Relief Society Presidency Message

Dear Sisters,

            I want you to think for just a moment what your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ means to you in your life. One thing that has persistently filled my thoughts since I received this calling is I need to learn about and teach about the Atonement. As I have studied and pondered on the Atonement, I have learned so much, but I know what I have learned and what I understand only scratches the surface.

           The Atonement covers everything that we will ever face; the good, the bad, and the ugly things in our lives. How that works, I don’t completely understand, but I know from experiences that it does. One key thing we have to remember is we have to allow the atonement to work in our lives. It is a gift freely offered, but our agency will never be taken away, Christ can’t force us to accept it.  
           The Atonement is also in every aspect of our lives and every doctrine of the Church.  For example, I loved Elder Hallstrom’s talk in Conference titled, “I Am A Child of God.” In this talk, he said, “A correct understanding of our heavenly heritage is essential to exaltation. It is foundational to comprehending the glorious plan of salvation and to nurturing faith in the Firstborn of the Father, Jesus the Christ, and in His merciful Atonement.” If we understand that we truly are a Child of God, then it helps us to understand the Atonement; why our Savior did what he did, as well as how to use this glorious gift. Another example comes from President Hunter. He says, “What does the Atonement have to do with missionary work? Any time we experience the blessings of the Atonement in our lives, we cannot help but have a concern for the welfare of [others].”
            The list could continue on. I challenge you to take a gospel principle and ask yourself, “How does the Atonement affect my understanding and commitment to this doctrine?” I am so thankful for a Savior who loved me so much that He willingly suffered and gave His life for me that I might have the Atonement in my life.

Sister Rayanne Cook