I never thought I could love someone else this much. I remember at the start of these past two years, I had this feeling that I truly understood what it was like to unconditionally love someone. I felt as though I truly desired and hoped the best for others. I thought I really loved and knew my Savior. I have come to the conclusion, that I was wrong.Moroni 7:47-48"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."I have come to realize that charity is something that we must work for. I thought that I had charity because while at home I loved being around people. I have further come to realize that it is part of our condition as mortals to have the tendency to be selfish. It's always about, how does this benefit me? What do I gain from this? As part of overcoming the natural man we need to focus less on the me and mine, and move forward with a tunnel vision on the thee and thine.
Charity is a natural consequence of heartfelt service. My love for ALL others has grown as I have laid it on the line, daily, to their blessing. As I have focused on changing and blessing others, I have felt the Lord focus on changing and blessing me. It's been amazing.
"Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye." -H. Jackson Brown, Jr. This quote kind of sums up my feelings. As I have grown to love others, I have come to see them in a more eternal and divine way. I now see them for where, with the Saviors help, they can be. I no longer focus on where they are currently. My heart has been changed without a doubt.I think the greatest love I have gained is a love for the Savior. I now understand at a greater and deeper level the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for His love and sacrifice in my behalf and in all of yours as well. He has paved the path, and just asks us to walk it.I truly can say I have loved my mission. I have loved every moment. Just thinking back on all of these people I have served and loved in each and every area I feel tears start to fill my eyes. My life has forever been changed because of the love that I not only have given, but also by the love I have received.I love you all. Thank you so much for the support and prayers you have sent my way throughout these past two years. I have felt that sustaining power from both sides of the veil. I love you, and am going to continue to need your support and love as I make the adjustment in coming home. I have really put my heart into this and I think it's going to be hard for me at first. I know this is Gods work. This is the truth. I have lived the gospel and seen its changing and sanctifying effect in so many peoples lives. No young man, who is physically and mentally able can miss out on this chance to serve a mission. The Lord has called each one of us to bless, build, lift and inspire others to rise up to their divine potential. As we lay down our sins and our fears at the Saviors feet, He will lift us up to salvation. And in Him saving us, we are expected to help lift others to the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom which God has prepared for all who will repent and change.After all, this is all about Him.Love.Elder Mitchell Ryan Thayne
Charity is a natural consequence of heartfelt service. My love for ALL others has grown as I have laid it on the line, daily, to their blessing. As I have focused on changing and blessing others, I have felt the Lord focus on changing and blessing me. It's been amazing.
"Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye." -H. Jackson Brown, Jr. This quote kind of sums up my feelings. As I have grown to love others, I have come to see them in a more eternal and divine way. I now see them for where, with the Saviors help, they can be. I no longer focus on where they are currently. My heart has been changed without a doubt.I think the greatest love I have gained is a love for the Savior. I now understand at a greater and deeper level the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for His love and sacrifice in my behalf and in all of yours as well. He has paved the path, and just asks us to walk it.I truly can say I have loved my mission. I have loved every moment. Just thinking back on all of these people I have served and loved in each and every area I feel tears start to fill my eyes. My life has forever been changed because of the love that I not only have given, but also by the love I have received.I love you all. Thank you so much for the support and prayers you have sent my way throughout these past two years. I have felt that sustaining power from both sides of the veil. I love you, and am going to continue to need your support and love as I make the adjustment in coming home. I have really put my heart into this and I think it's going to be hard for me at first. I know this is Gods work. This is the truth. I have lived the gospel and seen its changing and sanctifying effect in so many peoples lives. No young man, who is physically and mentally able can miss out on this chance to serve a mission. The Lord has called each one of us to bless, build, lift and inspire others to rise up to their divine potential. As we lay down our sins and our fears at the Saviors feet, He will lift us up to salvation. And in Him saving us, we are expected to help lift others to the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom which God has prepared for all who will repent and change.After all, this is all about Him.Love.Elder Mitchell Ryan Thayne
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