Area Leadership Message
God Is Our Heavenly Father, Who Knows and Loves Us
God is our Heavenly Father, and this truth enlightens everything we are and everything we can become. He knew us and loved us before we were born. He created us in His image, with divine potential, and watches over us with perfect concern. In a world where we may feel insignificant, it is comforting to know that we have a caring Heavenly Father who understands us perfectly.
The Lord revealed to the prophet Jeremiah, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee” (Jeremiah 1:5). These sacred words remind us that we are not a product of chance. We were known and loved by God long before we were born on this earth. He knows every aspect of our lives—every trial and every yearning. Jesus Christ Himself taught, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:30). Nothing in our lives is beyond His loving gaze. Our prayers, our tears, and our deepest hopes are heard by a kind Father.
God’s love for us is without condition or limitation. It does not depend on our successes or errors. His love is constant and eternal. It was that love that inspired Him to send us to earth with the opportunity to grow and return to Him.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reminds us: “God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him.”
His love was ultimately manifested through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Through this sacrifice, we can overcome our weaknesses and pains and return to His presence.
To know this truth is not sufficient; it must inspire a response within us. If we know that God knows us and loves us, then our hearts should be filled with gratitude and a sincere desire to draw closer to Him as we walk in the steps of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ taught, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). As we help others and spread love and compassion, we become instruments in His hands and draw closer to Him. God does not give us commandments to restrict us but to protect us and guide us to true happiness. Every step we take in obedience helps us feel more of His love and receive His blessings.
Sometimes we may turn away from the Lord—whether through neglect, distraction, or the trials of life. But it is never too late to return to Him. Let us remember that Heavenly Father does not define us by our weaknesses but by the greatness of what we can become with His help.
As we move forward in faith, it is essential to remember that the time we are given on this earth is precious. Each day is an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God, live according to His teachings, and prepare for what is to come.
President Russell M. Nelson gave us this solemn call: “Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority.”
May our response to this invitation be filled with faith and determination—placing God at the heart of our lives and moving boldly forward on the path that leads to Him.
Today is the perfect opportunity to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Let us welcome His love into our hearts and allow Him to transform our lives.
God is our loving Father. He knows us. He loves us. He watches over us, guides us, and waits with open arms.