Saturday Morning Session
President Russell M. Nelson, “Welcome Message”
2 Nephi 27:21
21 Touch not the things which are sealed, for I will bring them forth in mine own due time; for I will show unto the children of men that I am able to do mine own work.
“I also understand better now what He meant when He said, ‘Behold, I will hasten my work in its time.’ Over and over again I have rejoiced as He has directed and executed the hastening of His work—even during a global pandemic.”
“The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of repentance. Because of the Savior’s Atonement, His gospel provides an invitation to keep changing, growing, and becoming more pure. It is a gospel of hope, of healing, and of progress. Thus, the gospel is a message of joy! Our spirits rejoice with every small step forward we take.”
“Part of the gathering of Israel, and a very important part, is the charge for us as a people to be worthy and willing to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.
“As we listen to the messages that have been carefully prepared by our leaders under the direction of the Holy Ghost, I invite you to pray to identify the debris you should remove from your life so you can become more worthy.”
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “God among Us”
“My mother and father shared little about this burden with us four children. They bore the strain and suffering as best they could. The fear must have been oppressive, consuming their hours and dampening their hope.
“This time of bleakness after World War II left its mark upon the world. It left its mark upon me.”
“As I pondered this question (‘Is there any hope left in the world?’), I thought about our young American missionaries who served among us during those years. They had left the safety of their homes half a world away and traveled to Germany—land of their recent enemies—to offer divine hope to our people. They came not to blame, lecture, or shame. They willingly gave of their young lives without thought of earthly gain, wanting only to help others find the joy and peace they had experienced.
“To me, these young men and women were perfect. I am sure they had flaws, but not to me. I will always think of them as being bigger than life—angels of light and glory, ministers of compassion, goodness, and truth.
“While the world was drowning in cynicism, bitterness, hatred, and fear, the example and teachings of these young people filled me with hope. The gospel message they offered transcended politics, history, grudges, grievances, and personal agendas. It gave divine answers to important questions we had during these difficult times.”
“Like a musician rehearsing scales, we can see our missteps, flaws, and sins as opportunities for greater self-awareness, deeper and more honest love for others, and refinement through repentance.”
“No mortal being advances from crawling to walking to running without frequent stumbles, bumps, and bruises. That is how we learn.”
“The Savior always teaches timeless truths. They apply to people of every age and in any circumstance.”
Doctrine and Covenants 59:5
5 Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.
“As we seek to follow Jesus Christ and walk the path of discipleship, line upon line, the day will come that we will experience that unimaginable gift of receiving a fulness of joy.”
Sister Joy D. Jones, “Essential Conversations”
“Have you ever wondered why we call Primary ‘Primary’? While the name refers to spiritual learning children receive in their earliest years, to me it is also a reminder of a powerful truth. To our Heavenly Father, children have never been secondary—they have always been ‘primary.’”
“He trusts us to value, respect, and protect them as children of God. That means we never harm them physically, verbally, or emotionally in any way, even when tensions and pressures run high.”
“There is a uniquely special time in children’s lives when they are protected from Satan’s influence.”
“We have the greatest opportunity with the young. The best time to teach is early, while children are still immune to the temptations of [the] mortal enemy, and long before the words of truth may be harder for them to hear in the noise of their personal struggles.” (Henry B. Eyring, “The Power of Teaching Doctrine,” Ensign, May 1999, 74; Liahona, July 1999, 87.)
“We cannot wait for conversion to simply happen to our children. Accidental conversion is not a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
“Consider the value of family conversations about the gospel of Jesus Christ, essential conversations, that can invite the Spirit. When we have such conversations with our children, we help them create a foundation, ‘which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if [they] build they cannot fall.’ When we strengthen a child, we strengthen the family.”
“Certainly the adversary is pleased when parents neglect to teach and train their children to have faith in Christ and be spiritually born again.”(D. Todd Christofferson, “Why Marriage, Why Family?,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 52.)
“...we can assist children in recognizing when they are feeling the Spirit and in discerning what actions cause the Spirit to leave.”
“May our simple yet essential conversations with our children help them to ‘enjoy the words of eternal life’ now.”
“...we can act it out and then talk it out as we ask children what they would do...”
