Week 12: "Oh how I love my Savior!"

While I've been on my mission for even such a short time thus far, I have learned over and over what truly matters in life. I have grown to appreciate many things. The precious times and moments with my family, the wonderful taste of mom's home-made dinners, and even being able to glide, dancing across the dance floor while on a simple yet fun date.

(Our kitchen in the Sønderborg apartment)

(Not as good as Mom's)

There are many things in life which is important. The one thing that is important above all is to follow the commandment as the Savior said to "love one another, as I have loved you". In order to truly obey this commandment, we must answer the question, In what way has the Savior loved you? This question seems rhetorical and nearly mundane. It seems that the answer would not have to be sought for or discovered, rather it seems it would be so apparent that it would be a waste of time to understand this simple yet edifying question.

It is through understanding the true character of Christ that we can understand not only how the Savior loves us, but how we may be able to follow his commandment and love one another.

Many have read about and even felt his love for us through his infinite atonement for us countless times. Many have felt but denied, and even more have not heard of such a miracle to be performed among the inhabitants of this Earth. With his atonement being the pinnacle moment in the history of the universe, it is undeniable that was the greatest act of love that only the Son of God could perform for all of us.

However, we, as mortal and imperfect beings, are not able to perform such a sacrifice as the Savior did. I do not believe that is what the Savior asked of us when giving us the most important commandment of all. I believe it is by applying his true character and becoming more as he is.

(Windmill!)

(Splits in Frederacia and amazing mexican food)

Due to time I will not give all the examples of Christ's character I know of but I wish to share one that took place while our beloved Savior was upon the cross of Calvary. I choose this one because It is a wonderful example of his character.

After being betrayed and abandoned by his closest friends, whipped, scourged, and mocked by those who hated and despised him, and forsaken by his Father in Heaven, he did that which exemplifies and portrays his character so very well. He prayed, "Forgive them; for they know not what they do". He turned outwards rather than turning inwards. He turned out to help those who despised him, rather than turning in as the natural man would to worry for his own welfare. After all the Savior went through, he turned out.

I hope that we can all do the same. Many hard things come about in life and it is difficult to put off the natural man and turn outwards rather than in. Through patience and with the Savior's love and hlep, we can stive to do as Christ asked us to do. To "love one another, as I have loved you".

I love you all and am grateful for this wonderful opportunity I have to represent Jesus Christ for this short time.

* Click to hear an Apostle's message about the Savior *

Happy Birthday, President Thomas S. Monson!

Because it is our beloved prophet's birthday today, here is his wish for all of us as his birthday present:

“Do something for someone else on that day to make his or her life better. Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely and do something for them. That’s all I would ask.” —President Thomas S. Monson

* Click to hear President Monson's message to "Pass it On" *

Elsker,

     Ældste Haruch