Saturday Morning Session
President Dallin H. Oaks, “Helping the Poor and Distressed”
Doctrine and Covenants 58:26–28
26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.
“We have also had fruitful collaborations with other organizations, including Muslim Aid, Water for People, and IsraAID, to name just a few. While each humanitarian organization has its own areas of specialization, we share the common goal of relieving suffering among God’s children. All of this is part of God’s work for His children.”
Doctrine and Covenants 93:2
2 And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;
John 1:9
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Moroni 7:13, 16, 18
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.
“Many unselfish children of God are involved in teaching efforts, also worldwide. A good example, known to us through our humanitarian efforts, is the activity of a man known as Mr. Gabriel, who has been a refugee from various conflicts on several occasions. He recently observed that hundreds of thousands of refugee children in East Africa needed help to keep their hopes alive and their minds active. He organized other teachers in the refugee population into what they called “tree schools,” where children were gathered for lessons under the shade of a tree. He did not wait for others to organize or direct but personally led efforts that have provided learning opportunities for thousands of primary school children during stressful years of displacement.”
“...more of us should be recognizing the good done by others and supporting it as we have the time and means to do so.”
Alma 1:30
30 And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.
Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf, “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth”
“My dear young friends, if the Savior were here right now, what would He say to you?
“I believe He would start by expressing His deep love for you. He might say it with words, but it would also flow so strongly—just from His presence—that it would be unmistakable, reaching deep into your heart, filling your whole soul!”
“I believe the Savior Jesus Christ would want you to see, feel, and know that He is your strength. That with His help, there are no limits to what you can accomplish. That your potential is limitless. He would want you to see yourself the way He sees you. And that is very different from the way the world sees you.
“The Savior would declare, in no uncertain terms, that you are a daughter or son of the Almighty God.”
“That is your destiny. That is your future. That is your choice!”
“At the heart of God’s plan for your happiness is your power to choose. Of course, your Heavenly Father wants you to choose eternal joy with Him, and He will help you to achieve it, but He would never force it upon you.”
“...here on earth, it seems more complicated than it ought to be.
“The problem is that we don’t always see things as clearly as we would like to. The Apostle Paul compared it to looking “through a glass, darkly.” There’s a lot of confusion in the world about what is right and wrong. Truth gets twisted to make evil seem good and good seem evil.
“But when you earnestly seek the truth—eternal, unchanging truth—your choices become much clearer.”
“It’s also important to know what For the Strength of Youth does not do. It doesn’t make decisions for you. It doesn’t give you a “yes” or “no” about every choice you might ever face. For the Strength of Youth focuses on the foundation for your choices. It focuses on values, principles, and doctrine instead of every specific behavior.”
“He is pleading with us to ‘increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation.’”
“When your greatest desire is to let God prevail [in your life], … many decisions become easier. … 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 … want to become.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 94.)
“My dear friends, let me repeat, if the Savior were standing here today, He would express His endless love for you, His complete confidence in you. He would tell you that you can do this. You can build a joyful, happy life because Jesus Christ is your strength. You can find confidence, peace, safety, happiness, and belonging now and eternally, because you will find all of it in Jesus Christ, in His gospel, and in His Church.”
Sister Tracy Y. Browning, “Seeing More of Jesus Christ in Our Lives”
“Friends, Jesus Christ is both the purpose of our focus and the intent of our destination.”
“Just as we are today, God’s ancient people were invited to see their lives through Him in order to see more of Him in their lives. But by the time of the Savior’s ministry, the Israelites had lost sight of Christ in their observances, setting Him aside and adding to the law unauthorized practices that had no instructive symbolism pointing to the true and only source of their salvation and redemption—Jesus Christ.”
“When we bring our offering to the Savior, we are being invited to see more of Jesus Christ in our lives, as we humbly submit our will to Him in recognition and understanding of His perfect submission to the will of the Father.”
“As an early follower of the gospel, I encountered many who observed and perceived changes in my behaviors, practices, and choices after I joined the Church. They were curious about the ‘whys’ of what they were seeing—why I chose to be baptized and join this congregation of believers, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; why I refrain from certain practices on the Sabbath; why I’m faithful in keeping the Word of Wisdom; why I read the Book of Mormon; why I believe in and incorporate the teachings of modern-day prophets and apostles into my life; why I attend weekly Church meetings; why I invite others to ‘come and see, come and help, … come and stay,’ and ‘come and belong.’”
