Divine Nature #1

Finally I'm getting started!

The first Value Experience for Divine Nature says:

What are some of the divine qualities of a daughter of God? Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (see page 101); 2 Peter 1; Alma 7:23–24; and Doctrine and Covenants 121:45. In your own words, list the divine qualities discussed in your reading. Think about how you can discover and develop each of these qualities. Record your ideas in your journal.

Peter includes the divine qualities of: Diligence, Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Temperance, Patience, Godliness, Brotherly Kindness, and Charity.

Alma adds the qualities of Humility, Submissiveness, Gentleness, Easy to be Entreated, Temperate, Long-Suffering, Hopefulness, Thankfulness, Humility, and Service.

And the Lord reminds us, through Joseph Smith in the Doctrine and Covenants, to have Charity, Faith, Virtuous Thoughts, and a Testimony.

The best way to discover and develop these qualities is to practice them. Thomas Edison once said "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." The Lord gives each of us opportunities to practice divine qualities in the form of trials and challenges. That's the way I've learned the ones I have so far.

To develop Thankfulness we only have to look around at all we've been given. Even in the midst of trials, there are so many blessings around us. The sunshine and the beautiful world He has given us, our families and friendships, the blessing of having access to the Atonement. The free country we live in and those who serve to protect and fight for that freedom all over the world.

To develop Knowledge requires study, both of a spiritual and a temporal nature. I learned that my studies were easier if I remembered to study my scriptures as well.

All in all the best way to acquire any of these attributes is to ask Heavenly Father for them, and then pay attention when He answers with opportunities.