"Love Is Spoken Here" Talk Outline

Last updated on December 29th, 2023 at 08:38 am

General Conference Applied

“Love Is Spoken Here” by Elder Gerrit W. Gong; October 2023 General Conference

Corresponding General Conference Applied episode show notes: S2 E13

Talk Outline

Invitations

“May we each learn to speak and hear His love here, in our hearts and homes, and in our gospel callings, activities, ministering, and service.”

Directives (“an official or authoritative instruction”)

“With warmth and reverence, our sacrament and other meetings focus on Jesus Christ. We speak reverently of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, personal and real, not only of atonement in the abstract. We call Jesus Christ’s restored Church in His name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We use reverent prayer language when we address Heavenly Father and warm respect when we speak with each other. As we recognize Jesus Christ at the heart of temple covenants, we refer less to ‘going to the temple’ and more to ‘coming to Jesus Christ in the house of the Lord.’ … Please, let us be understanding and kind as we learn new languages of love together… Let us always speak with warm and reverent gratitude for God’s work and glory and the merits, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.”
“Stake and ward leaders, let’s do our part. As we call (and release) brothers and sisters to serve in the Lord’s Church, let’s please do so with dignity and inspiration. Help each feel appreciated and that they can be successful. Please counsel with and listen to sister leaders. May we remember, as President J. Reuben Clark taught, in the Lord’s Church we serve where called, ‘which place one neither seeks nor declines.'”
“For some time I have felt that, in many places in the Church, a few more ward activities, of course planned and implemented with gospel purpose, could knit us together with even greater belonging and unity.”

Promises

Action: “As we answer yes to Church leaders to serve the Lord in His Church,”
Promise: “I promise that love is spoken here, there, and everywhere.”

Doctrines

Restoration: “Restoration refers to God’s reestablishment of the truths and ordinances of His gospel among men on earth. The most recent and last restoration (often referred to as ‘the Restoration’) began in 1820 when God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith in response to his prayers (see Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20). The fulness of the gospel has been restored, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is ‘the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth’ (D&C 1:30).”

Principles

Charity: “The life of the Savior reflects His pure love for all people. He even gave His life for us. Charity is that pure love which our Savior Jesus Christ has. He has commanded us to love one another as He loves us. The scriptures tell us that charity comes from a pure heart (see 1 Timothy 1:5). We have pure love when, from the heart, we show genuine concern and compassion for all our brothers and sisters.”

Christlike Attributes

Charity and Love: “As you pray for the gift of charity, you will be less inclined to dwell on negative feelings such as anger or envy. You will become less likely to judge or criticize others. You will have more desire to try to understand them and their points of view. You will become more patient and try to help people when they are struggling or discouraged. (See Moroni 7:45.)

“Charity, like faith, leads to action. You strengthen it as you serve others and give of yourself.

“Charity is transformative.”

Attribute Activity:

“I feel a sincere desire for the eternal welfare and happiness of others. (Mosiah 28:3)”
“When I pray, I ask for charity—the pure love of Christ. (Moroni 7:47–48)”
“I try to understand others’ feelings and see their point of view. (Jude 1:22)”
“I forgive others who have offended or wronged me. (Ephesians 4:32)”
“I reach out in love to help those who are lonely, struggling, or discouraged. (Mosiah 18:9)”
“When appropriate, I express my love and care for others by ministering to them through word and deed. (Luke 7:12–15)”
“I look for opportunities to serve others. (Mosiah 2:17)”
“I say positive things about others. (Doctrine and Covenants 42:27)”
“I am kind and patient with others, even when they are hard to get along with. (Moroni 7:45)”
“I find joy in others’ achievements. (Alma 17:2–4)”

Most Important Quote

“When Sister Gong and I were married, Elder David B. Haight counseled: ‘Always hold a calling in the Church. Especially when life is busy,’ he said, ‘you need to feel the Lord’s love for those you serve and for you as you serve.’ I promise that love is spoken here, there, and everywhere as we answer yes to Church leaders to serve the Lord in His Church by His Spirit and our covenants.

“The Lord’s restored Church can be an incubator for a Zion community. As we worship, serve, enjoy, and learn His love together, we anchor each other in His gospel. We may disagree politically or on social issues but find harmony as we sing together in the ward choir. We nurture connection and fight isolation as we regularly minister with our hearts in each other’s homes and neighborhoods.”

Powerful Stories

“With warmth and reverence, Sister Gong asks children and youth, ‘How do you know your parents and families love you?’

“In Guatemala, children say, ‘My parents work hard to feed our family.’ In North America, children say, ‘My parents read stories and tuck me into bed at night.’ In the Holy Land, children say, ‘My parents keep me safe.’ In Ghana, West Africa, children say, ‘My parents help me with my Children and Youth goals.’

“One child said, ‘Even though she is very tired after working all day, my mother comes outside to play with me.’ Her mother cried when she heard that her daily sacrifices matter. A young woman said, ‘Even though my mother and I sometimes disagree, I trust my mother.’ Her mother cried too.”

The Best Footnote

None.

Questions for Reflection Asked by the Speaker

“So, where and how does Jesus Christ speak to you in love?”
“Where and how do you hear His love spoken here?”

“Love Is Spoken Here” Talk Outline