“...our Savior, Jesus Christ, directs our feet to meetinghouses each week to partake of His sacrament, to the house of the Lord to make covenants with Him, to the scriptures and teachings of prophets to learn of His words. He directs our mouths to testify of Him, our hands to lift and serve as He would lift and serve, our eyes to see the world and each other as He does—“as they really are, and … as they really will be.” And as we allow Him to direct us in all things, we receive testimony that “all things denote there is a God,” because where we look for Him we will find Him—each and every day.”
Elder Dale G Renlund, “A Framework for Personal Revelation”
“...we receive personal revelation within a framework.”
“The scriptures form the first element of this framework for personal revelation.”
“When we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures.” (Robert D. Hales, “Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 26–27.)
“A second element of the framework is that we receive personal revelation only within our purview and not within the prerogative of others.”
“A third element of the framework is that personal revelation will be in harmony with the commandments of God and the covenants we have made with Him.”
“The fourth element of the framework is to recognize what God has already revealed to you personally, while being open to further revelation from Him.”
“If we have received personal revelation for our situation and the circumstances have not changed, God has already answered our question.”
“The elements of the framework for personal revelation are overlapping and mutually reinforcing. But within that framework, the Holy Ghost can and will reveal everything we need to soar onto and maintain momentum on the covenant path. Thus we can be blessed by the power of Jesus Christ to become what Heavenly Father wants us to be. I invite you to have the confidence to claim personal revelation for yourself, understanding what God has revealed, consistent with the scriptures and the commandments He has given through His appointed prophets and within your own purview and agency.”
Elder Rafael E. Pino, “Let Doing Good Be Our Normal”
“We all have customs and traditions that are personal, from our family, or from the community in which we live, and we hope to keep all those that align with the principles of the gospel. Edifying customs and traditions are fundamental to our efforts to stay on the covenant path, and those that are an obstacle, we ought to reject.”
“Today we often hear about ‘a new normal.’ If you really want to embrace a new normal, I invite you to turn your heart, mind, and soul increasingly to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Let that be your new normal” (President Russell M Nelson, “A New Normal,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 118).
“If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (Articles of Faith 1:13).
“If there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
“Note that [Phillipians 4:8] is an exhortation, not merely a commentary.”
“Among the marvelous habits that should be normal for members of the Church are these four:
Personal and family study of the scriptures.
Personal and family prayer.
Weekly sacrament meeting attendance.
Frequent participation in temple and family history work.”
Mosiah 5:15
15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.
“I love these words because we know that the things that become normal in our lives are those that we repeat again and again. If we are steadfast and immovable in doing good, our customs will be in accordance with the principles of the gospel and they will help us to stay on the covenant path.”
“Embrace your new normal by repenting daily. Seek to be increasingly pure in thought, word, and deed. Minister to others. Keep an eternal perspective. Magnify your callings. And whatever your challenges, my dear brothers and sisters, live each day so that you are more prepared to meet your Maker” (“A New Normal,” 118).
“I pray that our normality may allow us to experience that state of ‘never-ending happiness’ (Mosiah 2:41) that is promised to those who keep the commandments of God and that, while doing so, we may be able to say, ‘And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness’ (2 Nephi 5:27).”
Elder Hugo Montoya, “The Eternal Principle of Love”
“The eternal principle of love is manifested by living the two great commandments: love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.”
“We are willing to help each other because we love each other, and my brother’s needs become my needs, and mine become his.”
“We will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Ministering,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 100.)
“I think it’s because of what He means to us. We are His children, He oversees our welfare, we are dependent on Him, and His love protects us. His plan includes agency; therefore, we will likely make some mistakes.”
“Even when we do what is right, the circumstances in our life can change from good to bad, from happiness to sadness. God answers our prayers according to His infinite mercy and love and in His own time.”
“When circumstances change from good and positive to bad and negative, we can still be happy because happiness does not depend on the circumstances but on our attitude toward the circumstances.”
“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”(Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 82.)
…”we do not belong to this earthly home, but rather we are eternal beings living temporary experiences.”
Elder Ronald A Rasband, “This Day”
“My dear brothers and sisters, in the Book of Mormon the phrase “this day” is used repeatedly to call attention to counsel, promises, and teachings.”
2 Nephi 4:16
16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.
“There was much more to my reading than just marking scriptures. With each reading of the Book of Mormon, front to back, I was filled with a profound love for the Lord. I felt a deeply rooted witness of the truth of His teachings”
Doctrine and Covenants 1:23
23 That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.
“My dear friends, as an Apostle of the Lord, I invite you to follow our beloved prophet, President Nelson, in flooding the earth with the Book of Mormon.”
