Relief Society Lesson 28 Feb.2010

Our lesson this week was taught by Carol Heintz, and was from a talk by David. A Bednar in the October 2009 General Conference, entitled; More Diligent and Concerned at Home.

There were three main ways given on how we can each become more diligent and concerned at home. They are;
1. Express Love- and show it
2. Bear Testimony- and live it
3. Be Consistent

In order to accomplish these objectives, we were given many suggestions.
1. Listen with your ears that hear, and your heart that feels. When was the last time you took your eternal companion in your arms and expressed your heartfelt love? Your children? Your parents? As disciples of the Savior, we are not merely striving to know more; rather, we need to consistently do more of what we know is right and become better. We should remember that saying “I love you” is only a beginning. We need to say it, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need consistently to show it. We need to both express and demonstrate love. President Thomas S. Monson said "We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us. " Feeling the consistency of love from our family is a source of blessings.

2.Our testimony does not need to be lengthy or eloquent, just bear your knowledge of simple truths. We should remember that bearing a heartfelt testimony is only a beginning. We need to bear testimony, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need consistently to live it. We need to both declare and live our testimonies.

3. We need to consistently live the way we claim to. We need to show love as well as just saying "I love you." We need to live the gospel in addition to declaring it to be true. Being consistent in our homes is important for another reason. Many of the Savior’s harshest rebukes were directed to hypocrites. Jesus warned His disciples concerning the scribes and Pharisees: “Do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not” (Matthew 23:3). This strong admonition is sobering given the counsel to “express love—and show it,” to “bear testimony—and live it,” and to “be consistent.” The hypocrisy in our lives is most readily discerned and causes the greatest destruction within our own homes. Children often are the most alert and sensitive when it comes to recognizing hypocrisy. OUr consistency in doing seemingly small things can reap great rewards. We can become more diligent and concerned at home, as we are more faithful in learning, living, and loving the gospel of Jesus Christ.
If we follow Elder Bednar's advice and learn to be more diligent and concerned at home, I know our families will be happier, healthier, and stronger! Dede B.