Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning

Recognize Jesus Christ as the Source of Goodness

Elder Kearon describes Jesus Christ as the embodiment of goodness, emphasizing His life devoted to doing good. This section highlights the Savior's infinite mercy and everlasting goodness, which are so profound that they defy full description.

Jesus "went about doing good." We read that simple report in the book of Acts. What an enormous understatement that is!

He is the very essence—and source—of goodness!

• Jesus Christ devoted His entire mortal life to doing good.
• His goodness and mercy are infinite and eternal.
• The Savior's life is a testament to His boundless compassion and grace.

• Reflect on a time when you felt the Savior's goodness in your life.
• Share an experience where you witnessed someone embodying Christlike goodness.
• Consider how you can emulate Jesus Christ's example of going about doing good in your daily life.

Embrace New Beginnings Through Christ

Elder Kearon emphasizes that Jesus Christ offers new beginnings to everyone, regardless of their past. Through His Atonement, we can receive forgiveness, healing, and a fresh start, which are central to the Father's plan.

All of us can have a new beginning through, and because of, Jesus Christ.

New beginnings are at the heart of the Father’s plan for His children.

• Jesus Christ offers new beginnings to all, symbolized by His acts of healing and forgiveness.
• The Savior's words and actions opened new horizons of hope and renewal for those He ministered to.
• New beginnings are a continual process, not limited to a single event like baptism.

• Think of a moment when you experienced a new beginning in your life through Christ.
• Share how participating in the sacrament has helped you feel renewed each week.
• Consider a situation where you needed a fresh start and how your faith in Christ facilitated that change.

Understand the Church as a Place of New Beginnings

This section highlights how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a church of new beginnings, offering opportunities for renewal through ordinances like baptism and the sacrament.

This is the church of new beginnings! This is the church of fresh starts!

• Baptism and the sacrament are key ordinances that symbolize new beginnings.
• The Church provides a framework for continual renewal and spiritual growth.
• Through covenants, we can receive a new heart and spirit, becoming new creatures in Christ.

• Reflect on your baptism and how it marked a new beginning in your spiritual journey.
• Share how the sacrament helps you feel renewed each week.
• Consider how participating in Church activities has provided opportunities for personal growth and new beginnings.

Reframe Our Understanding of Repentance

Elder Kearon discusses the transformative power of repentance, as taught by President Russell M. Nelson, emphasizing joy, hope, and the loving nature of repentance.

When I think of repentance, daily repentance, I feel incredible joy and hope.

Their arms are open wide. This is repentance to me.

• Repentance is a joyful process that brings hope and renewal.
• President Nelson has helped clarify the positive nature of repentance.
• Repentance is about turning to God and receiving His help and love.

• Share a time when you felt the joy and hope of repentance.
• Reflect on how your understanding of repentance has evolved over time.
• Consider how daily repentance has strengthened your relationship with Heavenly Father.

Apply New Beginnings to All Aspects of Life

Elder Kearon illustrates that new beginnings through Christ are not limited to overcoming sin but extend to all aspects of life, including changing mindsets and overcoming personal challenges.

New beginnings are for more than just our sins and mistakes.

You don’t have to be who you’ve been before. Embrace your fresh start.

• New beginnings can bring change to mindsets, habits, and attitudes.
• The Savior provides endless opportunities for renewal and transformation.
• We can continually strive for improvement and growth through Christ's enabling power.

• Reflect on a personal challenge where you sought a new beginning.
• Share an experience where changing your mindset led to positive outcomes.
• Consider how you can apply the principle of new beginnings to current struggles in your life.