An Act of Pure Will

A meaningful and thought provoking discussion I had with a dear friend of mine lately has been entertaining my thoughts for the past two days. Among the many things we talked about, we talked about the meaning of love, and most importantly Christlike love. My friend asked me what I thought the definition of love was. I did not know, so I asked him in return. He told me how one time he had been asked this question by a member of the Church much older than him, and he, like me, wasn't very sure. He said that the man said that love was "an act of pure will that expects nothing in return." After we had thought about this for a little bit, we were both taught a very simple yet profound truth about the Savior's atonement. The Savior's atonement was an act of pure will that expects nothing in return. Think about that. Pure will. Christ knew that his pain and his suffering was for the good of all mankind. Pure will. He submitted himself to the abusive treatment, pain, suffering, and harassing his atonement would bring to him. Yet he also knew the blessings we would receive as well.

While watching General Conference, I have set aside a page of notes to write down words or phrases that describe the Atonement to me, that are inspired or quoted directly from the General Authorities. They are:

Willingly
Voluntarily
Loving
Generosity
Redeeming
Liberating from sin
Mercy
Sacred
Inviting
Profound
Purifies
Passage back to our Heavenly Father
Hymns of rejoicing and praise
Blots out our sins
Manifestation of love
Suffering no more
Inviting to happiness

I have no doubt in my mind that tomorrow will bring another flood of words that describe this sacred act, and I encourage you to write down your thoughts about Christ's atonement the remainder of this General Conference.

Thank you, God, for loving me. Thank you for sacrificing your son so I may return. Thank you. I love you.