The Nature of God

From: Seth Gifford
Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:13:23
Subject: The Nature of God

¡Hola mis amigos!

I hope all is well!

I am now almost done with my missionary training! I have 1 week left until I will be temporarily released until I am temporarily reassigned. Super weird. I honestly have no idea what to expect. Anything could happen so I’m just going to leave it in the Lord’s hands. He is the one in control. He knows what is best. 

This last week has been a blur. The days go by so fast because I have been so busy. All I do is have class, study Spanish, prepare lessons, eat every now and then, and sleep. But, Heavenly Father is so kind. He has helped me through it all. I have so many weaknesses and struggles, but as I turn to Heavenly Father and use the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I have found that I am becoming better, one baby step at a time. It is so absolutely important to remember that our direction is ever more important than our speed.

The Nature of God:

This past week I was reminded who God our Father in Heaven is and what He is like. As I have read and pondered upon the nature of our Heavenly Father, I was able to feel a closeness to Him, and remember that He is my Eternal Father. Coming to know His character is truly mind expanding and gives us an eternal perspective, that would do us much good to keep.

I was reading in Moses 7 when Enoch and the city of Zion are taken up into heaven and Enoch sees God’s creations. Amidst all of it, Enoch looks over to Heavenly Father and sees Him weeping and asks: “How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity? And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever; And thou hast taken Zion to thine own bosom, from all thy creations, from all eternity to all eternity; and naught but peace, justice, and truth is the habitation of thy throne; and mercy shall go before thy face and have no end; how is it thou canst weep?” 

In response to this question, Heavenly Father says: “Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency; And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood…Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name; Man of Counsel is my name; and Endless and Eternal is my name, also. Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands and hold all the creations which I have made; and mine eye can pierce them also, and among all the workmanship of mine hands there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren….wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?“

I love these verses so much! They show us who God our Heavenly Father is, and show us how deeply He loves us. He loves us so much that He weeps for us when we don’t choose Him. Heavenly Father has created us and given us the breath of life. He has given us our knowledge, talents, skills, and abilities. He has given us this beautiful earth and everything upon it. He has blessed us with agency, the ability to choose. But the most precious gift Heavenly Father has given us, is His Son, Jesus Christ.

I testify of Jesus Christ. I know that He lives! He is real. His Atonement is real. His love, grace, and mercy are real. They work! I have personally experienced the healing that comes from the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He is my Savior and Redeemer. He is our Savior and Redeemer. I want all to know who read this, that I know these things are true, and invite you to read this talk by Elder Holland:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10/the-grandeur-of-god?lang=eng

I promise that if you read this talk, ponder what it means for you personally, and pray about it, you will come to a better understanding of the character of our Heavenly Father, and you will feel of His infinite love for you.

That’s all for now. I love you all!

-Elder Gifford

Here are some pictures: