The second lesson in the Joseph Smith manual for this year’s course of study is entitled “God, the Eternal Father.” We begin by looking at Joseph’s upbringing. His parents were deeply spiritual and the Bible was read regularly by everyone within the household. Joseph had knowledge of the basic character of God from his earliest years. He was accustomed to family prayers and to calling upon the name of God in thanksgiving and for mercy. When it came time for him to pray and to receive the First Vision, prayer was not unfamiliar to him.
Joseph Smith taught that God looks down upon us with a fatherly regard and affection. He is the great source of all good. He is perfect intelligence, the fountain of knowledge. He knows our hearts and our actions, and His love is infinite and unfathomable.
The great majority of mankind doesn’t even begin to understand the character of God. This knowledge comes to us only through inspiration, and if we are so caught up in day to day living that we don’t seek the inspiration we need, then we never will come to know God.
God Himself was once as we are. He met his challenges and His tests, and now sits exalted on a throne. He is a man, in form and in truth. We can talk to him as one man talks to another. He knows what we are going through because He went through it too.
God is a separate person from Jesus Christ, who is also a separate person from the Holy Ghost. They are three unique individuals, not combined into one. God has a body of flesh and bones. They are perfected flesh and bones, but He is not merely a spirit or a vapor. He has a body.
The Godhead is comprised of these three individuals, but they are unified in purpose and in duty. This is the way in which they are one. They function as one harmoniously, while remaining three separate persons.
The study questions ask, “How can we increase our children’s love for Heavenly Father?” That would be a wonderful topic for a family home evening.
Related Blogs:
How Do Mormons Perceive the Godhead?
A Personal Relationship with Heavenly Father