“As they act it out and then talk it out, rather than being caught unprepared in a hostile peer group setting…”
“As I look back, there were times when my husband and I felt like drill instructors in our earnestness to help our children live the gospel of Jesus Christ. The prophet Jacob seemed to voice these same feelings when he said: ‘I am desirous for the welfare of your souls. Yea, mine anxiety is great for you; and ye yourselves know that it ever has been.’”
“Children deserve to understand this great truth: eternity is the wrong thing to be wrong about.”
Jan Eric Newman, Teaching in the Savior’s Way
“How can we teach more like the Savior and help others become more deeply converted?”
“First and foremost, take it upon yourself to learn all you can about the Master Teacher Himself.”
“I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight.”(Russell M. Nelson, “Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 113.)
“A parent’s responsibility is similar in many ways. Children inherit many things from their parents, but a testimony is not one of them. We can’t give our children a testimony any more than we can make a seed grow. But we can provide a nourishing environment, with good soil, free of thorns...”
“I invite leaders and teachers in every organization of the Church to counsel together with parents and youth in order to dramatically improve teaching at every level—in stakes, in wards, and in homes. This will be achieved by teaching the doctrine and inviting Spirit-filled discussion about the truths the Holy Ghost has taught us in the quiet moments of our personal study.”
Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Hearts Knit Together
“We are further taught that ‘power or influence … ought to be maintained … by gentleness and meekness, … by kindness, … without guile.’”
“‘When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:
“‘Stop it!’
“Did you hear that? Stop it! As you extend yourself with kindness, care, and compassion, even digitally, I promise that you will lift up arms that hang down and will heal hearts.”
“Occasionally I hear of members offending those of other faiths by overlooking them and leaving them out. This can occur especially in communities where our members are the majority. I have heard about narrow-minded parents who tell children that they cannot play with a particular child in the neighborhood simply because his or her family does not belong to our Church. This kind of behavior is not in keeping with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. I cannot comprehend why any member of our Church would allow these kinds of things to happen. … I have never heard the members of this Church urged to be anything but loving, kind, tolerant, and benevolent to our friends and neighbors of other faiths.” (M. Russell Ballard, “Doctrine of Inclusion,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 36–37; Liahona, Jan. 2002, 41.)
“When adversity and affliction are brought upon us by critical, negative, even mean-spirited acts, we can choose to hope in Christ. This hope comes from His invitation and promise to ‘be of good cheer, for I will lead you along’ and that He will consecrate your afflictions for your gain.”
Elder Garrett W Gong, Room in the Inn
“Dear brothers and sisters, although he passed away 20 years ago, there are times I miss my father. Easter promises I will see him again.”
President Henry B Eyring, I Love to See the Temple
“...live so that when the call comes, you can walk away easily.”
“President Russell M. Nelson made clear for us that we can ‘see’ the Savior in the temple in the sense that He becomes no longer unknown to us.”
“We understand Him. We comprehend His work and His glory. And we begin to feel the infinite impact of His matchless life.”
Saturday Afternoon Session
Elder Jeffrey R Holland, Not as the World Giveth
“In spite of frightful prophecies and unsettling scriptures declaring that peace will be taken from the earth generally, the prophets, including our own beloved Russell M. Nelson, have taught that it does not have to be taken from us individually!”
“To any who are tempted to walk or talk or behave in these ways—’as the world giveth,’ so to speak—don’t expect it to lead to peaceful experience; I promise you in the name of the Lord that it won’t. ‘Wickedness never was happiness,’ an ancient prophet once said. When the dance is over, the piper must always be paid, and most often it is in a currency of tears and regret.”
“How tragic and utterly disgusting a phenomenon is wife abuse...Any man in this Church who abuses his wife, who demeans her, who insults her, who exercises unrighteous dominion over her is unworthy to hold the priesthood. … [He] is unworthy to hold a temple recommend.”
Elder Jorge T. Becerra, Poor Little Ones
“...as we minister, we should be led by revelation to those who are most in need, as opposed to just going down a list or visiting individuals in a methodical way. We should be led by the power of inspiration.”
