Becoming Whole: How Grace Completes Our Obedience
In Relief Society, we had a thoughtful discussion about obedience and grace. These two principles can feel paradoxical. If we are saved by grace , why must we be obedient ? And if obedience can never “earn” heaven—because none of us will ever be perfectly obedient—why not rely on grace alone? I believe the answer lies in understanding why God gives commandments and how grace actually works . 1. Commandments show us how to live joyfully and become like God. God does not give commandments as a test we must pass to earn heaven. He gives them because they describe the kind of life that leads to joy, peace, and spiritual growth now . “Men are, that they might have joy.” — 2 Nephi 2:25 Christ taught that obedience is an expression of love and alignment with Him: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained: “God does not need us to be obedient so He can love us. We need to be obedient so we can learn to love Hi...