President Russel M Nelson, “What Is True?”
“Abuse constitutes the influence of the adversary. It is a grievous sin.”
“Let me be perfectly clear: any kind of abuse of women, children, or anyone is an abomination to the Lord.”
“For decades now, the Church has taken extensive measures to protect—in particular—children from abuse. There are many aids on the Church website. I invite you to study them. These guidelines are in place to protect the innocent. I urge each of us to be alert to anyone who might be in danger of being abused and to act promptly to protect them. The Savior will not tolerate abuse, and as His disciples, neither can we.”
“The adversary has other disturbing tactics. Among them are his efforts to blur the line between what is true and what is not true. The flood of information available at our fingertips, ironically, makes it increasingly difficult to determine what is true.”
Doctrine and Covenants 123:12
12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—
“Some would have us believe that truth is relative—that each person should determine for himself or herself what is true. Such a belief is but wishful thinking for those who mistakenly think they will not also be accountable to God.”
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embraces all truth that God conveys to His children, whether learned in a scientific laboratory or received by direct revelation from Him.”
“From this pulpit today and tomorrow, you will continue to hear truth. Please make notes of thoughts that catch your attention and those that come into your mind and stay in your heart. Prayerfully ask the Lord to confirm that what you have heard is true.”
Saturday Afternoon Session
President M Russell Ballard, “Follow Jesus Christ with Footsteps of Faith”
“Brothers and sisters, I testify that as we follow Jesus Christ with footsteps of faith, there is hope. There is hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is hope for all in this life. There is hope to overcome our mistakes, our sorrows, our struggles, and our trials and our troubles.”
“He can carry us today through difficult times. He did it for the early pioneers, and He will do it now for each one of us.”
“...the Lord has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission” (Russell M. Nelson, “Preaching the Gospel of Peace,” Liahona, May 2022, 6)
”...increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 96.)
“He is teaching us how to become more spiritually self-reliant.”
“in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” 96)
Sister Kristen M Yee, “Beauty for Ashes: The Healing Path of Forgiveness”
“It is usually easy to forgive one who sincerely and humbly seeks your forgiveness. But the Savior will grant you the ability to forgive anyone who has mistreated you in any way. Then their hurtful acts can no longer canker your soul.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Four Gifts That Jesus Christ Offers to You” (First Presidency’s Christmas devotional, Dec. 7, 2018), broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
“To give what you have been denied is a powerful part of divine healing possible through faith in Jesus Christ. To live in such a way that you give, as Isaiah has said, beauty for the ashes of your life is an act of faith that follows the supreme example of a Savior who suffered all that He might succor all.”
Elder Paul V Johnson, “Be Perfected in Him”
Moroni 10:32
32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
Matthew 11:28
28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Elder Uleses S Suarez, “In Partnership with the Lord”
“When she opened that little box and saw its contents, she lovingly looked at me and said, ‘Oh, my dear, you are wonderful! But let me ask you a question: Is this a gift or a debt?’ After counseling together about the surprise, we decided to cancel the purchase. We were living on a student budget, as is the case with many young newlyweds.
“love is not possession, but participation, … part of that co-creation which is our human calling.” (Madeleine L’Engle, The Irrational Season (1977), 48.)
“Brothers and sisters, the Savior set the perfect example of unity and harmony of purpose and doctrine with our Father in Heaven. He prayed in behalf of His disciples, saying, ‘That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: … that they may be one, even as we are one.’”
Elder James W McKonkie III, “And They Sought to See Jesus Who He Was”
Mark 2:11–12
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
“With that telling of Mark 2 in mind, several important truths become clear about Jesus as the Christ. First, when we try to help someone we love come unto Christ, we can do so with confidence that He has the capacity to lift the burden of sin and to forgive. Second, when we bring physical, emotional, or other illnesses to Christ, we can do so knowing He has the power to heal and comfort. Third, when we make effort like the four to bring others to Christ, we can do so with certainty that He sees our true intentions and will appropriately honor them.”
“I witness that Jesus lives, that He knows us, and that He has the power to heal, to transform, and to forgive.”
Elder Jorge F. Zeballos, “Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary”
“What made Jesus emerge triumphant from these most difficult moments was His spiritual preparation, which permitted Him to be in a condition to resist the temptations of the adversary.”