1 Corinthians 12:22–23
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
“When President Young awoke, he understood that while the Church would gather a variety of ‘sheep and goats,’ it was his responsibility to bring all in and allow each of them to realize their full potential as they took their places in the Church.”
Elder Dale G. Renlund, Infuriating Unfairness
“Some unfairness cannot be explained; inexplicable unfairness is infuriating. Unfairness comes from living with bodies that are imperfect, injured, or diseased. Mortal life is inherently unfair.”
“My heart aches for those who face such unfairness, but I declare with all my aching heart that Jesus Christ both understands unfairness and has the power to provide a remedy. Nothing compares to the unfairness He endured.”
“Jehovah asked, ‘For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?’ As unlikely as it is that a loving mother would forget her infant child, Jehovah declared that His devotion was even more steadfast.”
“He will use the unfairness for our benefit. When it comes to how and when, we need to recognize and accept, as did Alma, that ‘it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case.’
“We can try to hold our questions about how and when for later and focus on developing faith in Jesus Christ, that He has both the power to make everything right and yearns to do so. For us to insist on knowing how or when is unproductive…”
“As we develop faith in Jesus Christ, we should also strive to become like Him. We then approach others with compassion and try to alleviate unfairness where we find it; we can try to make things right within our sphere of influence. Indeed, the Savior directed that we ‘should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of [our] own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.’”
“Brothers and sisters, not throwing stones is the first step in treating others with compassion. The second step is to try to catch stones thrown by others.”
“Do not let unfairness harden you or corrode your faith in God. Instead, ask God for help. Increase your appreciation for and reliance on the Savior. Rather than becoming bitter, let Him help you become better. Allow Him to help you persevere, to let your afflictions be ‘swallowed up in the joy of Christ.’”
“All unfairness—especially infuriating unfairness—will be consecrated for your gain.”
Elder Neil L. Andersen, The Personal Journey of a Child of God
“Each person who comes to earth is a unique son or daughter of God. Our personal journey did not begin at birth. Before we were born, we were together in a world of preparation where we ‘received [our] first lessons in the world of spirits.’ Jehovah told Jeremiah, ‘Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee.’”
“What is happening to our appreciation of the sanctity of human life? Abortion is an evil, stark and real and repugnant, which is sweeping over the earth.”
“The unrealized dreams of life are difficult to understand if viewed only from the perspective of mortality. As the Lord’s servant, I promise you that as you are faithful to Jesus Christ and your covenants, you will receive compensating blessings in this life and your righteous desires in the eternal time line of the Lord. There can be happiness in the journey of mortality even when all of our righteous hopes are not realized.”
“I testify that your own personal journey as a child of God did not begin for you as the first flow of earth’s air came rushing into your lungs, and it will not end when you take your last breath of mortality.”
Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, Ye Shall Be Free
“I testify of Him who died, was buried, and rose again the third day and ascended into heaven so that you and I receive the blessings of immortality and exaltation. He is ‘the light, … the life, and the truth’ (Ether 4:12). He is the antidote and remedy to the confusion of the world. He is the standard of excellence for exaltation, even Jesus Christ.”
President M Russell Ballard, Hope in Christ
“Many of the most important deprivations of mortality will be set right in the Millennium, which is the time for fulfilling all that is incomplete in the great plan of happiness for all of our Father’s worthy children. We know that will be true of temple ordinances. I believe it will also be true of family relationships and experiences.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 75.)
“The personal growth one can achieve now while waiting upon the Lord and His promises is an invaluable, sacred element of His plan for each one of us.”
“Let us call upon our members who are single to serve, lift, and teach. Disregard old notions and ideas that have sometimes unintentionally contributed to their feelings of loneliness and that they do not belong or cannot serve.”
Priesthood Session
Elder Quentin L. Cook, Bishops—Shepherds over the Lord’s Flock
“The bishop should assign the day-to-day responsibility for sharing the gospel, strengthening new and returning members, ministering, and temple and family history work to the elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies. The bishop coordinates this work in the ward council and ward youth council.”
