Brief summary

The central message of Elder Rasband’s talk is that we can love people faithfully, even when they make choices that cause us pain, while entrusting their hearts and futures to Jesus Christ.

Key quotes

‘By divine design, brothers and sisters, everyone must choose for themselves to follow Jesus Christ.’ (Paragraph 4)

Why is it important to recognise that each person must exercise their own agency?

‘We love our family members and friends profoundly, but they are foremost children of our Father in Heaven, who knows and loves them even more than we do. Our Father, the great Elohim, gave His Beloved Son the authority and power necessary to heal all His children. That is the good news of the gospel. By the power of Jesus Christ’s Atonement, there is always a way back!’ (Paragraph 8)

How does this promise change the way I see someone who has wandered from the gospel?

‘Jesus Christ is the perfect embodiment of love. Love is the centerpiece of His gospel and the essence of being like Him.’ (Paragraph 11)

How can we reflect Christ’s love?

‘Love is not stepping back or sanctioning others’ decisions and actions. Love is being interested in their lives, their successes, and their challenges. Love is being there with arms outstretched and a cheerful countenance.’ (Paragraph 12)

How can we remain loving while staying true to our convictions?

‘Love is expressed in prayer.’ (Paragraph 14)

What does the example of Alma the Younger and his father’s prayers teach us about faith and perseverance?

‘He knows them. He knows their hearts; He loves them. He gave His very life to bring them home, all the way home.’ (Paragraph 18)

How can remembering God’s perfect love help us replace anxiety with faith?

‘Our Father extends His protective arms to us and to those still distant from Him and His Son. He asks us to do the same.’ (Paragraph 21)

What can we learn about love from the parable of the prodigal son?

‘…let go of any guilt. We fail only when we give up and stop trying, so never, never give up on those you love.’ (Paragraph 23)

Why might we mistakenly feel that we have failed when someone we love leaves the gospel path?

Invitations

• Turn your concerns and worries over to Jesus Christ.
• Continue to love.
• Pray with faith.
• Choose kindness.
• Keep your relationship with the Saviour strong.
• Never give up hope.

Application

If I trusted the Saviour more completely with the people I love, how might that change the way I treat them today?

Additional thoughts

You will find additional thoughts on this topic in my essay Hope for Faithful Parents.

You can watch Elder Rasband’s talk here.

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