“The joy promised in the scriptures as the purpose of our existence should not be understood to mean that we will have no difficulties or sorrows, that we will have no ‘cracks’ as consequences of temptations, of adversity, or from the actual trials of our earth life.”
1 Nephi 1:1
Book of Mormon
1 I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.
Alma 26:27
27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.
Elder D Todd Christofferson, The Doctrine of Belonging
“A second facet of the doctrine of belonging has to do with our own contributions. Although we rarely think about it, much of our belonging comes from our service and the sacrifices we make for others and for the Lord. Excessive focus on our personal needs or our own comfort can frustrate that sense of belonging.”
“In discouraging moments, we may feel that we will never measure up to the Lord’s high standards or the expectations of others. We may unwittingly impose expectations on others—or even ourselves—that are not the Lord’s expectations. We may communicate in subtle ways that the worth of a soul is based on certain achievements or callings, but these are not the measure of our standing in the Lord’s eyes.”
“Belonging doesn’t happen when we wait for it”
“The Church is the custodian of the covenants of salvation and exaltation that God offers us through the ordinances of the holy priesthood. It is by keeping these covenants that we obtain the highest and deepest sense of belonging.”
“Once you and I have made a covenant with God, our relationship with Him becomes much closer than before our covenant. Now we are bound together. Because of our covenant with God, He will never tire in His efforts to help us, and we will never exhaust His merciful patience with us. Each of us has a special place in God’s heart. …
“… Jesus Christ is the guarantor of those covenants (see Hebrews 7:22; 8:6).” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Liahona, Oct. 2022, 6, 10.)
Saturday Evening Session
Bishop Gérald Caussé, Our Earthly Stewardship
“The work of creation is not an end in itself. It is an integral part of God’s plan for His children. Its purpose is to provide the setting in which men and women may be tested, exercise their agency, find joy, and learn and progress so that they may one day return to the presence of their Creator and inherit eternal life.”
“Similarly, our role as stewards of earthly creations is not solely about conserving or preserving them. The Lord expects us to work diligently, as moved upon by His Holy Spirit, to grow, enhance, and improve upon the resources He has entrusted to us—not for our benefit only but to bless others.”
Doctrine and Covenants 59:18
18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;
“the divine gift of the Creation does not come without duties and responsibilities.”
“As taught in the holy scriptures, our earthly stewardship includes the following principles:
“First principle: The entire earth, including all life thereon, belongs to God.”
“Second principle: As stewards of God’s creations, we have a duty to honor and care for them.”
“Our Heavenly Father allows us to use earthly resources according to our own free will. Yet our agency should not be interpreted as license to use or consume the riches of this world without wisdom or restraint.”
Doctrine and Covenants 59:20
20 And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion.
“As beneficiaries of the divine Creation, what shall we do? We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations.”(Russell M. Nelson, “The Creation,” Ensign, May 2000, 86; Liahona, July 2000, 104.)
“Our stewardship over God’s creations also includes, at its pinnacle, a sacred duty to love, respect, and care for all human beings with whom we share the earth.”
“My brothers and sisters, should we not be the gardeners for our fellow men and women? Are we not our brother’s keeper? Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves.”
“As disciples of Christ, we have a solemn duty to work tirelessly for peace and harmony among all nations of the earth.”
“Third principle: We are invited to participate in the work of creation.”
“We participate in the work of creation whenever we cultivate the earth or add our own constructions to this world—as long as we show respect for God’s creations.”
“God left the world unfinished for man to work his skill upon … that man might know the joys and glories of creation.”(Thomas S. Monson, “In Quest of the Abundant Life,” Ensign, Mar. 1988, 2; “In Search of an Abundant Life,” Tambuli, August 1988, 3.)
“There is no stewardship more sacred, more fulfilling, and also more demanding than that of partnering with our Creator in providing physical bodies for His spirit children and then helping them reach their divine potential.”
“At the end of this mortal existence, the Master will ask us to give an account for our sacred stewardship, including how we have cared for His creations.”
Sister Michelle D. Craig, “Wholehearted”
“Brothers and sisters, to be such men and women is the call of our day—disciples who dig deep to find the strength to keep pulling when called to walk through the wilderness, disciples with convictions that have been revealed to us by God, followers of Jesus who are joyful and wholehearted in our own personal journey of discipleship. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we believe and can grow in three important truths.”
“First, We Can Keep Our Covenants, Even When It Is Not Easy”
“Troubles are part of the plan and do not mean you’ve been abandoned; they are part of what it means to be His.”
