Eating disorders? Suicide? Acceptance of temple work?

Question

 

Hi Gramps,

Can God help me overcome an eating disorder?

Thanks,

Elly

 

Answer

 

Dear Elly,

I am sorry you are struggling with an eating disorder.   Yes, Christ can help you.  His Atonement covers not just sins, but all the pains we experience in this life.  He understands what you are feeling, and why you feel that way.

However, as much as we would like it, the instances of instant healing like we see in the New Testament are rare.  It’s not that He couldn’t do that now, but that if He did, He would also take away the potential for growth.  Because of Christ’s Atonement, He can take any of the pain of this world, and help the person suffering not only heal but to be better than before.  However, this is a process that takes time.

Also, just as if you broke your leg, you would get a Priesthood blessing, and then go to the doctor.  The Lord expects us to do our part.  He will be there beside you all the way,  as you talk to doctors and therapists and the family and friends who love you dearly,

Gramps

 

 

Question

 

Gramps,

I have been thinking a lot about suicide. I am severely bipolar, and have conflicting thoughts about this on any given day. My question: does suicide undo living ordinances and does it send us to Outer Darkness,as I was taught in YM?

Michael

 

Answer

 

Dear Michael,

I’m so sorry that you find yourself thinking about suicide.  Please call the suicide hotline 800-273-8255.  They have people who can help.

I can’t answer your question because there is not ONE answer.  The Lord who loves us all, who loves YOU, will judge each of us individually.

What I can tell you is that you are loved.  I know this because even without knowing you and your family and friends, I know that Christ loves you.  He gave His life for you.  Because of His Atonement, He understands how you are feeling.  He wants you to live.  He wants to help you live.  Please turn to Him and to those you trust for help in holding on.    Get a Priesthood blessing.  Life is precious even when it seems unbearably painful, Michael.  Turn to the Lord, He can help you.  And also the people at the suicide hotline can help.  Give them a call.  They understand too.

Gramps

 

 

 

Question

 

Gramps,

For almost 2000 years Christians (of many denominations and sects) have been laying down their lives for the Lord and choosing death rather than life apart from their Lord. How is it that these people must accept Latter-Day Saint proxy baptisms and other “work” here on earth before they can receive the fullness of the salvation they so desired to the point of sacrificing their very lives? Isn’t that being very presumptuous to say they still don’t qualify?
Tim

 

Answer

 

Dear Tim,

I think you suffer from a fundamental misunderstanding.  We are not offering “Latter-day Saint proxy baptisms”  we are offering proxy baptism to bring them into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  That is not semantics.  We, like those Saints (Christians) of old, follow Christ and do what HE has asked us to do.  Because He loves them and appreciates their sacrifices, He wants them to have everything the Father has, including membership in HIS church, which may not have been available to them while they were in the flesh.   It is God’s plan, and I believe those early Christians are grateful to be part of the plan.  I’m also certain they are, at this time, very busy in the spirit world helping the work of God move forward, just as they did on earth,

Gramps