The Chase: Finding the Overwhelming Love of God in the Field

There are moments in the field—moments that feel less like scheduled missionary discussions and more like pure, unadulterated divine pursuit. You’re out there, maybe you’ve just finished a challenging teaching session, or perhaps you’re just walking with your companion after a service, and suddenly, it hits you. It’s that overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God.

It’s a feeling that doesn't just *tell* you the gospel; it *chases* you. It pulls you forward, demanding that you keep moving, keep sharing, keep testifying. It’s the feeling that makes you want to run right back to the Spirit, no matter how far you feel you’ve wandered.

As returned missionaries, we learn that the best lessons often come when we stop trying to *perform* the work and start letting the Spirit *direct* the work. It’s in those unexpected moments that the power of the gospel becomes undeniable.

The Spirit Doesn't Wait for Our Perfect Preparation

When we are in MTC, we are taught structure. We learn the manual, the key points, the best ways to answer the tough questions. And that preparation is vital—it’s the framework that keeps us steady. But the gospel, friends, is bigger than any training manual. The Spirit is wild, and it is glorious.

I was reminded of this recently. I was talking with a young investigator—a wonderful soul, really—and I felt myself getting bogged down in doctrine, reciting things I knew by heart. Then, I paused. I just stopped talking about *what* I knew and focused on *who* I knew—the Savior. And suddenly, the Spirit took over. It wasn't my eloquence; it was the weight of that divine love washing over the room. It was the 'chase' in action.

This is the core of being an internet missionary, isn't it? It’s not about having the perfect Instagram caption or the most polished talk. It’s about carrying that feeling—the knowledge that God’s love is relentless—into every corner of our lives. It’s about realizing that every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.

A Bite-Sized Skill: Listening for the "Why"

If I could give one piece of mission prep advice today, it would be this: When you feel the Spirit prompting you to speak, first, pause and ask yourself: "What is the *feeling* I want them to walk away with?" Don't just focus on the facts. Focus on the feeling of safety, the feeling of belonging, the feeling of being chased by infinite love.

If you want to dive deeper into how to translate that feeling into powerful testimony, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod. There are some incredible insights on building genuine, heartfelt testimonies that go beyond just reciting scripture. If you haven't, make a point to look through the LivingBook.

The Goal: To Be Christlike, Always

Ultimately, everything we do—whether we are in the field, in a Book Club, or just having dinner with neighbors—is preparation to be more like Christ. That reckless, overwhelming love is the pattern we are trying to emulate. It’s the love that doesn't give up.

If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to share it. Maybe you can start a Social Scripture Study thread in LivingBook about the Savior's love, or perhaps you can invite a friend to join a local Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Let’s keep the momentum going!

For those feeling the call to strengthen their own foundation, consider diving into the scriptures with a specific focus on the Atonement this week. Let's keep gathering Israel, one heart at a time.