“Living in convenience does not bring power. The power we need to withstand the heat of our day is the Lord’s power, and His power flows through our covenants with Him. To lean in with our faith when facing strong headwinds—to sincerely strive each day to do what we covenanted with the Savior we would do, even and especially when we are tired, worried, and wrestling with troubling questions and issues—is to gradually receive His light, His strength, His love, His Spirit, His peace.”
“Isn’t it interesting that we…can become so weighed down in sadness or hurt or discouragement or worry or loneliness or anger or frustration that it doesn’t even occur to us to simply do something,”
“Second, We Can Act in Faith”
“Third, We Can Be Wholehearted and Joyful in Our Devotion”
“Arm in arm with you, I want to stand with Him forever. Wholehearted. Knowing that when we love Jesus Christ with all our hearts, He gives us all in return.”
Elder Kevin W. Pearson, “Are You Still Willing?”
“implying our mere consent. It is a powerful reminder of the reality of the Savior’s infinite Atonement and the need to always remember Him and keep His commandments.”
“If our spiritual foundation is shallow or superficial, we might be inclined to base our willingness on a social cost-benefit analysis or a personal inconvenience index.”
“The great task of life [and the cost of discipleship] is to learn the will of the Lord and then to do it.” (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Great Commandment—Love the Lord,” Ensign, May 1988, 4.)
“The covenant path is not a simple checklist; it is a process of spiritual growth and deepening commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. The central purpose of every commandment, principle, covenant, and ordinance is to build faith and trust in Christ. Our determination to center our lives on Christ, therefore, must be consistent—not conditional, situational, or superficial. We cannot afford to take vacation days or personal time off from our willingness to ‘stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.’ Discipleship is not cheap, because the companionship of the Holy Ghost is priceless.”
2 Nephi 28:21
21 And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
Elder Denelson Silva, “Courage to Proclaim the Truth”
“For those of you who are married and at different stages of your life, you are very necessary in the work of the Lord. Prepare yourselves. Live healthy lives, seeking for temporal and spiritual self-reliance, because the opportunities to do what the Lord would do for His children are not limited to one age-group. The most delightful experiences my wife and I have had in recent years have come while serving alongside special couples, serving in special places, and serving very special people.”
“The experience I had at the end of my topography degree taught me that we always defend the truth when we proclaim it and that defending the truth is a proactive thing. The defense of the truth should never be done in an aggressive manner but rather with genuine interest to love, share, and invite the people we are testifying to about the truth, thinking only about the temporal and spiritual welfare of the children of a loving Heavenly Father.”
“The holy scriptures teach us, ‘Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come’ (Doctrine and Covenants 93:24).”
“The challenges of life can knock us down, but know that when we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, ‘[our] afflictions shall be but a small moment’ (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7) in the grand scope of eternity .”
Elder Neil L. Andersen, “Drawing Closer to the Savior”
“Jesus told them of the conditions that would precede His return and concluded by declaring, ‘When ye shall see all these things, [you will] know that [the time] is near.’”
“Each of us, wherever we are, knows that we live in increasingly perilous times. … Anyone with eyes to see the signs of the times and ears to hear the words of prophets knows that is true.” (Henry B. Eyring, “Steady in the Storms,” Liahona, May 2022, 27.)
Matthew 13:16
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
“It will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 96.)
“Shining as a light to those around us, we consciously shape our desires, thoughts, choices, and actions. Seeking with all our heart to know and love the Savior, we separate ourselves from the world through covenants with God, being distinct, uncommon, and special, as we honor Him and His teachings without isolating ourselves from others who believe differently.”
Sunday Morning Session
Elder Jeffrey R Holland, “Lifted Up upon the Cross”
“Years ago, following a graduate school discussion on American religious history, a fellow student asked me, ‘Why have the Latter-day Saints not adopted the cross that other Christians use as a symbol of their faith?’”
“...such questions about the cross are often a question about our commitment to Christ…”
“Then I read him what Nephi had written 600 years before Jesus’s birth: ‘And … the angel spake unto me … , saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, … [who] was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.’”
“As I attempt to explain why we generally do not use the iconography of the cross, I wish to make abundantly clear our deep respect and profound admiration for the faith-filled motives and devoted lives of those who do.”
“One reason we do not emphasize the cross as a symbol stems from our biblical roots. Because crucifixion was one of the Roman Empire’s most agonizing forms of execution, many early followers of Jesus chose not to highlight that brutal instrument of suffering. The meaning of Christ’s death was certainly central to their faith, but for some 300 years they typically sought to convey their gospel identity through other means.”