“The young men who are priests and the young women of the same age are at a very important stage in their lives and development. During a short period of time, they make decisions that have significant lifelong implications. They determine whether they will qualify for the temple, serve a mission, strive to be married in the temple, and prepare for their life’s work. These decisions, once made, have profound spiritual and practical implications for the remainder of their lives. Bishops, please know that a relatively short time spent with a young priest, young woman, or young adult can help them understand the power available to them through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It can provide a vision that will have a profound influence upon their entire life.”
Ahmad S. Corbitt, You Can Gather Israel!
“Knowing my true identity, helped by my patriarchal blessing, gave me the courage and faith to accept President Spencer W. Kimball’s invitation to gather Israel. It will be the same for you, dear friends. Knowing you overcame Satan by the word of your testimony before will help you love, share, and invite now and always—to invite others to come and see, come and help, and come and belong, as that same war for the souls of God’s children rages on.”
“What about the enormous power within you? Think of this: you shouted for joy to come to a fallen world where all would face physical and spiritual death. We would never be able to overcome either on our own. We would suffer from not only our own sins but others’ sins too.”
“Your great faith is like muscles that get stronger and bigger the more you exercise them…”
“My friends, intentionally envisioning or viewing things that conflict with who you really are, especially pornography, will weaken your faith in Christ and, without repentance, could destroy it.”
2 Nephi 26:8–9
8 But behold, the righteous that hearken unto the words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all persecution—behold, they are they which shall not perish.
9 But the Son of Righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace with him, until three generations shall have passed away, and many of the fourth generation shall have passed away in righteousness.
Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, This Is Our Time!
“He sent us here during this most decisive time in the world’s history. This is our time!”
“I don’t know about you, but when I read these two great commandments, I detect a third, implied commandment: to love thyself.”
“The more we recognize our divine worth, the better we understand this divine truth: that God has sent us right here, right now, at this momentous time in history, so that we can do the greatest possible good with the talents and gifts we have. This is our time!”
“So much rests on our shoulders, but it will be a glorious and successful experience. … The victory in this final contest has already been declared. The victory is already in the record books … , the scriptures!” (Elder Jeffrey R Holland, “Be Not Afraid, Only Believe” [address to Church Educational System religious educators, Feb. 6, 2015], broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
President Henry B Eyring, Bless in His Name
“The Lord had blessed my service given in His name. That day I had prayed for such a miracle to come instead of praying for how well I might do my part. I prayed that the people would feel the Lord’s love through my loving service. I have learned this is the key to serving and blessing others in His name.”
“It has happened many times as I have given a blessing to someone apparently near death, with family members surrounding the bed, hoping for a blessing of healing. Even if I have only a moment, I always pray to know what blessing the Lord has in store that I can give in His name. And I ask to know how He wants to bless that person and not what I or the people standing nearby want. My experience is that even when the blessing is not what the others desire for themselves or their loved ones, the Spirit touches hearts to experience acceptance and comfort rather than disappointment.”
“It takes effort to distinguish what the Lord wants from what you want and the other person may want.”
President Dallin H Oaks, What Has Our Savior Done for Us?
“I will speak of four of the principal features of that plan. In each of these, His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, is the central figure.”
“The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
“But the Resurrection gives us more than this assurance of immortality. It changes the way we view mortal life.”“The opportunity to be forgiven of our sins”
“The plan of salvation.”
“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
“Because He loves us, He challenges us to focus on Him instead of the things of this mortal world. In His great sermon on the bread of life, Jesus taught that we should not be among those who are most attracted to the things of the world—the things that sustain life on earth but give no nourishment toward eternal life.”“Finally, the Book of Mormon teaches that as part of His Atonement, Jesus Christ “suffer[ed] pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people” (Alma 7:11).”
“Why did our Savior suffer these mortal challenges “of every kind”? Alma explained, “And he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor [which means to give relief or aid to] his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:12).”
“All who suffer any kind of mortal infirmities should remember that our Savior experienced that kind of pain also, and that through His Atonement, He offers each of us the strength to bear it.”
President Russell M Nelson, What We Are Learning and Will Never Forget
“I hope you have found an increased ability to hear Him and receive personal revelation. Difficult trials often provide opportunities to grow that would not have come in any other way.”
