Lesson summary June 23, 2013

     lesson summary:

               

Loye gave her lesson from the May Ensign of 2013 talk by Elder Quentin L. Cook entitled "Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness."                                                              
                     Even with trials of life, because of the Saviors Atonement and His grace,  
                                   righteous living will be rewarded with personal peace.


    Recent experiences have caused me to reflect on the doctrine of peace and especially the role of Jesus Christ in helping each of us obtain lasting personal peace.

A recent event that has touched me deeply was when I spoke at the funeral for Emilie Parker, a precious six year old who lost her life along with 25 others, including 19 young children, in a tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. I mourned with her family and recognized that a many had been deprived of peace, but I found strength and faith in  her parents, Robert and Alissa Parker. Events often occur that rob us of peace and heighten our sense of vulnerability.

 

        I have been impressed with the doctrinal difference between universal or world peace and personal peace.  At the birth of the Savior, a multitude of the heavenly host praised God and proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  Yet, as recited in the 10th chapter of Matthew, the Savior instructed the Twelve and acknowledged that His mission would not achieve universal peace in this mortal life. The Spirit of Christ which is given to every person who comes into the world, "shall not always strive with man."  therefore "peace shall be taken from the earth."  Prophets have declared that peace has indeed been taken from the earth. Lucifer has not yet been bound and he exercises power in this dominion.

 

          President Heber J. Grant described the Savior's peace this way: "His peace will ease our suffering, bind up our broken hearts, blot out our hated engender in our breasts a love of fellow men that will suffuse our souls with calm and happiness." In my meetings with Emilie Parker's parents, I saw that the Savior's peace has eased their suffering and is helping to bind up their broken hearts. It is notable that immediately after the shooting, Brother Parker expressed forgiveness to the perpetrateor.  As President Grant said, the Savior's peace can "blot out out hates."

 

           What are the sources of peace? Many search for peace in worldly ways, which never have and never will succeed. Peace is not found by attaining great wealth, power, or prominence. The answer is the Savior, who is the source and author of peace. He is the Prince of Peace."

 

            How do we stay close to the Savior? Humbling ourselves before God, praying always, repenting of sins, entering the waters of baptism with a broken heart and contrite spirit, and becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ.

 

            The Church is a refuge where followers of Christ attain peace. The temples are also a source of peaceful refuge from the world.

 

            The Savior promised His Apostles that they would be blessed with the "Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost" and then uttered these important words: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." Then just before His Intercessory Prayer Christ said: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 

Thank you Loye for your wonderful lesson .