The Love of God

Last General Conference, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave a talk entitled, "The Way of the Disciple," which was featured as an article of the week in April. In that talk, President Uchtdorf explains how we may become better disciples of Christ and what blessings active discipleship brings. In this most recent conference, President Uchtdorf gave a talk called, "The Love of God," which, in essence, is part two of "The Way of the Disciple."

President Uchtdorf teaches that "Love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ." He goes on to say that, "Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood."

This talk so beautifully illustrates the motivation behind everything our Father in Heaven does for us and teaches us why we, as disciples of Christ, should seek the same love to fill our own lives.

Again from President Uchtdorf, "Our Father in Heaven has given us, His children, much more than any mortal mind can comprehend. Under His direction the Great Jehovah created this wondrous world we live in. God the Father watches over us, fills our hearts with breathtaking joy, brightens our darkest hours with blessed peace, distills upon our minds precious truths, shepherds us through times of distress, rejoices when we rejoice, and answers our righteous petitions.

"He offers to His children the promise of a glorious and infinite existence and has provided a way for us to progress in knowledge and glory until we receive a fulness of joy. He has promised us all that He has."

Love is the greatest commandment because it brings the greatest happiness and peace. Our Father in Heaven desires our happiness and our success because He loves us. His love is unconditional as should ours be for His children.

The counsel and teachings found in this article are true--they came from the Lord through one of His apostles.

Jeremy

As a side note, I want to highlight this phrase from President Uchtdorf's talk, "And gradually, eternal principles can get lost within the labyrinth of 'good ideas.'" Read that sentence in context and think about what he means.

See also Matt 22:36-40 Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-37 (parable of the good Samaratin); 1 John 4