God's Everlasting Love

Last weekend, Nov 14th, Stephanie, Heidi and I attended a concert at the Tabernacle entitled, "God's Everlasting Love." The BYU-I choir sang the words to text written by Elder David A Bednar. I loved the words, and wish to share them here.

God's Everlasting Love

I
God's everlasting love: We will make an earth whereon these may dwell, and prove them to see if they will do all things that God shall command according to the plan. For that purpose was the earth created. For that prupose we are here. Will our natures be transformed, bringing us closer to God the Father and His Son? Subject to desires of the flesh, we yearn for a mighty change of heart. Our hearts are changed by His love, God's everlasting love. The natural man declines - a Saint arises. Through the Atonement of Christ the Lord, our fallen nature is changed - bad to good, good to better. We become new creatures through His love.

II
As God's love strengthens us, we act - we change. We become agents who act rather than objects that are acted upon. We are strengthened to change our circumstances.

III
I pray for strength to burst these bands. I am bound; I am weak. With and through and by God's love I receive strength. I can burst these bands. I can; I will. I pray for the strength of His love. His love changes me.

IV
Through the power of God's love, burdens are made light. We are strengthened to bear burdens with ease. Though challenges may not be removed, we are patient. We submit cheerfully to the will of God.

V
Contemplation: Jesus, Once of Humble Birth

VI
Christ invites us to come unto HIm and be changed. His yoke is easy; the burden is light. He invites us to learn of HIm. He is meek and lowly in heart.

VII
At the last supper in the upper room, Christ spoke of comfort and peace. Perhaps He was troubled in that moment, knowing what lay ahead. Yet the Master reached out and offered the very blessings that would have strengthened Him - comfort and peace.

VIII
The great love of Christ is revealed. He discerned the suffereing of others - yet He Himself was suffering. Christ reached outward and ministered, even as He experienced anguish and torment. He suffered the most - yet Christ succors all of us who suffer so much less.

IX
God's love is the source of divine help. His love provides strength beyond our own. The atoning sacrifice of Christ helps us avoid and overcome the bad. His Atonement strengthens us to do and become good. We are changed by His everlasting love.

X
Introspection: I Know That my Redeemer Lives

XI
His love conquers all, gives us strength even unto deliverance. We obtain the mind of Christ. We change; we grow; we become. We receive His image in our countenance.

XII
His love brings peace. He visits us with assurance. Our faith grows. Our hope increases. Our courage and determination are strengthened. We go forth with all our might. Christ speaks peace to our souls. The peace that passeth all understanding is ours from Him - Because of His everlasting love.

XIII
His love conquers death. The bands of death are loosed which bind his people. His soul is filled with mercy. He succors His people according to their infirmities. His love conquers all things - all anguish, all suffering, all weakness and infirmity. All things are changed by His love.

XIV
God's everlasting love: We will make an earth whereon these may dwell, and prove them to see if they will do all things that God shall command according to the plan. For that purpose was the earth created. For that prupose we are here. Will our natures be transformed, bringing us closer to God the Father and His Son? Subject to desires of the flesh, we yearn for a mighty change of heart. Our hearts are changed by His love, God's everlasting love. The natural man declines - a Saint arises. Through the Atonement of Christ the Lord, our fallen nature is changed - bad to good, good to better. We become new creatures through His love.