The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ
Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Andersen teaches about the healing and forgiving power of the atoning love of Jesus Christ.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by sharing a personal experience or testimony of how the Atonement of Jesus Christ has impacted your life. Invite class members to briefly share their own experiences.
- Start with a short video or audio clip of a hymn about the Savior's Atonement, such as "I Stand All Amazed," and ask class members to reflect on the lyrics.
- Pose a thought-provoking question such as, "What does the Atonement of Jesus Christ mean to you personally?" and allow a few minutes for silent reflection before encouraging discussion.
- Share a story or parable from the scriptures that illustrates the power of the Atonement, such as the Prodigal Son, and discuss its relevance to our lives today.
- Invite a class member to share a brief testimony or story about forgiveness, either received or given, and how it relates to the Atonement.
Topics
Appreciate the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Elder Andersen expressed his deepening love for Jesus Christ and His Atonement, highlighting it as the most significant event in human history. He emphasized the continuous learning and understanding of this divine gift.
With each passing year, I feel greater love for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and for His merciful Atonement.
- How has your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ evolved over the years?
- Why do you think Elder Andersen describes the Atonement as the most consequential event in human history?
- In what ways can we continue to learn about and appreciate the Atonement throughout our lives?
- How can the Atonement influence our daily decisions and interactions with others?
- What are some ways we can express gratitude for the Atonement in our prayers and actions?
Strengthen Faith in Jesus Christ
Elder Andersen encouraged individuals who are repenting of serious sins to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ. He taught that faith invigorates the desire to know and follow the Savior, leading to forgiveness and spiritual transformation.
Strengthening your faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, will invigorate the yearning of your soul to know Him, believe in Him, and yield your heart to Him.
- What does it mean to "yield your heart" to Jesus Christ?
- How can strengthening our faith in Jesus Christ aid in the repentance process?
- What are some practical ways to strengthen our faith in the Savior?
- How does faith in Christ bring about the "unspeakable joy of forgiveness"?
- In what ways can we support others who are working to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ?
Value Honesty in Repentance
Elder Andersen emphasized the importance of honesty in the repentance process, including being truthful with God, oneself, and others. He described a contrite spirit as essential for true repentance and returning to God.
A desire to truly return to God is accompanied by the determination to be completely honest with your Heavenly Father, with yourself, with those who were harmed, and with your priesthood leader.
- Why is honesty so crucial in the repentance process?
- How can we develop a "contrite spirit" as described by Elder Andersen?
- What challenges might we face in being completely honest during repentance?
- How does honesty with ourselves and others facilitate spiritual healing?
- In what ways can we encourage honesty in our families and communities?
Seek to Restore What Is Broken
Elder Andersen discussed the importance of making restitution and repairing the damage caused by serious sins. He shared a personal story illustrating how restitution goes beyond financial means to include dedicating one's life to the Lord and helping those affected.
Your yearning leads you to want to repair what you have broken. Yet, realizing some things are not in your power to repair, you fervently pray that the Lord, through His grace, will help heal those who have been hurt in consequence of your actions.
- What does it mean to make restitution for past wrongs?
- How can we discern the best ways to repair what we have broken?
- What role does prayer play in seeking to restore what has been damaged by our actions?
- How can we help others who are seeking to make restitution?
- Why is it important to seek the Lord's guidance in our efforts to make amends?
Find Comfort in the Savior's Love
Elder Andersen offered assurance to those injured by others" sins, emphasizing the Savior's love and power to heal. He testified that the Savior knows and loves each individual, and His Atonement can transform sorrow into joy.
The atoning love of Jesus Christ can be found in the most difficult situations, but we all constantly need the atoning grace of our Savior.
- How can we find comfort in the Savior's love during times of suffering?
- What experiences have you had where you felt the Savior's love and healing?
- How can the Savior's Atonement transform our sorrow into joy?
- In what ways can we help others feel the Savior's love and compassion?
- Why is it important to seek the Savior's help and healing, even when we are not at fault?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to have faith that the Lord will 'prosper by degrees'?
- How can we develop patience as we wait for the Lord's forgiveness and approval?
- What role does divine grace play in the process of repentance and forgiveness?
- How can we support those who are struggling with feelings of guilt and despair?
- What lessons can we learn from Elder Robert E. Wells' experience with forgiveness and grace?
- How can we apply the principles of the Atonement in our daily interactions with others?
- What are some ways we can demonstrate our trust in the Savior during difficult times?
- How can we help others understand the power of the Savior's Atonement in their lives?
- What practical steps can we take to strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ?
- How can we encourage others to seek the Savior's help and healing in their lives?