“By the fourth and fifth centuries, a cross was being introduced as a symbol of generalized Christianity, but ours is not a ‘generalized Christianity.’”
“Another reason for not using iconized crosses is our emphasis on the complete miracle of Christ’s mission—His glorious Resurrection as well as His sacrificial suffering and death.”
“A more public representation of Christ’s two-part triumph is our use of this small Thorvaldsen image of the resurrected Christ emerging in glory from the tomb with the wounds of His Crucifixion still evident.”
“The lives of our people must [be] … the symbol of our [faith].” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Symbol of Christ,” Ensign, May 1975, 92.)
Matthew 16:24
24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
“This speaks of the crosses we bear rather than the ones we wear.”
“A true Christian cannot follow the Master only in those matters with which he or she agrees. No. We follow Him everywhere, including, if necessary, into arenas filled with tears and trouble, where sometimes we may stand very much alone.”
2 Samuel 24:24
24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
Sister J. Anette Dennis, “His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light”
“How many wounded individuals do we have among us? How often do we judge others based on their outward appearance and actions, or lack of action, when, if we fully understood, we would instead react with compassion and a desire to help instead of adding to their burdens with our judgment?”
“We are commanded to love others, not to judge them. Let’s lay down that heavy burden; it isn’t ours to carry. Instead, we can pick up the Savior’s yoke of love and compassion.”
Matthew 11:28–30
28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
John 8:11
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
“When we confront life’s wind and rainstorms, sickness and injuries, the Lord—our Shepherd, our Caregiver—will nourish us with love and kindness. He will heal our hearts and restore our souls.” (Gary E. Stevenson, “Hearts Knit Together,” Liahona, May 2021, 23.)
“Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can’t see.” (“Lord, I Would Follow Thee,” Hymns, no. 220.)
“Any abuse or prejudice toward another because of nationality, race, sexual orientation, gender, educational degrees, culture, or other significant identifiers is offensive to our Maker! Such mistreatment causes us to live beneath our stature as His covenant sons and daughters!” (Russell M. Nelson, “Choices for Eternity” (worldwide devotional for young adults, May 15, 2022),)
“If friends and family … step away from the Church, continue to love them. It is not for you to judge another’s choice any more than you deserve to be criticized for staying faithful.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Choices for Eternity,” broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
Elder Gerrit W. Gong, “Happy and Forever”
“‘Happy and forever’ are not the imaginary stuff of fairy tales. True, enduring joy and eternity with those we love are the very essence of God’s plan of happiness. His lovingly prepared way can make our eternal journey happy and forever.”
1 Corinthians 15:22
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
“The holy scriptures and sacred experiences of personal healing and peace, including with those alive in the spirit world, underscore five doctrinal principles.
“First: Central in God’s plan of redemption and happiness, Jesus Christ, through His Atonement, promises to unite our spirit and body, ‘never again to be divided, that [we] might receive a fulness of joy.’”
“Second: Atonement—at-one-ment in Christ—comes as we exercise faith and bring forth fruits unto repentance. As in mortality, so in immortality.”
“Third: God knows and loves us perfectly.”
“Fourth: The Lord gives us divine opportunity to become more like Him as we offer proxy saving temple ordinances others need but cannot do for themselves.”
“We are less alone when we realize we are not alone. Our Savior always understands. With our Savior’s help, we can surrender our pride, our hurts, our sins to God. However we may feel as we begin, we become more whole as we trust Him to make our relationships whole.”
Elder Joseph W. Sitati, “Patterns of Discipleship”
Alma 30:44
44 But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.
“By submitting to baptism to fulfill all righteousness, even though He was righteous and holy, Jesus Christ demonstrated that humility before God is a foundational attribute of His disciples.
“All new disciples are required to demonstrate humility before God through the ordinance of baptism.”
“As we each individually grow in our knowledge and love of the Father and the Son, we grow in appreciation and love for one another. Our ability to love and serve others outside the home is greatly enhanced.”
President Steven J. Lund, “Lasting Discipleship”
“Experiences like FSY conferences, camps, sacrament meetings, and missions can help to burnish our testimonies, taking us through arcs of growth and spiritual discovery to places of relative peace. But what must we do to stay there and continue to “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ” (2 Nephi 31:20) rather than slipping backward? We must continue to do those things that brought us there in the first place, like praying often, drenching ourselves in scripture, and serving sincerely.”
