Susan Barton, professor of mathematics, shared a special message on the love of God and the atonement of Jesus Christ in last week's devotional prior to Easter Sunday.
Barton began by sharing the story of when she was faced with the opportunity to teach at BYU-Hawaii. After intensive study, prayer and meditation she made her decision; nonetheless, she sought a priesthood blessing. In addition to receiving a confirmation of her decision, "the blessing turned out to be an incredible testimony building experience."
"The intensity of the spirit was almost overwhelming. I felt a tremendous sense of peace, and the feelings of joy defy description," she said. "Throughout the entire day, there were strong authentic feelings of love and goodwill for everyone I met, or even walked past… I was granted a minute glimpse into the magnitude of God’s love for each of us."
Barton went on to quote Elder John H. Groberg, who related a similar experience of when he "felt the Lord’s love more deeply than ever before and learned firsthand that His love 'is the most desirable above all things…yea, and the most joyous to the soul' (1 Nephi 11:22-23). God is anxious to help us feel His love wherever we are. Being filled with God’s love is the most joyous of all things and is worth the cost."
In light of the upcoming Easter Sunday, Barton taught that there is no greater manifestation of God's love than the atonement of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, it is the central event in the history of our world, and quoting Joseph Smith, "all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."
She also quoted extensively from a book by George Pace entitled Our Search to Know the Lord. From its pages she shared the following passage:
"Even though the Atonement was wrought nearly two thousands years ago…we can receive in our hearts a measure, and only as the Spirit can reveal it, of the tremendous pain, sorrow, and humiliation he suffered. We can, in other words, experience in part the majesty of the Atonement and make it the greatest event in our lives."
Barton explained how this testimony can be achieved by quoting President James E. Faust, who said, "The wonder of it is that all who conscientiously strive to keep the commandments and sustain their leaders can receive [a sure knowledge that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer]."
She then shared a sacred and deeply personal experience of a time when her testimony of the Savior was strengthened."Before that day I believed Jesus was the Savior of the world," she said of her experience. "However, I had not experienced the true broken-heart and contrite spirit spoken of in the scriptures. That day, Jesus became my Savior and Redeemer in a very personal way."
Barton concluded by challenge listeners to delve into the scriptures and meditate on the atonement of Christ, promising a heightened understanding of the atonement and the love of God. Read and listen to her complete talk.