Study Guide for "“Lovest Thou Me?”"

In his insightful talk, Elder Steven C. Barlow explores the profound question posed by the Savior to Peter, "Lovest thou me?" Elder Barlow delves into the ways we can demonstrate our love for God and others, drawing from scriptural examples and personal experiences. Through this exploration, he emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Lord in our lives, serving others, expressing gratitude, and choosing obedience as expressions of our love for God.

Before Reading

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

What can we learn from the parable of the prodigal son about love and forgiveness?
How does Elder Barlow suggest we can recognize God's love in our lives?
What does it mean to put God above "these" in our lives?
How can serving others be an expression of our love for God?
What role does gratitude play in showing our love for Heavenly Father?

Topics

Recognize God's Love in Our Lives

Elder Barlow discusses how God's love is perfect and infinite, yet sometimes difficult for us to recognize. He assures us that God will express His love in ways we can understand, whether through nature, answered prayers, or moments of joy. The greatest manifestation of God's love is the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Our perfectly loving Heavenly Father so deeply desires for us to experience His love that He "speaketh unto [us] according to … [our] understanding."

The greatest manifestation of Heavenly Father’s love for us that resonates with both mind and heart is when He allowed His Beloved Son to offer Himself as the atoning one.

How does God express His love for us individually?
What is the greatest manifestation of God's love according to Elder Barlow?
When have you felt God's love in your life?
How can you become more aware of the ways God expresses His love to you?

Put God Above All Else

Elder Barlow emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God in our lives by putting Him above all other influences and ambitions. He highlights the challenge of managing time and priorities, urging us to focus on what is most important for our eternal good.

We show our love to the Lord when we put Him above "these," and "these" can be anyone, any activity, or anything that displaces Him from being the most important influence in our lives.

Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life?

What does it mean to put God above "these" in your life?
How can prioritizing God influence your daily decisions?
What activities or influences might be displacing God as your top priority?
How can you restructure your life to allow God to be the most important influence?

Serve Others as an Expression of Love for God

Elder Barlow teaches that serving others is a powerful way to show love for God. He shares personal experiences and scriptural insights to illustrate how service strengthens relationships and reflects our discipleship.

We show our love for Heavenly Father when we serve, listen to, love, lift, or minister to His children.

Serving each other is an unmistakable way we show our love for God and His Beloved Son.

Why is serving others a way to show love for God?
How does service strengthen our relationships with others and with God?
In what ways can you serve those around you this week?
Reflect on a time when serving someone else brought you closer to God.

Express Gratitude to God

Elder Barlow highlights the importance of recognizing God's hand in our lives and expressing gratitude for His blessings. He shares personal experiences of learning to offer prayers of thanks as an expression of love for God.

We show our love for God by acknowledging Him as the source of every good thing in our lives.

We show our love for God with "an attitude of gratitude."

How does expressing gratitude demonstrate our love for Heavenly Father?
What are some ways we can acknowledge God's hand in our lives?
What blessings can you thank God for today?
How can you make gratitude a more consistent part of your daily routine?

Choose Obedience as an Act of Love

Elder Barlow discusses how choosing to obey God's commandments is an expression of love. He introduces the concept of "affectionate obedience," where our desire to obey stems from our love for God rather than obligation.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Father in Heaven wants us to want to be obedient.

What is "affectionate obedience," and how does it differ from obligatory obedience?
Why is choosing to obey an important expression of love for God?
In what areas of your life can you practice "affectionate obedience" more fully?
Reflect on a time when choosing to obey brought you closer to God.