“It is one thing to ‘hear Him’ (Joseph Smith—History 1:17) in a quiet place of contemplation with scriptures wide open. But it is quite another thing to carry our discipleship into this mortal flurry of distractions, where we must strive to ‘hear Him’ even through the blur of self-concern and faltering confidence.”
“I know that through trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and His covenant path, we can find spiritual confidence and peace as we nurture holy habits and righteous routines that can sustain and fuel the fires of our faith. May we each move ever closer to those warming fires and, come what may, remain.”
Elder David A Bednar, “Put On Thy Strength, O Zion”
“The intended meaning or message of a parable typically is not expressed explicitly. Rather, the story only conveys divine truth to a receiver in proportion to his or her faith in God, personal spiritual preparation, and willingness to learn. Thus, an individual must exercise moral agency and actively ‘ask, seek, and knock’ to discover the truths embedded in a parable.”
“An invitation from a king to his subjects to a wedding such as this was essentially considered a command. Yet, many of the bidden guests in this parable did not come.”
“The custom in those days was for the host of a wedding feast—in this parable, the king—to provide garments for the wedding guests. Such wedding garments were simple, nondescript robes that all attendees wore. In this way, rank and station were eliminated, and everyone at the feast could mingle as equals.”
“People invited from the highways to attend the wedding would not have had the time or means to procure appropriate attire in preparation for the event. Consequently, the king likely gave guests the garments from his own wardrobe. Everyone was given the opportunity to clothe themselves in garments of royalty.”
“That the unrobed guest was guilty of neglect, intentional disrespect, or some more grievous offense, is plain from the context. The king at first was graciously considerate, inquiring only as to how the man had entered without a wedding garment. Had the guest been able to explain his exceptional appearance, or had he any reasonable excuse to offer, he surely would have spoken; but we are told that he remained speechless. The king’s summons had been freely extended to all whom his servants had found; but each of them had to enter the royal palace by the door; and before reaching the banquet room, in which the king would appear in person, each would be properly attired; but the deficient one, by some means had entered by another way; and not having passed the attendant sentinels at the portal, he was an intruder.” (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 539–40.)
Matthew 22:14
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
JST Matt. 22:14 … For many are called, but few are chosen; wherefore all do not have on the wedding garment.
“The invitation to the wedding feast and the choice to partake in the feast are related but different. The invitation is to all men and women. An individual may even accept the invitation and sit down at the feast—yet not be chosen to partake because he or she does not have the appropriate wedding garment of converting faith in the Lord Jesus and His divine grace. Thus, we have both God’s call and our individual response to that call, and many may be called but few chosen.
“To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us. Rather, you and I ultimately can choose to be chosen through the righteous exercise of our moral agency.”
Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–35
34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
“In the busyness of our daily lives and in the commotion of the contemporary world in which we live, we may be distracted from the eternal things that matter the most by making pleasure, prosperity, popularity, and prominence our primary priorities. Our short-term preoccupation with ‘the things of this world’ and ‘the honors of men’ may lead us to forfeit our spiritual birthright for far less than a mess of pottage.”
Haggai 1:5
5 Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.
President Russell M. Nelson, “Overcome the World and Find Rest”
“I assure you that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, love you. They are intimately aware of your circumstances, your goodness, your needs, and your prayers for help. Again and again, I pray for you to feel Their love for you.”
“But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,”1 He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.”
“A young boy in the family picked up on the conversation. When the tour group entered an endowment room, the boy pointed to the altar, where people kneel to make covenants with God, and said, ‘Oh, that’s nice. Here is a place for people to rest on their temple journey.’
“I doubt that the boy knew just how profound his observation was. He likely had no idea about the direct connection between making a covenant with God in the temple and the Savior’s stunning promise:”
Matthew 11:28–30
28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
“Dear brothers and sisters, I grieve for those who leave the Church because they feel membership requires too much of them. They have not yet discovered that making and keeping covenants actually makes life easier! Each person who makes covenants in baptismal fonts and in temples—and keeps them—has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ. Please ponder that stunning truth!
“The reward for keeping covenants with God is heavenly power—power that strengthens us to withstand our trials, temptations, and heartaches better. This power eases our way. Those who live the higher laws of Jesus Christ have access to His higher power. Thus, covenant keepers are entitled to a special kind of rest that comes to them through their covenantal relationship with God.”
