Knowing, loving, and following God are more interconnected than we realize. We come to know Him as we serve Him. We love Him more when we keep His commandments. As our relationship with Him grows, we become more like Him, so that we can see Him as He is.
“If Ye Love Me…”
When we love God, we want to follow His guidance. Obedience without love is not sustainable, but the good news is that as we keep God's commandments, our love for Him grows. This piece by Thomas Tallis is based on the words of Jesus at the Last Supper.
“Mine Own Familiar Friend”
Jesus loved His enemies, as He counseled us to do. He treated Judas with respect. He healed the ear of the high priest's servant. And He prayed for His executioners. We should follow His example of kindness toward those who oppose us.
The Sheep and the Wayfaring Man
The hymn "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" elaborates on the types of service described in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. As we serve others and meet their needs, we are blessed immediately, and we become more prepared to return to God's presence.
“He Sought to See Jesus Who He Was”
Zacchaeus wanted to see the Savior as He really is. Jesus, in turn, saw Zacchaeus as he really is. He can teach us to see others as they really are and as they can become. We can also learn to help them see their own potential.
Rivers of Living Water
Jesus testified that He is the source of "living water," which is the love of God. When we come to Him, He not only quenches our thirst, He also makes it possible for us to share that living water with others.
How to Love a Samaritan
We tend to develop rivalries with people similar to us. The Jews and the Samaritans, like the Nephites and the Lamanites, had much more in common than the things which divided them. Here are some ways to build bridges with our "Samaritans."
A Little Leaven
Three lessons from the Parable of the Leaven: 1. Leaven has to be in the dough to work, so participate actively. 2. Leaven works over time, so be patient. 3. Leaven is distributed across the dough, so trust that your work is part of something greater.
“My Beloved Son”
When our Father in Heaven has introduced Jesus Christ, He has consistently called Him, "my Beloved Son." We can follow this example by expressing love for our family members regularly.
Room in the Inn
In contrast with the inn which turned away Mary and Joseph, the wounded traveler in the parable of the Good Samaritan was welcomed into a place of comfort and healing. The Savior invites us to make His Inn (the Church) a welcoming place for wounded and weary travelers.