Elders Quorum
The discussion this week on Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God
By Elder Dale G. Renlund
You can find the link to his talk here:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/55renlund?lang=eng
James 2:17
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
“To be sanctified through the blood of Christ is to become clean, pure, and holy. If justification removes the punishment for past sin, then sanctification removes the stain or effects of sin.” (D Todd Christofferson, “Justification and Sanctification”, Ensign June 2001)
“our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do not want us to be paralyzed by continual uncertainty during our mortal journey, wondering whether we have done enough to be saved and exalted. They surely do not want us to be tormented by mistakes from which we have repented, thinking of them as wounds that never heal,27 or to be excessively apprehensive that we might stumble again.” (Elder Dale G. Renlund, “Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God”, October 2020 General Conference)
Perhaps sanctification is not always an immediate event. Perhaps it is a process.
Perhaps we are sanctified to the degree where we are at and as we progress we are further sanctified.
Until we reach the final sanctification.
“To have a broken heart and a contrite spirit is to be broken down with deep sorrow for sin, to be
humbly and thoroughly penitent, to have attained sincere and purposeful repentance. Such a status is a condition precedent to a valid baptism and consequent membership in the earthly kingdom of God. (D. & C. 20:37; 3 Ne. 9:20; 12:19; Moro. 6:2.) Acquirement of a broken heart and a contrite spirit is thus essential to salvation. (Hela. 8:15; Ps. 34:18; D. & C. 97:8.) Indeed, it was primarily for those in this condition of heart and mind that the very atoning sacrifice of Christ was worked out.” (Bruce R McConkie, “Mormon Doctrine”, 116)
Is there a difference between being harrowed and having Christlike sorrow / empathy? When we feel the sting of our previous sins, maybe we are feeling compassion for those we hurt or others that are hurt in that way. Or even compassion for others struggling with that sin. Maybe the pain gives us opportunities to say thank you to the Savior for helping to make right what we did.
Perhaps the pain we feel of previous sin progresses and matures.
One person suggested, “Matthew 14:31- when Peter with tremendous faith was able to walk on water, still he faltered and began to sink. ‘…immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him…’
“Do we stretch forth our hands for Jesus? Peter must have walked with Jesus back to the boat with Jesus’ help.”
Sacrament Service
First Speaker
John 20:13-16
11 ¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Second Speaker
Charity is the noblest kind of love.
Ether 12:27
27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
Gratitude symbolizes connection.
Gratitude is strongly tied to mental health.
A grateful person copes better with stress.
Gratitude begins with paying attention.
Gratitude brings higher energy levels.
Gratitude increases the capacity to love.
Gratitude allows one to enjoy life, in spite of challenges.
Gratitude is tied to grace. It allows one to more easily give grace to others. It also allows us to more easily receive grace from others.
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