Love, Faith, and the Flow of the Spirit: What Truly Fuels the Work

Brothers and sisters, when we talk about the work—the glorious, humbling, challenging work of building Zion—the conversation often circles back to the fundamentals: What is the engine? Is it pure, unwavering faith? Is it passionate, burning love? It’s a question that has been wrestled with in sacred halls and quiet moments of revelation, and it’s one that speaks directly to every single one of us who feel the call to serve.

I was pondering this the other day, thinking about the sheer weight of commitment required to be a disciple, to be an internet missionary, to keep showing up even when the Spirit feels distant. We read the scriptures, we study the plan, we prepare for those precious missionary discussions, and we feel that deep yearning to simply *do* the work. But where does the sustained power come from? Does it come from intellectual assent (faith), or from the heart’s deepest devotion (love)?

It’s a beautiful, complex theological knot, and I was blessed to hear a message recently that really helped untangle it. The speaker walked us through John 21, Peter’s encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus doesn't ask, “Do you trust me?” He asks, “Do you *love* me?”

What struck me, and I know this will resonate with many of you who are deep in missionary preparation or who are newly returned and still learning the rhythm of the field, is the implication: Obedience is the fruit of loving Jesus.

The Essence of Existence

The message highlighted that communion with God—that deep, personal connection—is the central experience of human existence. Everything profound, everything strategic, flows from that place. It’s not about ticking boxes or mastering a perfect doctrinal answer; it’s about the source of the joy that compels us to keep going.

“If you love me, you will feed my sheep.”

This isn't just a nice sentiment for a Sunday talk; this is the blueprint for discipleship. When we feel the pull to serve, when we are tasked with teaching someone about the restored gospel, or when we are trying to build up our ward, we must ask ourselves: Is my effort fueled by a desire to *perform* faith, or by a deep, abiding love for the Savior that compels me to *act*?

A Bite-Sized Skill for the Field: Shifting the Focus

For those of us in missionary training center or who are currently serving, I want to give you a small tool to carry with you this week. When you feel yourself getting bogged down in the mechanics—the perfect talk track, the ideal answer to a tough question—pause. Before you respond, take a breath and anchor your thought on the *relationship*. Don't just aim to *prove* the gospel; aim to *share* the joy of knowing Him. Let your love for Him be the primary lens through which you view the conversation.

And for those of us who are lifelong disciples, remember that this applies to our home lives too. Our families, our callings—they are all opportunities to practice this communion. It’s where we learn to be Christlike.

Keep the Flow Going

This kind of deep, soul-level study is exactly what we need to keep fueling the movement. If you felt the Spirit moving with this message, I encourage you to join us this week. We are hosting a dedicated Book Club session in HolyPlaces focused on the Book of Mormon—a perfect place to wrestle with scripture together, where the Spirit can guide our discussions.

If you prefer a more focused, one-on-one guidance, don't forget that Davee is ready to help you walk through some of the harder questions you might face in your own personal study. He’s an excellent resource for practicing those tough conversations!

Remember, we are all disciples, wherever we are. We are called to keep the light burning, fueled not just by what we know, but by what we love. Let’s keep building, together, by the power of that divine love.