I have been blessed to give several lessons to date. My dear friends and family, I have not felt so much love for someone other then family then the love I have for these brothers and sisters. Where dose the love come from? It is truly a blessing from God. It is my prayer that they will feel the love that I have for them. It is my prayer that they know that they matter to me. It is my prayer if they do not know they matter to me that they at least know they matter to Heavenly Father.
I would like to share one of my lessons I gave last month. To my non LDS family and friends, I hope you will receive this not as a way to bring you to the LDS faith (tho I would rejoice in that), but to help build and strengthen your faith. I honestly pass no judgement upon you or anybody else. Please notice I used the King James version of the Bible. Please know the love I have for each and every one of you. I share this with you with every ounce of love I have in my body.....
WHOM SHALL YE FOLLOW?
Scripture References: Abr 3:21-28
Moses 4:1-4
John 13:34,35
1John 4:11
D&C 42:38
We have been taught that before the earth was organized there was a Great Council in Heaven. We learn that Heavenly Father gathered us all together and Jesus said let us all go down and learn and and grow. We will learn about repentance and forgiveness as we repent and have a Savior we will be able to return to Heavenly Father once more. Jesus said let the glory be Heavenly Father’s.
We then see that Satan said “We will go down and all will do as I say with no choices or agency. We will be brought back to the kingdom and the glory be mine.”
After Jesus and Satan spoke Heavenly Father said that Jesus would be the one. He cast out Satan. It was at that point we chose who we would follow. Some went with Satan. While others chose to follow Heavenly Father.
Discussion: Why would some follow Satan knowing they had no choices, no agency that they would be slaves to him with no way back to Heavenly Father?
Why would others follow Jesus?
Were we promised it would be easy?
We are now here on earth. We have these wonderful bodies. We have all the trials, tribulations, happiness, sadness we can handle. We have friends and family. Now what?
How we live our daily lives gives clues to others “WHOM WE SHALL FOLLOW.” How we handle the trials of life. What choices we make.
Just look at the events that are happening around the world. Pain, dismay, sadness is a daily event. Wars, earthquakes, Typhoons, famine etc. We can choose to hide under the covers. We can say “all is lost” If we did that who will we be serving? Who will have the glory?
We can choose to roll up our sleeves dig in and do everything we can to help ease the suffering. We can learn how to better protect ourselves. We can serve others. If we do this who are we following? Who has the glory?
SCRIPTURE: John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4:11
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, We ought also to love one another.
DISCUSSION: Love! Sounds simple to do. But is it? What is Love? How do we give it?
I want to stop for a second and make sure we all understand. Heavenly Father has given us a wonderful gift. The gift is love. But before we can love others and show love to others, we first must love ourselves. How can you expect to love your fellow brother and sisters if you have none for yourself? If you have no love for yourself today, please make a commitment to start. Know that you are sons and daughters of Heavenly Father. He loves you. You are worthy of his love. Dig deep down and pray to feel and know it.
Love is an action. You can not truly love if you keep it to yourself. Share it! There are so many things we can do to show love for another. We do not have to be millionaires to show love. What about asking if you can say a prayer for them? What about just helping with mowing the lawn or removing snow? What about just spending some time listening. We as Priesthood holders have a wonderful gift to give blessings. We can share a scripture or two. These are just a few ideas.
It is important to love one another as the scriptures say it is a commandment that was given to us. We as adults have a responsibility to be an example to our youth. If they see us do it, they will in turn want to do it.
Think about those around you that have showed you, your family, your friends love. How did that make you feel? How did it ease life’s burdens? Dose your fellow brothers or sisters not deserve to feel the same way? Think of the many blessings you will receive if you love. Do you deserve the blessings? Yes you do.
Please remember Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Prophets of old, The Prophets today, our church leadership have never promised us it would be easy. What they did promise us was that it would be worth it. What they did promise us is that we shall receive blessings beyond comprehension.
Will you please take a moment this night and make a commitment with Heavenly Father that you will double your efforts?
I, Darryl Jon Root bear this testimony to you my brothers and sisters, Life has challenges, life can be cruel, but life can be fun and exciting too. I know that we have a responsibility to help each other with the burdens that life brings our way. I know that Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us. I know he suffers more then we do when we are in turmoil. I know he needs us, nay, wants us to love each other. He wants us to love ourselves and spread that love. He wants us to start within our families. I know that if we start with our families, Love will spread like a plague. If we show and teach our children love then they take it into their schools and on to the playgrounds. If we share love with each other then it gets passed on to another. Love will multiply again and again. Life is not a race. Slow down, look for opportunities to give love, give service to those around you. Look to the scriptures for examples. Our big brother Jesus Christ has given us such wonderful lessons and examples. You never know what blessings you give to others. You never know what blessing are in store for you if you do.
I know that the plan of salvation is true. I know it works. I invite you to search yourselves and if there is anything you need to repent about, please do it tonight. Get on your knees and ask Heavenly Father to help you in the atonement process. I know that the plan of salvation includes helping others.
I know that Jesus Christ came to this earth and faced the same trials and temptations we do. I know he is our Savior.
I bear you this testimony and give this lesson to you in the sacred name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
