Brief summary
President Rosemary K. Chibota, Primary General President, teaches that every person is a beloved child of Heavenly Father, with eternal worth and divine potential. She invites us to look beyond worldly labels, see people as Jesus Christ sees them, and help others feel recognised, respected and loved.
Key quotes and questions to discuss or ponder
‘My daughter recently reminded me of the significance of the southern African greeting ‘sawubona’, which means, “I see you.” This greeting is much more than a simple “hello.” It is an acknowledgment of another person’s worth and humanity. It communicates, “I recognize you. I respect you. You matter.”’ (Paragraph 1)
What does the greeting ‘sawubona ‘teach us about the way we should treat other people?
‘The Savior Jesus Christ perfectly exemplified this principle. Throughout His ministry, He truly saw the people around Him. He saw the woman at the well, the leper, the blind man, and the child. Where others saw labels, He saw beloved sons and daughters of God.’ (Paragraph 2)
How did Jesus Christ demonstrate that He truly saw individuals rather than simply their outward circumstances?
‘Living prophets have taught that our eternal identity matters far more than any worldly identifier. Our identity is not something we achieve; it is something we inherit as beloved sons and daughters of God.’ (Paragraph 11)
Why is our identity as a child of God more fundamental than our worldly roles or labels?
‘Whatever labels may weigh heavily upon you today, Jesus Christ can raise you above them. His grace is sufficient to lift you above every label and limitation.’ (Paragraph 13)
How can the atonement of Jesus Christ raise us above labels?
‘Before we were students, athletes, employees, parents, citizens, or leaders, we were spirit children of our Heavenly Father. That eternal identity does not change when circumstances change, when we make mistakes, or when others misunderstand us. He loves you. He knows you. He sees you as you are now and sees who you will become. He has a plan for your life, and Jesus Christ is at the center of that plan!’ (Paragraph 14)
How can the knowledge of our eternal identity help us?
‘I learned that when we ask Heavenly Father to help us see others, He guides us to those who feel unseen.’ (Paragraph 16)
Have you ever felt Heavenly Father guiding you to someone?
‘You too can make a difference in someone’s life today simply by seeing them and acknowledging them. Remember that every person has divine worth.’ (Paragraph 17)
How can we learn to look beyond the labels and really see someone?
‘My dear friends, I leave you a final sawubona. I see you. More important, your Heavenly Father sees you. Your Savior, Jesus Christ, sees you. They know your name, your circumstances, your gifts, and your divine potential.’ (Paragraph 22)
How does this make you feel?
Invitations
‘This week, I invite you to:
- Learn the name of someone who may feel unseen.
- Pray to see others as Heavenly Father sees them.
- Replace worldly labels with these eternal truths: Child of God. Child of the covenant. Disciple of Jesus Christ. (Paragraphs 18-21)
Application
Who needs me to see them, and what can I do to help them feel that they matter?
You can watch President Chibota’s talk here.
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