Cheering Each Other On
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- Who is Orville Rogers, and what is significant about his story?
- What does Sister Dennis say about the importance of belonging and community?
- How does the Savior's example guide us in supporting one another?
- What personal experience does Sister Dennis share to illustrate her message?
- How can we apply the principle of cheering each other on in our daily lives?
Topics
Support Each Other in Life's Race
Sister Dennis uses the story of Orville Rogers, a 100-year-old athlete, to illustrate the importance of supporting each other in our personal journeys. Despite finishing last, Orville broke world records because he was placed in an age-appropriate division. This teaches us that everyone faces different challenges, and we should cheer each other on regardless of perceived limitations.
Just as it took Orville great courage to step out on that track each time, it also takes great courage for some of our sisters and brothers to step into the arena of life every day.
On the last lap of the race, the crowd overwhelmingly cheered Orville on, giving him the strength to keep going.
- What does Orville Rogers" story teach us about supporting others?
- Why is it important to consider individual challenges when supporting others?
- How can you cheer someone on in their personal journey this week?
- Reflect on a time when you felt supported by others. How did it impact you?
Create a Sense of Belonging
Sister Dennis emphasizes the need for everyone to feel they belong, regardless of their circumstances. She highlights various reasons why attending church might be difficult for some and stresses the importance of creating inclusive and loving communities.
No matter where we live in the world, no matter our age, it is a basic human need for all of us to feel a sense of belonging.
Our experience at church is meant to provide vital connections with the Lord and with each other that are so needed for our spiritual and emotional well-being.
- What are some reasons people might feel they don't belong in church?
- How can we create a more inclusive environment for everyone?
- What steps can you take to help someone feel they belong in your community?
- Think of someone who might feel out of place. How can you reach out to them?
Practice Christlike Love and Charity
Sister Dennis discusses the importance of practicing Christlike love and charity, which involves bearing one another's burdens and avoiding judgment. She quotes President Nelson on the necessity of reflecting the pure love of Jesus Christ in our actions and words.
Charity propels us ‘to bear one another’s burdens’ rather than heap burdens upon each other.
The Savior’s message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire.
- What does it mean to practice Christlike love and charity?
- How does charity differ from simply fulfilling obligations?
- How can you demonstrate Christlike love to someone in need?
- Reflect on a time when you felt the pure love of Christ from someone else. How did it affect you?
Avoid Unrighteous Judgment
Sister Dennis shares a personal experience of depression to illustrate the harm of unrighteous judgment. She explains that only the Lord fully understands our challenges and is qualified to judge us. We are encouraged to avoid making assumptions about others.
Only the Lord fully knows the actual level of difficulty with which each of us is running our race of life.
Are there those among us who suffer in silence, afraid for others to know their hidden struggles?
- Why is it important to avoid judging others unrighteously?
- How can we be more understanding of others" hidden struggles?
- What assumptions do you need to challenge in your interactions with others?
- How can you become more empathetic towards those who may be struggling silently?
Follow the Savior's Example
Sister Dennis urges us to follow the Savior's example of love, gathering, and lifting others, including those judged as outcasts. She emphasizes that the gospel is about becoming like Christ and loving as He does, not about checklists.
His is not a gospel of checklists; it is a gospel of becoming—becoming as He is and loving as He does.
We are here to develop Christlike attributes and eventually become like our Savior.
- What does it mean to follow the Savior's example in our daily lives?
- How can we focus on becoming rather than just doing?
- What Christlike attribute do you want to develop further?
- How can you incorporate the Savior's example into your interactions this week?
