“Lovest Thou Me?”
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Embrace the Joy of Repentance
Elder Barlow reflects on the parable of the prodigal son, emphasizing the importance of celebrating repentance and showing sincere love to those who return to righteousness.
We also may let opportunities pass us by without letting our loved ones know, through our words and actions, of our sincere love for them.Key Points:
- The elder brother's pride kept him from celebrating his brother's return.
- We should express love and joy for those who repent and return to righteousness.
- Recall a time when you witnessed someone close to you change for the better. How did you react?
- Think of a moment when you felt prompted to express love but hesitated. What did you learn from that experience?
- How have you celebrated the successes or positive changes of those around you?
Recognize God’s Love
Understanding and recognizing God's love in our lives is crucial. Elder Barlow discusses how God's love is perfect and can be felt through various manifestations, including nature, prayer, and the Atonement.
God’s love is perfect, infinite, enduring, and "most sweet."
He will express His love for us in ways we, individually, can recognize.Key Points:
- God desires us to experience His love in ways we understand.
- The Atonement is the greatest manifestation of God's love.
- How have you felt God's love in your life recently?
- Describe a time when nature or an answered prayer helped you feel closer to God.
- What role does the Atonement play in your understanding of God's love?
Prioritize God Above All
Elder Barlow emphasizes the importance of making God the central focus of our lives, putting Him above all other influences and distractions.
The key question in this inquiry by the Lord is "Lovest thou me more than these?"
We demonstrate our discipleship and love for God when we make Him our top priority.Key Points:
- We must prioritize God over any other ambition or influence.
- Our love for God is shown by making Him the most important influence in our lives.
- Reflect on a time when you had to choose between a worldly pursuit and a spiritual one. What did you learn?
- How do you keep God as the central focus in your daily life?
- What are some distractions that you find challenging to overcome in prioritizing God?
Serve and Minister to Others
Service is a powerful way to express love for God. Elder Barlow shares personal experiences to illustrate how serving others strengthens relationships and demonstrates love for Heavenly Father.
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.Key Points:
- Service to others is a direct expression of love for God.
- Seeing others as God sees them enhances our ability to serve.
- Share an experience where serving someone else brought you closer to God.
- How does serving others help you feel God's love?
- Think of a time when someone served you. How did it impact your relationship with them and with God?
Express Gratitude to God
Elder Barlow highlights the importance of gratitude in recognizing God's hand in our lives. Acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings is a way to manifest our love for Him.
In nothing doth man offend God, save those who confess not his hand in all things.
We show our love for God with "an attitude of gratitude."Key Points:
- Gratitude is essential in recognizing God's influence in our lives.
- Consistently expressing thanks strengthens our relationship with God.
- When have you felt particularly grateful for God's blessings in your life?
- How do you make gratitude a regular part of your spiritual practice?
- Describe a time when recognizing God's hand in your life changed your perspective.
Choose Obedience Out of Love
Obedience is a choice that reflects our love for God. Elder Barlow discusses the concept of "affectionate obedience," emphasizing that true obedience is a willing and loving choice.
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Even though we don’t have perfect obedience yet, we try affectionate obedience now, choosing to stay, again and again, because we love Him.Key Points:
- Obedience should be a loving, voluntary choice.
- True obedience stems from a desire to follow God out of love.
- Reflect on a time when obeying God's commandments brought you peace.
- How do you strive for "affectionate obedience" in your daily life?
- What motivates you to choose obedience even when it's difficult?
