Why Do We Go to Church

Why do we go to church?
President Dallin H. Oaks shared that “attendance and activity in a church help us become better people and better influences in the lives of others. In church we are taught how to apply religious principles. We learn from one another. A persuasive example is more powerful than a sermon. We are strengthened by associating with others of like minds. In church attendance and participation, our hearts are, as the Bible says, ‘knit together in love’ [Colossians 2:2].” (General Conference Oct. 2021)
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[@elizat3892]

I strive to bring others closer to Christ by example ❤

[@HankHartley-md4du]

#lighttheworldeverysingleday

[@deegold6233]

When we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God.❤❤❤

[@starlingknight9499]

We all are his children young & elderly, we seek to see the Heavenly father and one day we all will have perfect wings ❤

[@monicaschreiner6406]

You never know who will be influenced by you when you attend your meeting or who will influence you .

[@haroldtakahashi8875]

💛...

[@luismiguelduarte6445]

❤️

[@robsin2810]

All well and good, if you can get there. Remember those who cannot get there due to ill health and age. For them, home is their church.

[@rachelsmith4736]

Hopefully your ward offers Zoom. Lifesaver for many. There’s always a way even if it looks differently than you expect. Talk to your Bishop, he can help find a way to get what you need.

[@eliassousa3256]

I Was wondering about my attendance at church... as I'm gay some of brothers make comments or even sermon about something that even Prophets can't understand fully. Sometimes I think church building as a toxic place because I feel not welcome. Sometimes I see fake smiles but I got some truly smiles so I can't decide if I'll go or not. If it's really worth to go to feel on the ground by "the pharisee".

[@jennamedlyn]

I'm sorry you haven't always felt welcome at church. If you walked into my church I hope you would feel more welcome because I want you to be there. Even if no one wants you there Heavenly Father does and his opinion is really the only one that matters

[@rangerredpaw]

I know how you feel… I’m lucky enough to be in a very supportive ward for the most part but there are still some awkward times when people say something offhandedly not knowing they’re talking about me and others. It’s even worse when I’m visiting another ward, especially in Utah. I prefer to go still though because I know that that is just the culture of the church, and that it’s not important, because I know that most importantly, God loves all of us and I’m there primarily for Him. I’m not saying that this is what you should do too, I just thought I’d share my thoughts in case it could help you decide. Remember, there are always those who love you, at the very least God, and they’re far more important than those who don’t.

[@bababbabababababbababeds]

your example teaches others to love their neighbor. your presence encourages others to learn and to love their LGBTQ+ neighbors in their wards and communities more. we are not perfect, by any means, but you do make a difference at church. the most important things, however, is that God does see you, He does love you, and He wants you to go. God bless you!❤

[@melodia8260]

A friend once told my brother in law, "if you're coming to church and expecting perfect people, maybe you shouldn't come". No one is perfect, so I go to church for myself. I don't need approval from anyone. I hope you go for you and not for anyone else also. You are loved by God and He loves them also (difficult to believe sometimes, but true). So ..I say go,love yourself, pray for the desire to forgive all the other imperfect people there.

[@FebbieG]

"Don't judge me because I sin differently than you." -Uchtdorf (quoting a bumper sticker) "In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see." Hymn #220 Lord, I Would Follow Thee Both of these quotes apply to both you and all your brothers and sisters at church (and everywhere else, tbh). Obviously, I don't know you and you don't know me. I'm sure I've given people fake smiles because I'm having a bad day, or feel socially anxious, or perhaps I was having a sinful moment and was unrighteously judging. You really can't know their mind or heart in the matter, just as they can't really know yours. But Christ can, and does. His opinion of you matters most. His opinion of them matters most. In my years on Earth, I've noticed that the most effective thing I can do when I'm struggling with anything, is to lay it all out in prayer. I tell him every thought on a matter that's bothering me, complaining about people, about myself, letting it *all out*. When I do that, He fills me up with what should be in my heart, and things get better.

[@damm1957]

I'm a family of one in the church. I feel alone as much now as before I came back to the church.

[@shantel4960]

❤