The Unimaginable Scope of Love: Finding Our "How Great Thou Art" in the Field

There are moments, right in the middle of a missionary discussion, or perhaps while studying the Book of Mormon in a quiet corner of the temple, when you are simply stopped in your tracks. You look around—at the sheer complexity of the world, at the stars overhead, or maybe just at the faces of the investigators you love—and you are overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by the love.

It’s a feeling that defies poetry, scripture, or even the most eloquent testimony. It’s the feeling that makes you want to sing, that makes your very soul lift up a song of profound gratitude. It’s the feeling that reminds you, deep in your bones, of the central theme of our lives: the Atonement.

I was recently reflecting on a video featuring several missionaries singing "How Great Thou Art." Listening to their voices, hearing the lyrics—especially the lines about Christ bearing our sins on the cross—it hits you with such force. It’s not just a nice song; it’s a theological statement set to music. It’s a powerful reminder of what we are called to share.

The Scope of the Atonement: Bigger Than Stars

When we talk about the Savior, we are talking about something infinitely greater than anything we can comprehend. We talk about the lions, the stars, the rolling thunder—all magnificent things that point to a Creator. But the missionaries reminded us that the greatest display of that Creator's power, and love, was on the cross. It’s the ultimate mystery, and yet, it’s the most accessible truth we have.

As returned missionaries, we often find ourselves trying to articulate this immensity to investigators who are wrestling with big questions. Sometimes, the best tool isn't a perfect answer, but a shared moment of awe. It’s using the Spirit to guide you to a hymn, a scripture passage, or even a song that captures the feeling before you can fully explain the theology.

Keeping the Awe Alive: A Disciple's Skill

For those of us who are currently in mission prep, or who are serving in the field, how do we keep that sense of wonder alive? How do we prevent the sacred from becoming routine?

My little piece of mission-prep advice for you today is this: When you feel the conversation flagging, or when the weight of the gospel feels heavy, don't default to a doctrinal explanation. Instead, pivot to the *feeling*. Share a song, share a scripture that evokes emotion, or even just pause and let the Spirit fill the silence with gratitude for the plan of salvation. Let the music or the scripture do some of the heavy lifting for you.

This week, I encourage you to use the LivingBook to look up hymns or songs related to the Atonement. See if there are any scripture insights or related panels that deepen your understanding. And if you’re looking for deep dives into the covenants, I highly recommend revisiting some of the foundational teachings in the Preach My Gospel materials.

Remember, every member can be an Internet missionary. You don't need to be standing on a street corner to share the magnitude of what we’ve been given. You can do it in a comment section, in a thoughtful reply, or by simply sharing a hymn that touches your heart.

If you want to practice articulating these big feelings with someone who can help you structure your thoughts, please join us for our weekly Disciple Challenge this Saturday! It’s a great chance to practice those difficult conversations in a safe, encouraging environment.

Keep striving to be Christlike, my brothers and sisters. Keep letting the wonder of our Heavenly Father’s love fill your heart!