Jesus condemned child abuse in the strongest possible terms. President Nelson has also reiterated the Savior's teachings on this issue. Here are some things I learned by studying the Church's abuse prevention website today.
The Mouths of Babes
Children can be more receptive to spiritual learning than adults for at least three reasons: 1. They are less self-conscious. 2. They are more aware of their vulnerability. 3. They have a natural curiosity. We can emulate children as we seek revelation.
Sculpture of Lehi’s Dream
Three characters in my Uncle Paul's sculpture of Lehi's dream are particularly striking: the man on the left looking up with determination, the individual running toward the mocking crowd, and the woman lending a helping hand to a person in need.
Matthew 18; Luke 10: “What Shall I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?”
We can learn a lot from Jesus' answers to the following questions: 1. Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2. How oft shall I forgive my brother? 3. Who is my neighbour? 4. Does thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?
Upon This Rock
Jesus Christ is our Rock. He called the senior apostle, Simon Bar-jona, "Peter," which means the Rock. This served as a reminder to him and to us that the apostles are Christ's representatives on the earth and that those who receive them receive Him.
Moving Mountains
Jesus said that if we have only a small amount of faith, we can move mountains. President Russell M. Nelson has encouraged us to increase our faith in Jesus Christ, promising that He will help us move the mountains in our lives.
Sign-Seeking: Observing vs. Demanding
God gives us signs to help us recognize His presence in our lives and to guide our actions. If we are observant, we will see them. But if we insist that He provide signs on our timeline and in our way, we will be disappointed.
Crumbs
When Jesus declined a Phoenician woman's request with an unflattering metaphor, she cleverly found a way to insert her request into His imagery: "The dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." The Savior rewarded this humble persistence.
The Commandments of Men
How many of our decisions are based on social convention? Probably more than we realize. Quoting Isaiah, Jesus rebuked those who "teach for doctrines the commandments of men." We need to be careful not to prioritize custom or tradition over following God.
“Help Thou Mine Unbelief”
There is something powerful about a sincere declaration of faith, coupled with an honest acknowledgement of our own limitations. A father who approached the Savior declared his belief while asking Him to help with his unbelief. We can do the same.