We are children of a loving Heavenly Father

The more I read and study the scriptures, the more convinced I am of the importance of the truth and understanding that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father. He is not some abstract being. He is our father who desires all the best for us. He LOVES us. He KNOWS us. He UNDERSTANDS us. He FORGIVES us. It is incredibly important that we remember this; such a knowledge protects us from evil and gives us the strength to withstand temptation. One example is found in Alma 11. In this chapter, Amulek is offered a considerably large sum of money by Zeezrom on the condition that he will deny the existence of such a being. Part of Amulek’s incredible response is found in verse 25, which reads: “and it was only thy desire that I should deny the true and living God, that thou mightest have cause to destroy me”. This verse is truly impactful. Denying the existence of the Father of us all is ultimately and definitely destructive. One of the enemy’s strongest tools is to confuse us concerning the relationship we have with God. If he can successfully do that, then he has begun the process of our destruction in every sense of the word -- temporally, emotionally, spiritually. The wonderful reality is that we are in control of whether or not we allow this to happen to us. Like Amulek, we can choose to believe and even know without a doubt that we are children of God. This is very empowering. It is as simple as kneeling down and offering a prayer -- I love knowing that the distance between us and the heavens is only a prayer. He speaks to us in the still and quiet moments; we just have to be willing to listen. As Luke 1:37 says, “For with God nothing shall be impossible”. He is on our side. I encourage all of you to take time to reflect this week on your relationship with your Heavenly Father. Remember who you are and where you come from. As Brother Griffin says, “Know that you are loved”. It is a saving truth.