Doctrine and Covenants 78:17–18
17 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
“I testify that He has been, and is, indeed leading us along, as we seek to hear Him. He wants us to grow and to learn, even through—perhaps especially through—adversity.
“Adversity is a great teacher. What have you learned in the past two years that you always want to remember? Your answers will be unique to you, but may I suggest four lessons I hope we have all learned and will never forget.”
“I suggest four lessons I hope we have all learned and will never forget.”
“Lesson 1: The Home Is the Center of Faith and Worship”
“...we all need our homes to be places of serenity and security.”
“Have you ever wondered why the Lord wants us to make our homes the center of gospel learning and gospel living? It is not just to prepare us for, and help us through, a pandemic. Present restrictions on gathering will eventually end. However, your commitment to make your home your primary sanctuary of faith should never end.”
“Lesson 2: We Need Each Other”
“Because of this, our common trial has the potential to help unite God’s children as never before.”
“If you know of anyone who is alone, reach out—even if you feel alone too! You do not need to have a reason or a message or business to transact. Just say hello and show your love.”
“Lesson 3: Your Priesthood Quorum Is Meant for More Than Just a Meeting”
“My brethren of the Aaronic Priesthood and elders quorums, expand your vision of why we have quorums. How does the Lord wish you would use your quorum to accomplish His work—now? Seek revelation from the Lord.”
“Lesson 4: We Hear Jesus Christ Better When We Are Still”
“In order to hear this still voice, you too must be still!”
Sunday Morning Session
Elder Ulisses Soares, Jesus Christ: The Caregiver of Our Soul
Isaiah 53:4–5
4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
“The gift of repentance is an expression of God’s kindness toward His children, and it is a demonstration of His incomparable power to help us overcome the sins we commit. It is also an evidence of the patience and long-suffering our loving Father has for our mortal weakness and frailties.”
“He understands all of the bitterness, agony, and physical pain as well as the emotional and spiritual challenges we face.”
“He personally experienced and took upon Himself in the flesh the pain of our weakness and infirmities.”
“I learned that on the very most grief-filled days, the loving arms of the Savior are always extended when we seek Him with all our heart, power, mind, and strength.”
Sister Reyna I. Aburto, The Grave Has No Victory
“Irrespective of age, we mourn for those loved and lost. Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. …
“Moreover, we can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Doors of Death,” Ensign, May 1992, 72.)
“Back then I did not yet know about God’s plan of salvation, and I had the desire to know where we come from, what the purpose of life is, and what happens to us after we die. Don’t we all have those yearnings when we lose a loved one or when we go through difficulties in our lives?”
“I had received a witness that my brother’s spirit is not dead; he is alive. He is still progressing in his eternal existence. I now know that ‘[my] brother shall rise again’”
“I testify that through the redeeming Atonement and glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ, broken hearts can be healed, anguish can become peace, and distress can become hope. He can embrace us in His arms of mercy, comforting, empowering, and healing each of us.”
Elder S. Mark Palmer, Our Sorrow Shall Be Turned into Joy
“We, like them, will be able to endure any hardship with faith in Jesus Christ. This faith also gives us hope for a time when our ‘sorrow shall be turned into joy.’”
“Many years later Dad told me that if not for Ann’s tragic death, he would never have been humble enough to accept the restored gospel.”
“How I look forward to the day I will meet my sister Ann. I look forward to a joyful reunion with my father, who died over 30 years ago. I testify of the joy to be found in living by faith, believing without seeing, but knowing by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus Christ lives.”
Elder Edward Dube, Pressing toward the Mark
“As I read the book of Acts and Paul’s epistles, I am amazed at how Paul was driven by love and gratitude in serving, teaching, and testifying of Jesus Christ. How can such a person serve with such love and gratitude, especially considering his great sufferings? What motivated Paul to serve?”
“Interestingly, Paul is exhorting us to press forward while calling us to forget that which is behind—our past fears, our past focus, our past failures, and our past sadness.”
“Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? … Will you allow His voice to take … precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?” (Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 94.)
Hebrews 12:1–2
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
“It is not so much about what we are going through in life but what we are becoming. There is joy in pressing toward the mark. I testify that He who overcame all will help us as we look up to Him.”
