When the Savior asked the twelve disciples, Will ye also go away? Simon Peter answered: “Lord, to whom shall we go?” (John 6: 67-68) Throughout my life I have had moments when I have contemplated Peter’s answer as a question to myself.
The Greatest change of heart has taken place when I’ve experienced the greatest broken heart and contrite spirit. Understanding that the suffering in a broken heart and contrite spirit are all that are necessary to repent comes with great faith.
Initially the first principle and ordinance of the gospel is first faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This faith is that he has made the infinite sacrifice not making it necessary for anyone to suffer who would repent including myself.
Romans vs 22 & 23 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have asinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The Lord said that he will make weak things strong (Ether 12:27). There is a great joy in applying the atonement. As there is opposition in all things a broken heart and contrite spirit become a healed heart and motivated spirit of faith in action.
When speaking to the Nephites after his crucifixion the Savior said (3 Nephi 18:25)
25 And ye see that I have commanded that anone of you should go away, but rather have commanded that ye should come unto me,
Following him is a great journey in understanding all the atonement entails. Repentance is key but not the only gift given in the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us.
1 Nephi 21:16 16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the apalms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
To be engraven on the palms of his hands, continually with him is more than that part of mortality when we have repented or experienced a broken heart or contrite spirit. It is all we experience in this mortal life. To comprehend how the Savior can have experienced all we have is a precious one on one connection we develop as we learn of his life and see how the atonement and sacrifice he made started the day of the great counsel in heaven when he offered himself to suffer for us giving Heavenly Father the glory and we personally chose to accept and support this decision. This personal journey for me has also given me insight on how to discern, make decisions, proceed in tribulations as well as given me peace and comfort when nothing else could.
When tempted by the adversary while fasting each time the Savior answered with doctrinal truths. This has given me a guide in my life of the power I can gain from scripture study.
From the age of 12 he was answering questions and teaching gospel principles. I too with him as my companion can gain gospel knowledge and teach.
He was resurrected, his body was made whole. I look forward to having a resurrected body.
He fulfilled the prophecy and mission of his life. I too can reach my potential.
He commended the lady at the well telling her she answered well. I too can encourage others in the good choices they make.
He told the adulteress to go and sin no more. I can not only forgive but see others for who they can become.
He was baptized to set an example. I strive to live a righteous example.
He gave his whole life to the Fathers will to save us. I will give my time, talents, energy and all he has given me.
He suffered the little ones to come unto him. I will teach my little ones to go to him.
On more than one occasion the disciples left Jesus alone and he went and prayed. In Gethsemane he asked them to stay awake while he went a little way off and again he experienced sadness and loneliness in a time of suffering we cannot comprehend. He never leaves me, I am never alone.
He experienced grief at the passing of Lazarus and even the weight of being blamed for Lazaraus’s death for not being there to save him. He understands my sorrow and helpless feelings, He gives me comfort.
He went without rest to the point the disciples tried to turn people away for him to sleep. He denied turning them away and went without rest. He understands my weariness, He gives me strength.
He struggled and felt alone knowing the disciples could not comprehend all he was teaching them. He understands my frustrations, He gives me patience.
He endured unmeasurable physical pain. He knows my infirmities, He gives me strength.
He was betrayed by his disciple and his own people. He understands my heartache, he gives me relief.
The Pharisees tried to trap him in doctrine and persecute him. He understands the conflict others bring into my life, He gives me peace.
The Father withdrew from him on the cross. He understands my emptiness and he gives me hope.
He asked the Father to forgive those inflicting his suffering stating they knew not what they did, He taught me forgiveness.
He taught from a boat offshore to large crowds, He taught me healthy distance, self care.
He corrected the unrighteous behavior in the temples. He taught me to stand for the right.
He asked the Father to remove the bitter cup, accepting his will. He has lifted my burdens, helped me find a new focus, helped my light grow and taught me trust.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, Faith in the Lord is trust in the Lord. We cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord’s will and in the Lord’s timing. As a result, no matter how strong our faith is, it cannot produce a result contrary to the will of Him in whom we have faith. Remember that when your prayers do not seem to be answered in the way or at the time you desire. The exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is always subject to the order of heaven, to the goodness and will and wisdom and timing of the Lord. When we have that kind of faith and trust in the Lord, we have true security and serenity in our lives. (The Atonement and Faith)
Using the Atonement and all it’s healing power have given me increased depth of appreciation of the gift of the sacrament ordinance. An ordinance that gives me the renewal to strive to do better and has brought me closer to him. In my need for it and the love it encompasses he has given me the opportunity to renew this covenant weekly.
His love for me keeps a higher law in my mind when considering others. Often the scripture Matthew 25:40 comes to mind, “Inasmuch as ye have adone it unto one of the bleast of these my cbrethren, ye have done it unto me.”……..When I need a little more motivation the still small voice follows it with vs 45, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the aleast of these, ye did it not to me.” This always keeps the pure love of Christ a focal point. These whisperings are part of the sacrament promise to have his spirit with me.
I’m especially grateful for the bridge Jesus Christ is to be able to pray to my Heavenly Father. I’m grateful for my Heavenly Father and his role in the atonement. Having an adult child I understand the weeping one can have when they are estranged from a child. To understand how the savior who did not have children in his mortal life could understand my sorrow I learn that he is one with the Father, thus through him he understands my weeping. In regards to this Melvin J. Ballard said, “In that moment when he might have saved his Son, I thank him and praise him that he did not fail us, for he had not only the love of his Son in mind, but he also had love for us. I rejoice that he did not interfere, and that his love for us made it possible for him to endure to look upon the sufferings of his Son and give him finally to us, our Savior and our Redeemer. Without him, without his sacrifice, we would have remained, and we would never have come glorified into his presence. And so this is what it cost, in part, for our Father in Heaven to give the gift of his Son unto men.” (As quoted in Bryant S. Hinckley, ed., Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin Joseph Ballard, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1949, pp. 154–55.)
After Simon Peter answered, him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the awords of eternal life.
He continued
69 And awe believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the bSon of the living God.
I am blessed to have the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That after I had experienced an estrangement in time from my father in Heaven I knew in my emptiness to whom I should go.
I add my testimony that I have experienced and witnessed the self destruction from either not accepting, understanding or willing to listen to the gifts of the atonement. I know there is no other way to find pure peace, joy, strength, endurance, patience or comfort than through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I do not understand in all ways how it will all work out for eternities with so many complex circumstances especially in families but I do trust in the Lord. I know his love for me will not fail when I have done all I can in obedience. I encourage you to develop that testimony for yourself and to enable all those around you especially in your homes with the testimony of the full power and gifts the atonement have to offer.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Be Still & Do 