REXBURG— BYU-Idaho recently welcomed Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as the devotional speaker on Sunday. Elder Gong's address centered on guiding principles for navigating life's decisions, drawing from scripture and personal experiences to offer practical counsel to the audience.
At the beginning of the devotional, Sister Susan Gong spoke about relationships and the eternal potential of relationships.
“God puts people in our path, sometimes friends, family, sometimes even strangers, who especially need our attention, kindness, and compassion,” she said. “Love for others grows as we seek to bless them and as we pray with and for them with love.”
Sister Gong said that in situations where people are frightened, weak, insecure or anxious, people may do things that hurt others. Seeking spiritual guidance is one path to take toward repentance.
“When we treat others badly, we need to apologize and repent. We also need to forgive. Jesus taught Peter not to limit forgiveness,” Sister Gong said. “‘How often shall I forgive my brother’, Peter asks. And Christ answers, ‘Until 70 times seven.’ We need to refrain from defining the people in our lives by their worst moments. Through faith in our Savior and His atoning sacrifice, rifts can be mended, hearts can be healed, and love can prevail.”
Elder Gong emphasized the importance of placing trust in the Lord and seeking spiritual guidance when confronted with challenges or uncertainties.
"Trust the Lord and what you do know. If there's something you don't know, stay anchored in Jesus Christ, the scriptures, the teachings of the prophets and apostles,” Elder Gong said. “The Holy Ghost will help you, as I know he has in the past. As tonight's music beautifully testifies, ‘consider the lilies of the field, how they grow.’"
The lilies of the field, Elder Gong says, serve as a reminder of God's care and provision, as highlighted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“‘He feeds the birds in the sky. He will feed those who trust him and guide them with his eye.’ The promise in these verses that he will feed and guide those who trust him is for you and me now and in the future,” Elder Gong said.
Elder Gong also provided insights into the significant decision of choosing an eternal companion. He said sincere prayer is crucial in seeking divine confirmation.
“When I prayed, should I marry Susan, I felt peace. But later, I made my own best decision,” Elder Gong said. “Heavenly Father, I love Susan and want to ask her to marry me. I promise I'll be the best husband and father I can be. When I prayed that kind of prayer, my clearest, strongest confirmation came.”
At the conclusion of his address, Elder Gong says that as we become disciples of Jesus Christ, we will be blessed to ultimately become perfect, as Jesus Christ is perfect.
“God always cares about your trajectory. What we do has consequences. God does care about what you do,” Elder Gong said. “Humbly do your best, knowing perfection is in Jesus Christ. You can trust God.”