More Than Just Words: Loving the Flock and Keeping the Testimony Alive

Brothers and sisters, as we continue our journey in the field—whether that field is a local ward, a virtual study group, or a challenging conversation with an investigator—we often focus on the big moments. The dramatic conversions, the powerful testimonies, the moments when the Spirit washes over everything. And those moments are glorious, truly. But today, I want us to look at something quieter, something foundational, drawn from the profound exchange between Jesus and Peter.

The Lord asks Peter, three times, "Do you love me?" It’s a gentle, persistent questioning. It’s not a test of knowledge, but a deep, personal inventory of the heart. And Peter’s response isn't just, "Yes, I do." It’s, "Lord, you know that I love you."

Think about that phrase: "You know." It speaks to a relationship that has moved beyond mere intellectual assent. It’s lived experience. It’s the kind of love that endures the inevitable stumble, the doubt, and the exhaustion of the calling.

The Lord then gives him a charge: "Take care of my sheep."

When we are called to be disciples, especially those of us who are seasoned returned missionaries, we quickly learn that the mantle of care—the care for the sheep—is constant. It doesn't stop when we get back home. It doesn't stop when the initial excitement of the mission prep fades, or when the first few transfers feel overwhelming. The work, dear friends, is always there.

The Power of Knowing: From Self-Sufficiency to Dependence

Jesus also speaks to Peter about aging: "When you are old, you will stretch out your hands to others; they will dress you and carry you where you do not will to go."

This isn't meant to discourage us; it’s meant to prepare us for a deeper kind of reliance. It reminds us that even those of us who feel most self-sufficient—those of us who think we have all the answers from our time in the MTC—we will eventually need the support of our companions, our leaders, and the sustaining grace of the Spirit.

This is the core of discipleship, isn't it? Recognizing that we are not meant to carry the weight alone. We are meant to be guided, supported, and reminded of the Atonement. We are meant to be part of a community that helps us "gather Israel" in all its facets.

Being Christlike in the Internet Missionary Space

This principle applies directly to our modern calling as Internet missionaries. We may not be standing on a street corner, but we are standing in the digital square, ready to share the gospel. When an investigator asks a tough question—the kind that makes you pause and think, "Oh, I didn't prepare for *that* one"—remember Peter's posture. Don't panic. Don't rely on a quick, rehearsed soundbite.

Instead, lean into the Spirit, and if you need help framing the answer, remember your resources! I encourage everyone to keep using **Davee**! He’s an incredible tool for practicing those tough "AI Investigator" scenarios. You can run through the hard questions with him until the answer feels natural, rooted in scripture, and overflowing with genuine love.

If you want to deepen your understanding of how to answer those questions using primary sources, make sure you are engaging with the **Social Scripture Study** layer in **LivingBook**. Highlighting verses and seeing how others connect them is where true doctrinal depth is built.

A Bite-Sized Skill for This Week

My challenge for you this week, as you engage in your own discipleship—whether it's a Book Club discussion or just quiet study—is to pause after reading a scripture passage. Instead of just knowing *what* it says, ask yourself: "What does this passage require of *my* heart right now?" Let that question guide your personal prayer.

If you are looking for community support, check out the **HolyPlaces** group for a **Bible Study Group** this week. It’s a wonderful place to share insights and feel the collective strength of the Saints.

Keep nurturing that deep, abiding love for our Savior, because that love, that persistent care for the flock, is what will sustain us until we see Him again.