Elder José A. Teixeira, Remember Your Way Back Home
“First, We Can Remember That We Are Children of God”
“Second, We Can Remember the Foundation That Protects Us”
“Third, We Can Remember to Be Prayerful”
Doctrine and Covenants 19:38
38 Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.
“Fourth, We Can Remember to Serve Others”
“As we strive to follow Jesus Christ by serving and showing kindness to others, we make the world a better place.”
“Whatever you must leave behind to follow the path to your heavenly home will one day seem like no sacrifice at all.”
Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, God Loves His Children
9 And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.
“I would like to share three specific ways our Heavenly Father manifests His love for us, His children.”
“God’s universal and perfect love is shown in all the blessings of His gospel plan, including the fact that His choicest blessings are reserved for those who obey His laws.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Love and Law,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 26.)
“First, Relationships with God and Family Manifest His Love”
“Distractions can sometimes prevent us from experiencing God’s love in our family relationships and activities.”
“Second, He Manifests His Love to His Children by Calling Prophets
“Our current world is deluged in a ‘war of words and tumult of opinions’ (Joseph Smith—History 1:10). Paul reminds us that ‘there are … so many kinds of voices in the world’ (1 Corinthians 14:10). Which of all the voices rise clearly and meaningfully above the fray? It is the voice of God’s prophets, seers, and revelators.”
“Third, Chastening Can Be a Manifestation of God’s Love for His Children”
“Among other things, I shared the lessons that I had just been taught: one, I had just been chastened by the Holy Ghost, and I loved it because I was the only one who heard it; two, because of the Savior’s sacrifice and ransom, I will no longer refer to my challenges as trials and tribulations but as my learning experiences; and three, because of His perfect and sinless life, I will no longer refer to my shortcomings and lack of abilities as weaknesses but rather as my development opportunities. This experience helped me know that God chastens us because He loves us.”
Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, They Cannot Prevail; We Cannot Fall
conference: “During these perilous times of which the Apostle Paul prophesied, Satan is no longer even trying to hide his attacks on God’s plan. Emboldened evil abounds. Therefore, the only way to survive spiritually is to be determined to let God prevail in our lives, to learn to hear His voice, and to use our energy to help gather Israel.”(Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 95.)
“As we consider the prophet’s invitation to learn to hear God’s voice, are our hearts determined or hardened?”
Jacob 6:6
6 Yea, today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts; for why will ye die?
Doctrine and Covenants 6:34
34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
“Many of you have heard the Primary song ‘The Wise Man and the Foolish Man.’ If you have taken the time to compare the four verses in the song, you will find that verses 1 and 2 are very similar to verses 3 and 4. Both the wise man and the foolish man were building a house. They want to provide their family with a safe and comfortable home. They desire to live happily together forever as a family, just like you and me. The surrounding situation was the same: ‘The rains came down, and the floods came up.’ We sing it six times when we sing that song. The only difference is that the wise man built his house upon the rock and the house stood still, whereas the foolish man built his house upon the sand and his house washed away. Therefore, where our foundation is really matters, and this has a decisive effect on the outcome ultimately and eternally.”
Helaman 5:12
12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
“We may not be able to change all of what is coming, but we can choose how we prepare for what is coming.”
Doctrine and Covenants 21:5–6
5 For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.
6 For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.
Elder Michael John U. Teh, Our Personal Savior
“I am realizing that how intimately I know the Savior significantly influences my ability to hear Him as well as how I respond.”
“Do we only know about the Savior, or are we increasingly coming to know Him? How do we come to know the Lord?” (David A. Bednar, “If Ye Had Known Me,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 103.)
“As I studied and pondered, I came to the stark realization that what I know about the Savior greatly outweighed how much I really know Him.”
John 17:3
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
“The Atonement of Jesus Christ is infinite and eternal and all-encompassing in its breadth and depth but wholly personal and individual in its effects.”
Ether 12:41
41 And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen.
“if [we] proceed to learn all [we] can about Jesus Christ, … [our] ability to turn away from sin will increase. [Our] desire to keep the commandments will soar.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Prophets, Leadership, and Divine Law” (worldwide devotional for young adults, Jan. 8, 2017), broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
President Russell M. Nelson, Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains
“The atoning sacrifice and Resurrection of Jesus Christ changed each of our lives forever.”
