Have you ever been tempted to wonder during frustrating, unfair, or difficult situations if God cares about you? Paul’s letter to the Saints in Rome, some of whom endured horrible trials, includes a comforting message for any who suffer. This lesson can help you feel hope and comfort through the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as you face trials and uncertainty.
What would you prescribe?
Think about what a doctor might suggest to help with the following conditions:
Stomach flu
Broken toe
Migraine headache
A cold
Answer the following questions:
What specific advice might be given for each of those conditions?
What general advice might help treat all of those conditions?
Of course, not all trials are physical in nature. Many people suffer through mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges. Our Savior knows how to help and strengthen each of us, regardless of what we are struggling with. While each person’s trials are unique, God has taught us eternal truths that can help and comfort us in any difficult situation. In your study journal, make a short list of trials that you or your loved ones would like help with.
What do you already know about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the plan of salvation that helps you with these trials? How has that knowledge helped you?
While your testimony does not minimize the reality, painfulness, or difficulty of trials that you and your loved ones experience, it can provide hope, comfort, and an eternal perspective during those trials.
Just a few years after Paul sent his epistle to the Romans, the Saints in Rome suffered horrific persecutions. Read Romans 8:18, 24–25, 28, 31–39, and mark each phrase that you believe could help or comfort someone, regardless of their specific tribulations.
1. Complete the following in your study journal:
Record a phrase from these verses that impressed you. Why did you choose that phrase?
Record how knowing the truths taught in that phrase can help you and your loved ones with some of your specific tribulations.
Consider memorizing the phrase you chose. You could also create a daily reminder of this phrase on an electronic device or write it down and place it where you will see it every day for the next several days.
The love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
One of the phrases you might have marked in these verses teaches the truth that “[nothing can] separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:39).
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want you to know that They love you. They show that love through both actions and words.
According to Romans 8:32, what did Heavenly Father do to show that He loves you?
Read the doctrinal mastery passage found in John 3:16, and notice what the Savior taught about Heavenly Father’s reason for sending His Son to earth. You may want to cross-reference or link this passage to Romans 8:32.
When have you felt the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in your life? How has Their love helped you through tribulations?
In your study journal, record what you have learned today about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that you want to remember. You might also consider writing a note and giving it to a family member or friend who may benefit from something you learned or felt today.
Optional: Want to Learn More?
What does it mean that the suffering we go through on earth is “not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us”? (Romans 8:18)
Sister Linda S. Reeves, former Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, taught:
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Official portrait of Linda S. Reeves, sustained at the April 2012 general conference as second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, October 2012. Released April 2017 General Conference.
I do not know why we have the many trials that we have, but it is my personal feeling that the reward is so great, so eternal and everlasting, so joyful and beyond our understanding that in that day of reward, we may feel to say to our merciful, loving Father, “Was that all that was required?” I believe that if we could daily remember and recognize the depth of that love our Heavenly Father and our Savior have for us, we would be willing to do anything to be back in Their presence again, surrounded by Their love eternally. What will it matter … what we suffered here if, in the end, those trials are the very things which qualify us for eternal life and exaltation in the kingdom of God with our Father and Savior?
How can our trials “work together for [our] good”? (Romans 8:28)
Elder James B. Martino of the Seventy said:
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Official Portrait of Elder James B. Martino. Photographed March 2017.
Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike. Our trials come in many forms, but each will allow us to become more like the Savior as we learn to recognize the good that comes from each experience. As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father’s love. We may never know in this life why we face what we do, but we can feel confident that we can grow from the experience.
What does it mean that nothing can “separate us from the love of God”? (Romans 8:39)
President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) said:
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Official portrait of President Thomas S. Monson, 2008.
Your Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there.
(Thomas S. Monson, “We Never Walk Alone,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 123–24)
Since God is so loving, will He save everyone regardless of their choices?
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught the following about the love of God:
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Portrait of Elder D. Todd Christofferson. Photographed in March 2020.
[God’s] love is described in scripture as “great and wonderful love,” “perfect love,” “redeeming love,” and “everlasting love.” These are better terms because the word unconditional can convey mistaken impressions about divine love, such as, God tolerates and excuses anything we do because His love is unconditional, or God makes no demands upon us because His love is unconditional, or all are saved in the heavenly kingdom of God because His love is unconditional. God’s love is infinite and it will endure forever, but what it means for each of us depends on how we respond to His love.
(D. Todd Christofferson, “Abide in My Love,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 48)