Chapter 58: Holy Friends

Elder Jonas Childers
Oct 25, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Feb 5, 2024

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

John 15:13

A truly wonderful week with some really neat experiences. We found out that both Elder Danielson and I will be staying in Dundee for another transfer, which is exciting! We had many opportunities to be reunited with old friends and spend time with people I really love. It is incredible to me to ponder on the way in which God blesses us with friendships: that we can become so united with others to the point where we would do anything for them, and they for us.

Such a thing is miraculous and precious.

This week we were able to take a trip up to Aberdeen to work for a day and a half on an exchange with Elder Haight, the solo Zone Leader just now. Ever since his companion left, Elder Danielson and I have been his assigned "virtual Zone Leader companions" and so this past week, we were able to go work with him.

It felt really special to be back in Aberdeen after four and a half months of being away. What a beautiful place. I was able to see Tilda, Hristiqna, Andrew, Emily, Stevie and some members in the ward who I've really missed. They are all doing so well, and I couldn't be happier knowing that the people I left here and doing well.

After the trip to Aberdeen, we then made our way down to Edinburgh for our exchange with the Assistants, Elder Klintworth and Elder Holbrook. What special men they are, and real good friends. It was refreshing to spend the day working with them; I was with Elder Klintworth and we were able to get quite a bit done. We taught some lessons, did some finding, and had a really insightful study.

I look up to him. He is a dedicated leader, always willing to do what's needful and sharp enough to know how to get it done. His instinct is to seek understanding, and help others do the same. From his words and example, I've learned a lot, and I'm grateful to be such close friends with him.

Needless to say, we had many laughs the four of us together and made some good memories. It reminded me that, really, the joys of life are so simple, and they come from real, genuine relationships with others.

When we are genuine with others, we open ourselves outward. We show we are confident in who we are because we understand God's love for us. We show sincere interest in others because we aren't worried about comparison or reactions. We simply be who we are, and allow others to do the same.

More importantly, however, is being genuine with God. How ironic is it that when one fails to do so, he/she is forgetting the fact that our Heavenly Parents already understand us perfectly. By trying to be something we are not, or pretending to feel/think things we do not feel/think in reality, we are attempting to deceive someone, however intentionally it may be, who already knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts. We simply lie, and close ourselves off from Him who yearns most to help us.

On the other hand, when we are genuine with God, when we strive to be open with Him about where we are at, where we want to be, and how we feel, we in turn open ourselves up to feel of his love and receive his counsel.

There is no other way.

I am grateful for my holy friends I've made here in the SIM. Without them, my life simply wouldn't be the way it is. Growth would be stifled. Confidence would wane. Skills would diminish. Trials would be much harder.

We aren't meant to go through life alone.

And, at the end of it all, we can always rely on our Friend, Jesus Christ. He truly seeks to help us find joy.

Life is good.

God is wise.

Don't give up.

Elder Childers