"The Gospel Provides Us With a Reason For Gladness."

Taught by Leila J.

In our Relief Society this year we hope we can focus on this scripture:  D&C 68:6-- “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.”

What are words that are synonymous with good cheer?  Joy, happiness, peace, gratitude....

In 2 Nephi is says, “...men are that they might have joy.” and that they “lived after the manner of happiness.”

We choose to be happy.  

It is a choice, not a consequence.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings us happiness.

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley said, “The gospel is a thing of joy. It provides us with a reason for gladness. Of course there are times of sorrow. Of course there are hours of concern and anxiety. We all worry. But the Lord has told us to lift our hearts and rejoice. I see so many people, including many women, who seem never to see the sunshine, but who constantly walk with storms under cloudy skies. Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine.”

 And again Pres. Hinckley counseled us, “Enjoy your membership in the Church. Where else in all the world can you find such a society? Enjoy your activity.Be happy in that which you do. Cultivate a spirit of gladness in your homes.... Let the light of the gospel shine in your faces wherever you go and in whatever you do.”

In the October 2012 General Conference, Sister Ann M. Digg, YW General Presidency gave a talk, “I’m a Mormon. I Know It, I Live It, I Love It.”  She tells of a time she met a young woman in a grocery store with a t-shirt that said, “I’m a Mormon. Are you?”

That bold statement made Sister Digg think what she might want her own declaration to be.  She came up with “I’m a Mormon. I know it  I live it. I love it.” 

May we each live in such a way that shows we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that we know it is true and focus on what matters most, that we have integrity no matter what, and our love for the Gospel shows because of our vibrant, enthusiastic obedience.

4 Nephi 1-23 tells us that no happier people could be found on the face of the earth because they were living the gospel. 

Let’s try to remember the words from Pres. Hinckley, “The gospel is a thing of joy. It provides us with a reason for gladness.”