Lesson for November 26, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Camille Maynard on Gordon B. Hinckley’s lesson on treating others with love. Camille said that she has known many people who have had problems and left the church or lost their testimony. People who are having a hard time need our love. It can apply to anyone. Emily Campbell read a story about baptizing a gifted, educated young man. He made a small mistake and a man in the church chastised him. The young man left the church and wasn’t in contact for years. As years passed, the man retired from work and moved to Switzerland. The missionary who had baptized him stayed in contact and tried to bring him bac, but h him back, but the man died without returning to the Church. Emily said it behooves each of us t treat others with love For many converts coming into the church is huge. They lose friends ad family. Or even someone in the ward. When Lisa Anderson first joined the church she was in college, she had a new coat and wore it to church. She got home and had chocolate on her coat. She almost didn’t go back, but her roommates were LDS and encouraged her to go. So when someone is kind enough to say something kind. Why do we care if other people are here or not? In an interview President Hinckley said something miraculous happens when someone feels accepted in the church. Jesus was concerned with individuals and so is the church. Every member is an individual and all of them need to be nourished. Any convert whose faith grows cold is a tragedy. The Lord left the 99 to find the one lost sheep. We should reach out in love to those who need it. We have been blessed by those who took a personal interest in us. Diane Barker said someone took an interest in her at a time when she might have gone inactive and it strengthened her. Virginia Roundy said during her last pregnancy she had to be on bed rest. Her son broke his leg and her visiting teacher moved in with her to help her. Her other visiting teacher brought a red wagon to transport her son. The Relief Society cleaned her house and did her laundry. We can be more sensitive to others. We can offer to do things for others without grudging. We can offer specific services so the person doesn’t have to think of things they can do. Emily Campbell said her parents joined the church right after marriage and because of the influence of the people who took them in and treated them with love, they raised a good family. You can’t do that without getting to know and love people. You need to get to know people and do your part if you are feeling left out. We can seek out opportunities. Just ask a to serve others. Just ask a question. Smile at them. Jayne Galloway read that the greatest tragedy in the church and then fall away. It need to happen. They must sacrifice so many things that result in loneliness and fear for that person, so members need to welcome and reassure and encourage and thank them or all they do. There is no point in doing missionary work without the kindness of the members. Even moving into a new area can be frightening. President Hinckley received a letter from a new member and members don’t know how hard it is to be a new member. We find that we have entered into a foreign world which can turn into frustration and anger and we leave. Even our language is strange, like what to call people. Remember who you are and what they are. If hey could have a friend to sit with them and explain to them, even more than visiting teachers and home teachers. We need more mentors or sponsors to help people. For yourself, Heather said, you shouldn’t be offended. Come to church because it’s true. President Hinckley said new members need three things: A Friend. Responsibility. Continue to be nurtured. Why is it difficult to return to the church because of embarrassment, or feeling judged, or your children don’t know how to behave, lack of knowledge and the spirit in their lives. President Hinckley said whatever the reason, put it aside and come back. There is more to be gained by coming back than by staying away. Be there for them. The experience of welcoming someone back is joyful. Camille told the story where President Hinckley said he had to go to California for a set of meetings when he got a phone call from an old friend who had left the Church. he wanted to come back but thought it would be embarrassed. He said take the first step. It will feel good to be back again.