{Truth Shall Make You Free}

My heart is so full today, most of all in gratitude for my Savior. Jesus Christ suffered for me. In institute this week, we learned more about the Atonement (the sacrifice of Jesus Christ), and I felt a deeper connection and understanding that I haven't before. Before He was betrayed, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to take upon Him the sins of the world. In some way I don't understand, He lived our lives to feel our pain, sorrow, shame, guilt, depression, and fear. Thus He, the Son of God with infinite power to create worlds, submitted in perfect humility to endure incomprehensible agony. All of this so that He to reach us and catch as we fall, to strengthen our feeble knees, heal our broken hearts, and dry our every tear.  I know the Atonement is infinite-it extends to everyone and everything-but I also testify that is perfectly intimate as well. In my guilt, my deepest sorrows, I know that Jesus was and is there with me. Christ "descended below all things." He overcame death and hell so that we have capacity to become like Him and the Father. Because of this, if we are faithful, we will inherit all the our Heavenly Father has. In Romans 3:21, Christ teaches, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." And not only can we be forgiven, but we will all live again! Alma 11:44 reads, "Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not be as much as a hair of their heads be lost; but everything shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now...."

I don't know why. I don't know why this blessing is available to everyone. But what I do know is that Heavenly Father loves me and all with a perfect love. His Son loves everyone that same way. I know they have a plan for each of our lives. I know that they both know all things. In their omniscience, Heavenly Father and His Son knew that we were worth saving. You were worth saving. And while we are here on earth, there is no suffering without meaning if you turn to Christ. No matter how dark the night is, because of Him the light will always come. He can turn the bitter tears into happy smiles. I don't know why we must endure all the things we do, but I do know that I am never alone. We are never alone. We are never forgotten. I know there is absolute truth in the world. The church of Jesus Christ has been restored to earth today. It isn't just a good thing, it is His and it is true. I know that there are prophets and apostles today, like Moses or Peter, who speak for the Lord and who are eyewitnesses that He truly does live. I know that the Bible is the word of the God,  and that the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is also. I know that Heavenly Father has a body of flesh and bones. He hears our prayers, knows are hearts, and longs to bless us. Those blessings will come if we are striving to be obedient. I know that Heavenly Father's work and glory is for us to return to Him resurrected, immortal, and bless us each with eternal life with our families.
Today, I am grateful. I am grateful that in spite of my sins, shortcomings, and weakness, the Savior chose to suffer for me. I am grateful Heavenly Father allowed His Only Begotten Son, who He so dearly loved, to make such a sacrifice. I am grateful that I know these things. I know that all of these things I have said are true. The truth is a compass in our hearts and minds that leads us back home to Them. Christ taught, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

{CTR Always, ETTE}

Please follow this link and watch this video:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/where-justice-love-and-mercy-meet?lang=eng&_r=1

0