By Robert L. Foote, Brian J. Cragun and Michael G. Haddock

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In the Gospel of John, Jesus teaches us in His intercessory prayer to God, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent." (John 17:3) It seems, therefore, essential for us to know the true nature of God. Otherwise, how can we come to love Him, which is the first and great commandment?

We believe that God is our Eternal Father in Heaven and that all people are His beloved sons and daughters. There are many Scriptural references to God in this capacity as Father. We believe that God created us, all human beings, in His own image and likeness. We believe that each of us has a divine nature and destiny.

As a perfect Heavenly Father, He loves us and cares for us, just as our fathers and mothers love us and just as we, as parents, love our children. He desires to bless us. He wants us to have joy and happiness in this life.

We have experienced the supportive power and strength from Him which has enabled us to endure and overcome trials, tribulations and adversity that are a natural part of life.

We have personally experienced the sweet peace that comes when He has forgiven us of our sins. We receive great comfort in knowing that God knows us and loves us.

The Scriptures teach that even the sparrow's plight is known to God. How much more then are our individual lives and cares important to God?

Our Father in Heaven desires to communicate with us. We can do so through sincere prayer. We believe that God loves His children so much that He made a way possible for us to return home to Him.

We believe that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from death through the resurrection and from sin through the purifying power of the atonement. He is truly a kind and loving Father.

We testify that there is a God, that He exists. All things witness that this is so.

We marvel at His creations, from the beauty, majesty and order of the expansive universe to the intricate purposeful organization of genetic code and subatomic particles. We are awed by the miracle of life.

All these things testify that there is a Supreme Creator, even God, our Eternal Father in Heaven.

Every person can have this same testimony and know the true nature of God through study of the Scriptures, sincere prayer and listening with their heart and mind for personal revelation and inspiration.

We invite all to personally seek to know God through prayer and Scripture study.

Pulpit features reflections from area religious leaders. To contribute, contact Life Section Editor Marissa Block at (507) 281-7427.

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