See it. Appreciate it.

// Sara //

We Are Children of God

If you grew up LDS then you have undoubtedly heard that phrase countless times. If you are anything like me, than you sang the Hymn, “I Am a Child of God” so many times that you often find yourself humming it from time to time.

But what does it really mean to be a child of God? What does it entail? I love the way President Gordon. B. Hinkely explained it to the children here:

You have an earthly father. He is your mother’s dear companion. I hope you love him and that you are obedient to him. But you have another father. That is your Father in Heaven. He is the Father of your spirit, just as your earthly father is the father of your body. And it is just as important to love and to obey your Father in Heaven as it is to love and obey your earthly father […] If you really know that you are a child of God, you will also know that He expects much of you, His child. He will expect you to follow His teachings and the teachings of His dear Son, Jesus. He will expect you to be generous and kind to others. He will be offended if you swear or use foul language. He will be offended if you are dishonest in any way, if you should cheat or steal in the slightest. He will be happy if you remember the less fortunate in your prayers to Him. He will watch over you and guide you and protect you. He will bless you in your schoolwork and in your [church classes]. He will bless you in your home, and you will be a better boy or girl, obedient to your parents, quarreling less with your brothers and sisters, helping about the home.

He wants our righteousness and happiness, just like any good father would. He loves you more than you can imagine. And having knowledge of that can make a huge impact on your life. It changes your perspective. It helps you realize you have someone in heaven who you can turn to and receive guidance, help, and comfort from, just like you could turn to your earthly father. It helps you come to understand your divine destiny and infinite worth.

This talk by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf is on of the BEST talks I have ever heard on the subject. Here is an excerpt:

Its fills me with awe and wonder every time I hear it, especially this part:

The most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love. […] He wants you to know that you matter to him.

“Who are we? We are children of God” as Elder Russel M. Nelson said here in another wonderful talk.

It fills me with such peace, joy and happiness to know that I have a father in Heaven who knows me by name, loves me, cares for me, wants what is best for me, and sees me as I may become, even when I can’t see it myself.

I hope that everyone can come to the knowledge that they, too, are a child of God.

// Sara //