Episode Details

In this episode, I share a talk I wrote in November 2023 after being called as young women's president, titled "Love Like Jesus." I talk about how I asked my counselors what message they wanted our girls to take with them into the world, and the common theme was love. This has been my guiding star for the last few years as I've grown spiritually. When things don't make sense or I'm confused or angry, focusing on the great commandments of love keeps me grounded.

I dive into the three commandments: love God, love others, and love yourself. I ask whether our love has conditions. Do we see each other as equals even when we disagree, vote differently, identify differently, or parent differently? Do we love the weird kid at school the same as the popular kid? Do we love ourselves no matter our weight or mistakes? I share how Christ loved without bounds. He ate with, sat with, walked with, listened to, healed, and served all people, especially those on the margins.

I talk about my parenting journey and how asking "what would love do?" in every moment has changed everything: calmer voice, fewer timeouts, more snuggling. I share how I realized I was trying to answer all my big questions on my own without including my heavenly parents and savior, and how creating an intimate relationship with them has given me peace even without all the answers. The love of our heavenly parents is never earned. It's always there. We just have to choose to partake of it.

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Takeaways:

The theme of love is central to spiritual growth.

Love God, love others, and love yourself are essential commandments.

Pure love is unconditional and inclusive.

Christ's love is a model for how we should love others.

Choosing love can lead to more peaceful parenting.

Joy is found in loving Jesus, others, and oneself.

Building a relationship with heavenly parents is crucial for guidance.

Asking for help from God is a vital part of faith.

Love is always available; we just need to choose it.

Seeing others as equals fosters a loving community.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Love Like Jesus

01:55 The Commandments of Love

04:19 Pure Love and Its Boundaries

05:45 Parenting Through Love

07:39 Finding Rest in Christ's Love

09:55 Choosing Love and Agency