- “Love for God and fellowmen is a characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ.”
He shares that love requires that we are there for one another and in some circumstances, that presence needs to be physical and not through our phones or text messages.
- In today’s world of so much suffering because of different circumstances, sending a text message with a funny emoji or posting a nice picture with the words “I love you” is good and valuable. But what many of us need to do is leave our mobile devices behind and, with our hands and feet, help others in great need. Love without service is like faith without works; it’s dead indeed.
Forgiveness is a result of living a Christlike life. As we live the gospel, we are moved to forgive others as the Lord has been so willing to forgive us.
- The pure love of Christ, which is charity, inspires us not only to act and provide service but also to have the strength to forgive, regardless of the situation.
Joy and happiness come from serving and forgiving others. These two things go hand in hand and it is our responsibility to find a way to express the joy of the gospel through our forgiving actions.
- We can have joy and happiness as we serve and forgive others.
Elder Alonso closes with his testimony of serving and forgiveness.
- I know that by serving and forgiving others with real love, we can be healed and receive the strength to overcome our own challenges.
Elder Alonso tells a heartwarming story of a young man who accidentally hit a young boy with his car and the young boy died. He tells the story of the family forgiving this young man and working to bless his life in the face of such an accident. I can't imagine the faith and forgiveness that is need to be able to forgive someone of taking the life of my child. But the Savior can help us and support us through all of our trials. What a great example we have of how to love, serve, and forgive, in the Savior Jesus Christ.