Lesson Summary: June 2, 2013

Sunday's lesson was taught by Heather C. about the Atonement of Christ and how it helps us experience joy in our daily lives.

2 Nephi 2:25 "...Men are, that they might have joy."

• How do you understand/perceive/personally experience the atonement?
• What do you see as the effects of the atonement in your daily life?  How do you experience the affects of the atonement?
• How does the atonement motivate you? To do what?
• How does the atonement help you feel joy?

Keeping Covenants gives us Power:

"I have learned a truth that has been repeated so frequently in my life that I have come to know it as an absolute law. It defines the way obedience and service relate to the power of God. When we obey the commandments of the Lord and serve His children unselfishly, the natural consequence is power from God—power to do more than we can do by ourselves. Our insights, our talents, our abilities are expanded because we receive strength and power from the Lord." (Richard G. Scott April 2013 General Conference)

Charity is the fruit of keeping covenants, and faith in Christ. Through exercising Charity we can feel joy, even when we have unmet needs:

"This society is composed of women whose feelings of charity spring from hearts changed by qualifying for and by keeping covenants offered only in the Lord’s true Church. Their feelings of charity come from Him through His Atonement. Their acts of charity are guided by His example—and come out of gratitude for His infinite gift of mercy—and by the Holy Spirit, which He sends to accompany His servants on their missions of mercy. Because of that, they have done and are able to do uncommon things for others and to find joy even when their own unmet needs are great." (Pres. Henry B. Eyring General RS Meeting 2009)

The atonement allows us to -- Make and keep covenants, Experience a change of heart, Exercise Charity. These things allow us to Feel Joy.