Sunday Report

Sunday's lesson was Chapter 2 in the manual entitled  Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself, given by Traci Cline. We have an obligation to share the knowledge whenever we can, and wherever possible to reach out in empathy to lift and encourage those who are struggling, helping them to understand this key fact that they are of infinite worth to God and to others, with the potential to succeed here and eternally.  We know that God loves each one of His children and we have been placed here to teach and help and nurture one another.

The gospel teaches us that we must have faith, hope and charity, and emphasizes that charity is the greatest attribute of all, because it is the defining attribute of the Lord Jesus Christ.  This is a gospel of love and we often express that love, as a Church and as individuals, through service.  It is through that service, and through the influence of the Spirit, that our love for our fellow man will increase, our souls will enlarge and we will have the desire to bless all of God's children with an understanding of the truths of the gospel. 

President Smith encourages us to evidence by our conduct, our gentleness, our love and our faith, by our willingness to reach beyond our immediate circle of family and friends, that we keep that great commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.

We demonstrate charity not only by imparting of our substance to those in need, but by having charity for the weaknesses and failures and mistakes of our Father's children.  We can treat such with  kindness and love and encourage them to turn from error, acknowledging, with our kindness and respect, our knowledge that they are indeed beloved children of our same Heavenly Father, and whenever possible teaching them the truths that will help them see who they really are. 

That is our obligation as Latter-day Saints.  We cannot drive people to do things which are right but often we can love them into doing them, if they come to realize that we are sincere in our concern for their welfare.

True happiness comes in this life to those who love and serve others.  The more we give of that which is uplifting and enriching to others, the more we will be enlarged in our capacity to love and give and influence others for righteousness.  In this way we are showing our appreciation to our Heavenly Father for all that He has given to us. 

Let us become more aware of others, and of the needs, temporal and spiritual, which we might meet for them.  Many times the acts are simple and easy to give, such as a helping hand or a kind word, or a compliment.  Other times they will require more thought and sacrifice on our part.  Each act will shape our character and enrich our soul that we will be more "fit for the Kingdom."

Have a great week.  Keep the snow shovel handy.  Look for opportunities to reach out to those we meet.

Next week will be TFOT given by Yvonne Lucas on the talk The Divine Gift of Repentance by D. Todd Christofferson from November's conference.

The Relief Society Presidency