness to all, regardless of past mistakes.
- Personal peace and joy are attainable through the Savior's love.
- Share a moment when you felt the peace of Jesus Christ in your life.
- How has the Savior's forgiveness impacted your personal journey?
- Reflect on a time when you helped someone else find hope through Jesus Christ.
