3 Ways You Can Gather Israel
By Rhonda Steed
There has been a strong theme running through Russell M Nelson’s messages over the course of his leadership as President of the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints. He has spoken on many occasions on the doctrine of the Gathering of Israel.
In the most recent conference he said: “Anytime we do anything that helps anyone — on either side of the veil — to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.”
Often people quickly jump to the amazing work in the temple; The joy of temple work and finding our ancestors. There is so much good to be done there and it is definitely something we need to give time and attention too. But I want to focus on gathering on this side of the veil.
There are two wonderful purposes in gathering with others: We can gather to strengthen and we can gather to Grow.
Gathering to Strengthen
When we gather together with those of our own faith, we can find strength together. In the October 2019 General Conference Stephen W. Owen, the General Young Men’s President said: “Never underestimate the strength that comes from gathering with others who are also trying to be strong.”
When we gather together to spend time with each other we strengthen our relationships, which strengthens our ward and our stakes.
The theme of gathering is often spoken about in the scriptures. One of my favorite scriptures about gathering is in Doctrine and Covenants 6:32. It says: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name.. Behold, there will I be in the midst of them.”
I have felt the power that comes when we are gathered together in the name of Jesus Christ. It is something that is unmistakable and so special.
“We need love and support from parents, other family members, friends and leaders who are also walking the path. These kinds of relationships take time. Time to be together. Time to laugh, play, learn and serve together. Time to appreciate each other’s interest and challenges. Time to be open and honest with each other as we strive to be better together. These relationships are one of the primary purposes of gathering as families, quorum, classes and congregations. They are the foundation for effective ministering.” – Douglas D Holmes
As we spend time together we have the opportunity to build these bonds with those we love and care about.
In Alma 59:3 it says: “And it came to pass that he immediately sent an epistle to Pahoran, designing that he should cause men to be gathered together to strengthen.”
The purpose of ministering is to strengthen.
Gathering to Grow
Neal A Maxwell advised: “None of us ever fully utilizes the people-opportunities allocated to us within our circles of friendship. You and I may call these intersecting ‘coincidence’. This word is understandable for mortals to use, but coincidence is not an appropriate word to describe the workings of an omniscient God. He does not do things by ‘coincidence’ but by divine design.”
Knowing everyone we come in contact with are also children of our Heavenly Parents should change how we interact with them. Adding then, the idea that all of our interactions with others are divinely designed should elevate them even more.
Elder Dale G Relund said: “President Nelson urged us to expand our circles of Love to embrace the whole human family.”
Now, more than ever before the world needs more love.
So, how do we expand our circles? We let people in! We can reach out to others outside our usual associations in both planned and spontaneous ways.
“To effectively serve others we must see them…through Heavenly Father’s eyes. Only then can we begin to comprehend the true worth of a soul. Only then can we sense the love that Heavenly Father has for all His children.” – Elder Dale G Relund
Here are three simple ways to begin gathering to strengthen and gathering to grow our circles.
Be Authentic
Showing up as yourself is essential in both gathering to strengthen and to grow. Insincerity will never work. People will come into your path specifically meant for you to reach. Heavenly Father will send them your way, if you are willing to do what He needs you to.
We have to let people actually into lives to see who we are. Even the imperfection. Because in those imperfections they can see where Jesus Christ plays a role in your life. You won’t be able to reach everyone, but everyone can reach someone.
There was an amazing story about Sister Majorie Pay Hinckley shared in January 2008 by Deseret News that teaches a great lesson about showing up as ourselves.
“Once one of their daughters saw her getting dressed in a pleated skirt and white cotton blouse for a reception. Her daughter protested, “The reception is in honor of Dad and you. He’s probably going to wear a tux. Every woman there will have on sequins and diamonds.” As she continued to dress, Sister Hinckley said, “I don’t have any sequins in my closet, but this skirt is black and the blouse does have a lace collar and, besides that, if we’re the guests of honor, whatever I wear will have to be right.”
When you are comfortably yourself and happy about it, others will be drawn to you because of it. You won’t be for everyone and that is okay. Heavenly Father will send the people you can reach your way, because He knows you both.
Prayerfully Find Your Strengths
One of the best ways to show up as yourself, is to be aware of who you are. To see your strengths and talents. Heavenly Father can use any skill you have to accomplish His purposes.
“Discover and develop spiritual gifts. Heavenly Father gave us these gifts to help us identify, perform and enjoy the work He has for us… While some spiritual gifts may not be prominent by the world’s standards, they are essential to God and His work.” – John C Pingree
For example, I love food. Cooking it, reading about it, sharing it. And for me, food is an easy way to gather others. I use food as a bridge to help form relationships and as an offering to invite others to come and be filled. For me using physical nourishment to gather others leads to opportunities to nourish them in other ways.
But I have a friend who revolts at the thought of having to do any planning surrounding food. It stresses her out because there are food issues in her extended family. Instead she loves to gather people for a movie or a playdate at the park or walks in the coulees.
Regardless of what your skills, talents and interests are, Heavenly Father can use it to reach others.
Be Intentional
Being intentional means prayerfully considering each day who to reach out to and how.
Sometimes when we realize who and how, it might be surprising to. It might not be people you expect it to be. You never know for sure who Heavenly Father will send you too.
I had the experience of being in a doctor’s office talking to the receptionist about the earrings I was wearing. The receptionist complimented me on my earrings. When I left I had the impression I should take the matching pair I had at home and go give them to her. So I turned around and dropped them off. She was very surprised and that simple act gave an added dimension to our relationship.
We celebrate Ukrainian Christmas each January. Though most people on our guest list are those we already have close relationships with, we intentionally chose some that we do not. That not only provides an opportunity for us to grow a new relationship but also for our usual guests.
Someone I know loves to invite new couples out to dinner with her and her husband as a way to get to know them.
Being intentional also means not procrastinating or not waiting for everything to be ideal. When you are intentional, you are determined and you make it happen.
In 3 Nephi there is an example of how Jesus Christ gathered the Nephite people. In chapter 8 there is great destruction and the people are very afraid. There were tempests, earthquakes, fires, whirlwinds and physical upheavals. Many people were destroyed. At the end of all of this scary destruction there is a great darkness that settles on the land.
Then in chapter 9 the voice of Jesus Christ teaches them and invites men to come to him and be saved.
Chapter 11 tells of the people gathering together around the temple in Bountiful. They were “marvelling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place.” (verse 3).
These people then have the experience of being gathered and having Jesus Christ appear to them. He invites each one of them to come to Him. “Thrust your hands into my side and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet.” (verse 15).
They have the ultimate personal experience with Jesus Christ, as they each learn for themselves of His reality and His Atonement.
As we try to gather others to strengthen or grow, our ultimate purpose should be to help others have a personal experience with Jesus Christ. That is how we each help gather Israel on this side of the veil.