Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak in church, and ended up typing my whole talk because my pages of notes got all jumbled up. Here is the talk. Just thought I might share.
John 15:9 “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you:continue ye in my love.”
How do I know that Jesus Christ loves each of us individually? How do I know he has love for me?
I feel it so strongly! I don’t doubt His love for me because I find evidence of it all over the place, every day. The sense of peace the Holy Ghost brings to me about Christ’s love for me is wonderful. It’s like taking a deep breath with a smile.
So, these are the things I think about with Christ’s love.
He blesses me with the things that I need - blessings that I know are unique to me and my situation. They are the kind of things that I really appreciate and I know Heavenly Father sends them my way because he knows me.
My son, Cohen, is a blessing for a lot of reasons, but something that tells me he’s a blessing just for me is his love for music and dancing! I share the same passion for music and moving to it, and it brings me such delight that he is the same way! Christ must love me because he gave me a son with my same passions!
Another of my blessings is my husband. I know that a common problem in most marriages is disagreement with financial things. I am so blessed to say Josh and I don’t really have this problem. We see eye to eye on our finances. I’m not saying there has never been issues or that we are millionaires, but for the most part we are able to communicate and have the same goals and follow through, and it works quite nicely. I really feel like this is a personal blessing. I simply don’t know what I would do with a husband who didn’t agree with me on how we should spend our money! God must know this about me.
On a simpler note, I’m so blessed to have an air conditioner in our window. I’m the kind of person who easily gets heat rashes, and gets really week. I really see it as a personal blessing to be able to have an air conditioner at home so I can function normally, make dinner with turning on the oven, and take care of my family.
Because Jesus Christ loves me so much, he also allows me to be challenged with trials to help me learn and grown in ways that I specifically need. I really believe that our struggles are hand picked to help shape us into who we are to become.
I must really need to learn humility and the ability to accept help from others! I can admit that in the past (and still today, but I’m working on it) I have felt self sufficient, like I can handle what comes my way without the help of other people. Well, I’m learning this isn’t right! I have been sent several challenges to help me learn this. I’m trying to keep my head up and be humble, but it is a challenge. Thank you to all of you who have supported my family and I as we have gone through various struggles in the past year of so. You are on the Lord’s errand!
Through prayer I can have a personal relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know they care about the details in my life. They love me enough to send answers to prayers, and to even listen to my prayers in the first place!
I remember when I was in second grade, I couldn’t decide if I should play in my soccer game, or miss the game and go to one of my good friend’s birthday party. They were scheduled at the same time on a Saturday. I asked my mom what I should do, expecting her to tell me which to pick, but she told me to pray about it. I prayed and waited for a response, and didn’t get it. So, I thought maybe I didn’t pray right, so I tried again. Still, nothing. I felt undecided and didn’t feel right going to either event, and couldn’t tell my parents which one to take me to, so I ended up not going at all. It turns out I spent the weekend at home. The interesting thing is that my parents had recently divorced, and it was my dad’s weekend to have the kids. As I think of it now, I’m sure it was very important for me to be with my dad and the family that day. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ ensure that our prayers are answered.
It’s pretty amazing to me that I can receive personal revelation to help me or my children. A lot of times it’s without even specifically asking for it. The little promptings from the Holy Ghost are a testament to me that I am loved.
Recently, I had a fairly regular doctor’s appointment scheduled, and had arranged for Sabrina Mangum to watch my kids for an hour or so. It was supposed to be a pretty quick appointment. When I was packing the diaper bag for the kids I had a thought run through my mind that I should pack pajamas. I thought that was a pretty silly idea, and so settled with packing an extra set of clothes for the just in case. But, that made me think I should also pack some milk for my baby Parker, which I did, even though I didn’t think he’d need it. Well, it turns out that at my regular doctor’s appointment I was told I had to go straight to the hospital, where I ended up staying for a full two days. I don’t doubt the Holy Ghost prompted me to pack a few extra things to make the lives of those taking over for me just a bit easier. I wish I would have listened a little better though.
Sometimes personal revelation comes just as an understanding to a confusing part of a gospel principle. Either way, I know it is inspired. It can come in many forms. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: “Nevertheless there are messages in each general conference given as a gift and a blessing from heaven specifically for our personal life situations.” I have felt this to be true during each general conference as I am sure you have also.
Because I know Christ loves me individually and cares about me I am able to put my complete trust and faith in Him and the entire gospel. I feel safe. I love the peace that this brings. The love of Christ is the foundation for my testimony in the church.
Christ must love us individually. He felt each of our trials and sorrows and pains. Because He was willing to take on all of my burdens and feel all that emotion of my behalf, He must love me. Who else would do that if they didn’t love that person? He knows us so intimately and his arms are stretched out still. To know me, and still want to support me is real, honest love.
President James E. Faust said: “Our Redeemer took upon Himself all the sins, pains, infirmities, and sicknesses of all who have ever lived and will ever live. No one has ever suffered in any degree what He did. He knows our mortal trials by firsthand experience...”
Because he felt our pains both physical and spiritual when he atoned for us He understands us today. He knows me each day of my life and wants to love me through my trials, self inflicted or not.
There will always be opposition, especially in the most sacred things. Satan tries really hard to have us see things from a twisted point of view. It’s easy to think of all the natural disasters and the pain, suffering, and death associated with them and think the Father and His Son don’t care about all those people. It’s also easy to think about the millions of people on this earth, all the people that have been, and all the people that will be and think, there is no way for anyone to know and love each and everyone individually. Every one's life is so detailed and complex, it’s not possible. Don’t forget He is all knowing and powerful and has the big picture in mind.
I want to witness to you that although that may be easy to think, it is not correct. Matthew 7:13 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat...”
God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ do love us individually. They have a full understanding of this world and the people in it and allow things to happen for a greater purpose.
I bear my testimony of Jesus Christ and that he lives and loves us, each of us, individually. I also know our Father in Heaven lives and loves us too. Through their love I know that the prophets lead and guide our church today, just as Joseph Smith did at the start of this dispensation. I also know the Book of Mormon is a true book which testifies of Christ and his love for us too. These things are said in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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