alut and Happy Easter/Conference Week!! Best week ever!! So, for these past 2 weeks, like I told you, I've been studying in depth the life of the Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been compiling a list of all of the attributes, qualities, and traits of Christ. I want to learn everything about Him so I can learn how to change to become more like Him. I'd like to take a few minutes just to share with you what I've learned about this incredible Person, in honor of His life and death this week. There is more to Him than I ever knew. He wasn't just the Son of God who came here, atoned, rose, and is now some arbitrary power in the heavens. He was real. He was a man, He was a teacher, a leader, a son, a brother, a prophet, a comforter, a peacemaker, and so much more. Here is what I've learned so far about who Jesus Christ is. The first comes from my study from the talk "The Atonement" by Cleon Skousen, Jesus The Christ, and 3 Nephi... Ok, So Jesus Christ: He is full of eternal joy. He wants to do things the Father's way. He is willing to do anything to keep His Father's laws, and to honor Him. He was and is infinitely loved and respected. He remembers who He is, His potential, His mission, and doesn't stop working towards that even when it's really hard. He overcame and satisfied the demands of justice with mercy. He is forgiving--completely, sincerely, and unconditionally. The second comes from the talk "The Character of Christ" by Elder Bednar... Christ resisted temptation perfectly, which means He understood it perfectly, so He can help us. He looks outward, being able to discern other's needs and then reach out to them, even amidst His own trials. He never betrayed who He is, or did anything to weaken His relationship with the Father. He offers others peace and comfort even when He Himself needs it too. His focus was always on who He could help next , never on Himself. He never justified or made excuses for wanting to think about just Himself, He only let Himself put others first. Charity possessed Him...there would have been no atonement had He not been selflessly charitable, forgetting about His own problems and instead wanting to help other's with their's. The next part comes from True to The Faith, the sections "charity" and "Jesus Christ", which is "The Living Christ". He loves others without failing compassion, patience, and mercy. He taught the gospel, even when rejected. He helped the poor, afflicted, and distressed, even when others mocked them. He has an enduring love for us, it lasts forever and can't be broken. He wants others to receive His love and wants those who love Him to go and share that love with others. He did what it took to fulfill all righteousness, even when it seemed unecessary. He went about doing good, even though He was despised for it. He taught peace and goodwill, by His acts, not just His words, and invited others to do the same. He taught the plan of salvation so everyone could recognize their divine nature and potential. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind, it wasn't taken from Him. He visited those He loved in life, and took care of His family and friends. He cherished those family relationships. He is our advocate with the Father. He is the Creator of all worlds. He is the head of His church, restored to the earth with His power. We will be judged of Him by our works and desires, which He set the perfect example of. The last part is from "The Savior's Selfless Sacrifice" by Elder Packer. He suffered the sins and pains of us all because of His love for the Father and for us. He qualified to pay the debt for our sins because He was sinless. He frees us from the captivity of sin, guilt, and temptation. He is ready to guide us back to peace and security. He is a light of hope. He redeems us from our sins by filling us with feelings of peace of conscience, and of joy. He has paid the price necessary, but asks us to do a small part in return to take advantage of it. He forgets our sins once we repent. He gives us so much help to come unto Him--He never leaves us alone. We can perfectly trust Him because everything He does for us is done out of perfect love, and to better our eternal lives. He never forces or coerces us, but leads and guides us and asks for us to follow Him by love, gentleness, and example. He speaks to us today through personal revelation and His servants, the prophets. He gives us strength, and the ability to overcome trial and temptation. He makes our lives HAPPY. That is what I have learned so far about this our Redeemer and Savior, our older brother, Jesus Christ. I can't explain my love for Him. I can't understand His love for me. Both are just unmeasureable. I am forever grateful for my King. I hope we all will use this week especially to remember Him, and use His example to live the way He did and does. Listen to the words of the prophets this weekend, and they will help us a lot in figuring out just how to do that. Have the best week ever! I sure will! Love always, Soeur Shields
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