Love, Unity, Likeness

“The love of God and the power of the restored gospel are redemptive and saving. If you will only allow His divine love into your life, it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow.” Pres. Uchtdorf

Dave H. offered a wonderful lesson entitled “Love, Unity and Likeness” This lesson was based on the scriptures Ether 12:27, Mosiah 18:21, 2 Nephi 1:21, 3 Nephi 27:1, Mosiah14:6, as well as a recent talk from President Uchtdorf.

Brother H. placed the pictures of our Relief Society sisters in front of the class and asked us to ponder which of the sisters we should cast out, let go, or tell them that they are not good enough. He then posed the question Why then do we often times think to cast ourselves out or believe we are not good enough?”

We all feel alone sometimes, whether in our challenges m sins or otherwise. We can always remember that “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13) If Christ could lay down his life for us then we can lay down our fears, weakness, worries, doubts, inadequacies and criticisms.

President Uchtdorf admonishes “I want to tell you something that I hope you will take in the right way: God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect. Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not. And yet we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It’s wonderful that you have strengths. And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses.”

Many sisters resonated with this thought. We are all part of the body, each having unique talents and unique roles. Together, we form a whole. We should not try to be something we are not. Our Father in Heaven wants us to grow to reach our own potential. One sister noted that we can still admire others as a way to identify areas that we might grow. Another sister noted that it is essential that we are connected with our Heavenly Father so that we can see ourselves as he sees us.

Brother H. suggested 3 constructive ‘C’s:

Covenants – Keeping our covenants we learn more, grow closer to our Savior, family and friends, especially in times of worry, stress, doubt, fear, and panic.

Comfort – Comforting others and feeling others comfort knits us together. Brother H. lost his mother at a young age, and even those calls where no words could be expressed made him feel love and comfort.

Crying – I may seem strange, but tears can bring us closer to the Spirit, the Savior and each other. Mourning together brings us closer

Brother H. suggested 3 destructive ‘C’s:

Competition – Competition that results of us wanting to be better than others drives us to action, words, or thoughts that remove oneness and drive the Spirit away.

Comparison – We are our own selves and should not compare our weaknesses to others strengths.

Criticism – Nothing will do more damage to ourselves and those around us than criticism. What are we really saying when we criticize and speak poorly of others. We are putting ourselves above another. We are saying in our heart that we know better.

Thank you very much for your heartfelt words!