People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15). Remembering that we are all working towards the same purpose can bring a sense of unity. By showing love towards each other and humbling ourselves we can forget about our differences and build each other up. When our motives are Christ centered we forget about petty matters and realize our true purpose in life. Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength (see Philippians 2:12–15 and institute student manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62]). Relying on our parents’ testimony is a good start to gaining our own. Our parents are not with us every moment of every day so it is essential that we develop our own witness. Having the light within us gives us opportunity to share it with others. The more we strengthen our faith the more we spiritually grow. An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does (see Philippians 3:7–16; 4:13). We should be willing to sacrifice all things for the gospel’s sake. It is unfortunate if family choose to disassociate with us but having a firm foundation in truth is what will save us eternally. How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3? By staying close to the Spirit we will always know the right thing to do. Heavenly Father directs our path as we follow Him. Following the Savior is the only way to be truly saved in this life.

Saintly Life

Choice 1: Romans 12-16. Live as Saints Should Live 1. Review Romans 13:11 and look for what is “nearer.” Read Ezekiel 3:20; Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; and explain in writing what we must continue doing to work out our salvation. Our salvation is nearer. We need to endure well to the end of our lives. Repenting and improving through the atonement is how we stay on track. 2. In Romans 12-13 Paul gave much counsel that leads to salvation. Read each of the following verses and list what Paul taught would help lead to salvation: o Romans 12:1 – We need to present ourselves as a sacrifice to the Lord. o Romans 12:2 – Overcome worldliness and be reborn spiritually o Romans 12:9 – Turn away from evil and cling to the good o Romans 12:13 – Exercising charity o Romans 12:16 – Be humble, conform willingly to the work of the Lord o Romans 12:21 – Don’t let evil influence you, overcome evil with good o Romans 13:1 – Be submissive to God o Romans 13:3 – Do good works o Romans 13:8 – Love one another o Romans 13:9 – Follow the ten commandments 3. Review Romans 14:1-13; 15:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions: o What cautions did Paul give about judging? We need to leave the judgment to the Lord. We should love and serve each other. o People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember? It is most important to remember that we are all children of God. We are on Earth to become more like Him through the power of the atonement. We help others to come to Him. • What additional insight comes from reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27? We are all part of the body of Christ. We are all brothers and sisters as children of God. We should always show love to each other. Building up is the Savior’s plan. When we tear down we are following the devil. 4. Review Romans 15:25-26, 31; 16:2, 15. Write the term Paul frequently used to refer to members of the Church in his day. Paul referred to the members of the church as saints.

Choice 1: Romans 1. The Gospel of Christ is the Power of God unto Salvation 1. Review Romans 1:3–4; Luke 1:31–32; 3:23–31. Explain in writing how Jesus Christ is both the son of David and the Son of God. If the Lord is both heir to the king (David) and to God, then in what ways can the Lord rightfully reign? Being the son of David, He was mortal; being the Son of God, He was immortal. Read John 10:17–18 and explain why it was essential for the Savior of the world to be both mortal and immortal. Jesus Christ was both the son of David and the son of God. Through his mortal ancestry he was the seed of David, mortal royalty. Through is divine ancestry he is the son of God, literally. In any sense the Savior has the right to rule and reign. It is essential for him to be both mortal and immortal so he can be the perfect bridge for us to Heavenly Father. He is our mediator. 2. Review Romans 1:15–20 and answer the following questions in writing: o How did Paul feel about the gospel? Paul knew that the gospel is the power of God. He was not ashamed to share it. • In what ways can you show you are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? I can show that I am not ashamed of the gospel by standing for truth in every area. I can show respect for the things of God and not treat them lightly. I will be a good example for my children. 3. Review Romans 1:21–32. Then respond to the following items: o Make a list of the people’s sins by using the verses and the footnotes. False prophets, idol worship, lust, adultery, homosexuality, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, murder, debate, deceit, gossip, backbiting, despiteful, disobedient to parents, covenant breakers, implacable, unmerciful • Place a checkmark next to the sins on your list that are still a problem today. All of these are problems today. • What reasons were given for why people commit these sins? People do these things because they misinterpret the gospel, are prideful, or just openly fall away. • What does it mean in verse 25 when Paul said that people “worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator”? People were giving in to their natural man desires and not staying strong spiritually. We all have temptations and desires to do wrong things. We can grow strong spiritually by studying the scriptures, following the prophet, praying, keeping our covenants and helping others to do the same. We can overcome our carnal selves through the power of the atonement. We can become spiritually minded.

Forgiveness is a Commandment

The people in Corinth were commanded to forgive if anyone grieved them. As children of God we all have the same responsibility. When we choose not to forgive it places a burden on us. The negative feelings we harbor are binding and distracting. When we let go and openly forgive it is liberating. One time I was hurt badly by a close family member. I was shocked by her callousness and angry at her disregard for my feelings. The experience consumed my thoughts and I felt like I was not at fault. I knew I needed to forgive but it took some time. Every time I thought about the situation I prayed to not be angry. It seemed silly at first that a simple prayer could help. But it totally helped! I was able to let go of bad feelings and freely forgive. It made me realize the importance of forgiveness.