“Thankfully, even a pandemic has not been able to slow the onward march of His truth. The gospel of Jesus Christ is exactly what is needed in this confused, contentious, and weary world.”
“Each of God’s children deserves the opportunity to hear and accept the healing, redeeming message of Jesus Christ. No other message is more vital to our happiness—now and forever.2 No other message is more filled with hope. No other message can eliminate contention in our society.”
Hebrews 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
“Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary, and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith. That takes work. Lazy learners and lax disciples will always struggle to muster even a particle of faith.”
“The Lord understands our mortal weakness. We all falter at times. But He also knows of our great potential. The mustard seed starts small but grows into a tree large enough for birds to nest in its branches. The mustard seed represents a small but growing faith.”
“The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power. But He does ask us to believe.”
“May I offer five suggestions to help you develop that faith and trust.”
“First, study.”
“Know the doctrine of Christ so that you understand its power for your life. Internalize the truth that the Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to you.”
“Moving your mountains may require a miracle. Learn about miracles. Miracles come according to your faith in the Lord. Central to that faith is trusting His will and timetable—how and when He will bless you with the miraculous help you desire. Only your unbelief will keep God from blessing you with miracles to move the mountains in your life.”
Second, choose to believe in Jesus Christ.
“Study with the desire to believe rather than with the hope that you can find a flaw in the fabric of a prophet’s life or a discrepancy in the scriptures.”
“Third, act in faith. What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.
“Fourth, partake of sacred ordinances worthily. Ordinances unlock the power of God for your life.12
“And fifth, ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help.”
“It takes faith to follow prophets rather than pundits and popular opinion.”
“It takes faith to plead for the life of a loved one and even more faith to accept a disappointing answer.”
“We saw vibrant faith at work among each of those islanders—faith sufficient to stop the rain and faith to persevere when the rain did not stop.”
“Faith always increases our access to godly power.”
“Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life. All things are possible to them that believe.”
Sunday Afternoon Session
President Dallin H. Oaks, Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution
“The United States Constitution is unique because God revealed that He ‘established’ it ‘for the rights and protection of all flesh’”
“it is wrong for citizens to have no voice in the selection of their rulers or the making of their laws.”
“Sovereign power in the people does not mean that mobs or other groups of people can intervene to intimidate or force government action. The Constitution established a constitutional democratic republic, where the people exercise their power through their elected representatives.”
“Significantly, the United States Constitution limits the national government to the exercise of powers granted expressly or by implication, and it reserves all other government powers ‘to the States respectively, or to the people.’”
“I see divine inspiration in the vital purpose of the entire Constitution. We are to be governed by law and not by individuals, and our loyalty is to the Constitution and its principles and processes, not to any office holder.”
“Such independent actions will sometimes require voters to support candidates or political parties or platforms whose other positions they cannot approve.”
Elder Ronald A. Rasband, “Behold! I Am a God of Miracles”
“the prophet Nephi condemned those who would ‘put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain.’”
Doctrine and Covenants 84:119
119 For I, the Lord, have put forth my hand to exert the powers of heaven; ye cannot see it now, yet a little while and ye shall see it, and know that I am, and that I will come and reign with my people.
Ether 12:12–15, 18
12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.
13 Behold, it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the prison to tumble to the earth.
14 Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost.
15 Behold, it was the faith of Ammon and his brethren which wrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites.
18 And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God.
Doctrine and Covenants 42:48
48 And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.
Elder Timothy J. Dyches, Light Cleaveth unto Light
“As we intensify our faith in Christ, we receive light in intensifying measure until it dispels all darkness that might gather around us.”
Doctrine and Covenants 50:24
24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
“Because ‘light cleaveth unto light,’ the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost will lead you to make choices that will tend to keep you in the light; conversely, choices made without the Holy Ghost’s influence will tend to lead you into shadows and darkness.”
“When light is present, darkness is vanquished and must depart. … When the spiritual light of the Holy Ghost is present, the darkness of Satan departs.” (Robert D. Hales, “Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light,” Ensign, May 2002, 70; Liahona, July 2002, 78.)
