Elder Gerrit W. Gong
In this talk, Elder Gerrit W. Gong discusses how, through faith in Jesus Christ and trust in God’s plan, all experiences—both joyous and challenging—can work together for our good. He shares personal anecdotes, scriptural references, and examples of faith to illustrate how God’s eternal purpose is to bring all things together for our benefit, helping us become sanctified and holy through the grace and Atonement of Jesus Christ.
The Eternal Purpose of God
Elder Gong explains that the purpose of Creation and the nature of God Himself is to bring all things together for our good. He uses a Chinese story to illustrate how what seems fortunate or unfortunate can be part of a greater plan that works for our benefit.
“In time and eternity, His triumph over death and hell can make all things right.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
- Doctrine and Covenants 90:24: Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.
The Power of Jesus Christ’s Atonement
Elder Gong emphasizes that Jesus Christ’s Atonement not only redeems us from sin but also heals our afflictions, sorrows, and pains. He reassures that Christ understands our sufferings and can make all things right through His triumph over death and hell.
“Jesus Christ’s Atonement can deliver and redeem us from sin. But Jesus Christ also intimately understands our every pain, affliction, sickness, sorrow, separation.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Alma 7:11-12: And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
- Mosiah 14:3-5: He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Faith and Trust in Trials
Elder Gong speaks about the importance of faith and trust in God during trials. He shares examples of faithful individuals who found strength and blessings through their adversities, illustrating that trials can be consecrated for our good when we trust in God.
“With our trust and faith in God, trials and afflictions can be consecrated for our good.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 122:7: And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
- 1 Peter 1:7: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
Ministering as Jesus Christ Would
Elder Gong highlights the importance of ministering and serving others as Christ would. He shares touching stories of individuals who followed promptings to help others, demonstrating how such acts can bring about blessings and show that all things can work together for good.
“Things work together for good when we minister as Jesus Christ would.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Mosiah 2:17: And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
- Matthew 25:40: And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Temple Blessings and Eternal Perspective
Elder Gong speaks about the significance of temple worship and how it helps us gain an eternal perspective on life. He encourages frequent temple attendance and the personal sacrifices associated with it, underscoring that temple blessings work together for our good.
“As the Lord, through His living prophet, brings more houses of the Lord closer in more places, temple blessings work together for our good.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 109:22: And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them.
- Psalm 27:4: One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.
Calls to Action
- Trust in God and His plan, even during challenging times, knowing that all things can work together for your good.
- Embrace and seek the healing and redeeming power of Jesus Christ’s Atonement in your life.
- Increase your faith and trust in the Lord by recognizing that trials can be consecrated for your benefit.
- Minister to others with love and compassion, following promptings to help those in need.
- Attend the temple regularly and seek to understand the eternal perspective it provides, letting it bless and inspire you and your family.