Elder D Todd Christofferson, Why the Covenant Path
“Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping these covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere.
“… The ordinances of the temple and the covenants you make there are key to strengthening your life, your marriage and family, and your ability to resist the attacks of the adversary. Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path.” (Russell M. Nelson, “As We Go Forward Together,” Ensign or Liahona, Apr. 2018, 7.)
“Following the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ day by day is the happiest and most satisfying course in life. For one thing, a person avoids a great many problems and regrets.”
“Too often our problems or challenges are self-inflicted, the result of poor choices, or, we could say, the result of “unforced errors.” When we are diligently pursuing the covenant path, we quite naturally avoid many “unforced errors.” We sidestep the various forms of addiction. We do not fall into the ditch of dishonest conduct. We cross over the abyss of immorality and infidelity. We bypass the people and things that, even if popular, would jeopardize our physical and spiritual well-being. We avoid the choices that harm or disadvantage others and instead acquire the habits of self-discipline and service.”
“With covenants, we are intent on more than just avoiding mistakes or being prudent in our decisions. We feel accountable to God for our choices and our lives.”
Jeremiah 31:33
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
3 Nephi 27:33
33 And it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these sayings he said unto his disciples: Enter ye in at the strait gate; for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many there be that travel therein, until the night cometh, wherein no man can work.
Matthew 7:14
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Elder Alan R. Walker, The Gospel Light of Truth and Love
“The ongoing Restoration has been marked by the building and dedication of temples at an augmented pace. As we gather on both sides of the veil, as we make sacrifices to serve and make the temple pivotal in our lives, the Lord is truly building us—He is building His covenant people.”
“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing … till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 142.)
Elder David A Bednar, “The Principles of My Gospel”
Doctrine and Covenants 42:12
12 And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:78
78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
Doctrine and Covenants 89:3–4
3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—
“The inspired instruction that follows [Doctrine and Covenants 89:3-4] provides enduring guidelines for both physical and spiritual well-being and testifies of specific blessings contingent upon our faithfulness to the principle.”
“the principle of non-distraction and indicated that a holder of the Aaronic Priesthood would never want anything in his appearance or behavior to distract any member of the Church from his or her worship and renewal of covenants.”
“How do we hallow the Sabbath day? In my much younger years, I studied the work of others who had compiled lists of things to do and things not to do on the Sabbath. It wasn’t until later that I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father. With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, ‘What sign do I want to give to God?’ That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Sabbath Is a Delight,” 130; emphasis added.)
“If you are married to a companion who has broken his or her covenants, your willingness to let God prevail in your life will allow your covenants with God to remain intact. The Savior will heal your broken heart. The heavens will open as you seek to know how to move forward. You do not need to wander or wonder.
“If you have sincere questions about the gospel or the Church, as you choose to let God prevail, you will be led to find and understand the absolute, eternal truths that will guide your life and help you stay firmly on the covenant path.
“When you are faced with temptation—even if the temptation comes when you are exhausted or feeling alone or misunderstood—imagine the courage you can muster as you choose to let God prevail in your life and as you plead with Him to strengthen you.
“When your greatest desire is to let God prevail, to be part of Israel, so many decisions become easier. So many issues become nonissues! You know how best to groom yourself. You know what to watch and read, where to spend your time, and with whom to associate. You know what you want to accomplish. You know the kind of person you really want to become.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” 94.)
President Russell M Nelson, COVID-19 and Temples
“Do all you can to bring COVID numbers down in your area so that your temple opportunities can increase.”
“As I announce our plans to construct 20 more temples, I ponder and praise pioneers—past and present—whose consecrated lives have helped to make this history today. A new temple will be built in each of the following locations: Oslo, Norway; Brussels, Belgium; Vienna, Austria; Kumasi, Ghana; Beira, Mozambique; Cape Town, South Africa; Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Cali, Colombia; Querétaro, Mexico; Torreón, Mexico; Helena, Montana; Casper, Wyoming; Grand Junction, Colorado; Farmington, New Mexico; Burley, Idaho; Eugene, Oregon; Elko, Nevada; Yorba Linda, California; and Smithfield, Utah.”
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