John 16:33
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
“Dear brothers and sisters, my message to you today is that because Jesus Christ overcame this fallen world, and because He atoned for each of us, you too can overcome this sin-saturated, self-centered, and often exhausting world.”
“You can overcome the spiritually and emotionally exhausting plagues of the world, including arrogance, pride, anger, immorality, hatred, greed, jealousy, and fear. Despite the distractions and distortions that swirl around us, you can find true rest—meaning relief and peace—even amid your most vexing problems.”
“What does it mean to overcome the world? It means overcoming the temptation to care more about the things of this world than the things of God. It means trusting the doctrine of Christ more than the philosophies of men.”
“Now, overcoming the world certainly does not mean becoming perfect in this life, nor does it mean that your problems will magically evaporate—because they won’t.”
“But overcoming the world does mean that your resistance to sin will increase.”
“Overcoming the world means growing to love God and His Beloved Son more than you love anyone or anything else.”
“Overcoming the world is not an event that happens in a day or two. It happens over a lifetime as we repeatedly embrace the doctrine of Christ.”
“But here is the grand truth: while the world insists that power, possessions, popularity, and pleasures of the flesh bring happiness, they do not!”
“The truth is that it is much more exhausting to seek happiness where you can never find it!”
“Please do not misunderstand me: I did not say that making covenants makes life easy. In fact, expect opposition, because the adversary does not want you to discover the power of Jesus Christ.”
“Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, … lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson (2014), 42–43.)
“As you make the continual strengthening of your testimony of Jesus Christ your highest priority, watch for miracles to happen in your life.”
“Each day, record the thoughts that come to you as you pray; then follow through diligently. Spend more time in the temple, and seek to understand how the temple teaches you to rise above this fallen world.”
“As I have stated before, the gathering of Israel is the most important work taking place on earth today. One crucial element of this gathering is preparing a people who are able, ready, and worthy to receive the Lord when He comes again, a people who have already chosen Jesus Christ over this fallen world, a people who rejoice in their agency to live the higher, holier laws of Jesus Christ.”
Sunday Afternoon Session
President Henry B. Eyring, “Legacy of Encouragement”
Moroni 7:38–39
38 For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made.
39 But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church.
“Mormon saw meekness as evidence of the strength of their faith.”
Elder Ryan K. Olsen, “The Answer Is Jesus”
“It is our individual and collective love of the Savior, and our covenants with Him, that bind us together.”
“To you I wish to say how much the Lord loves you and trusts you. And, even more, I wish to tell you how much He depends on you.”(Henry B. Eyring, “Hearts Bound Together,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 77.)
Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt, “That They Might Know Thee”
“A few years ago, I had a life-changing experience during a sacrament meeting in our home ward in Arizona. As the sacrament prayer indicated our willingness to ‘take upon [ourselves] the name of [Jesus Christ],’ the Holy Ghost reminded me that Jesus has many names. This question then came to my heart: ‘Which of Jesus’s names should I take upon myself this week?’”
“In our ministering, texting and technology should be used to enhance, not replace, personal contact.”
“As we are more consistent in living the gospel, we will become more like Jesus. Although the world will experience large swings in its pendulums of popularity as people are tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, consistent gospel living helps us to be steadfast and immovable during the storms of life.”
“Great spiritual strength comes from small and simple things like developing “holy habits and righteous routines” of daily prayer, repentance, scripture study, and service to others.”
“Fourth, Jesus is the Holy One of Israel. Jesus’s life was a pattern of holiness. As we follow Jesus, we can become a holy one in Israel.”
Elder Mark D Eddy, “The Virtue of the Word”
“the phrase “the word,” as used in scripture, has at least two meanings…one of the names of Jesus Christ is ‘The Word’ and…the teachings of the Savior, as recorded in the holy scriptures, also are ‘the word.’”
2 Nephi 33:10
10 And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
“We will come to discern that, as helpful as other sources may be in our study of the Savior and the words of His prophets, they must never become a replacement for them. We must drink deeply and often directly from the source.”
“I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 62–63.)
Elder Gary E Stevenson, “Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony”
“Key elements of your testimony, confirmed by the Holy Ghost, include:
“God is your Heavenly Father; you are His child. He loves you.
“Jesus Christ lives. He is the Son of the living God and your Savior and Redeemer.
“Joseph Smith is a prophet of God called to restore the Church of Jesus Christ.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God’s restored Church on the earth.
“The restored Church of Jesus Christ is led by a living prophet today.”
“You bear your testimony when you share spiritual feelings with others.”
“Another way you share your testimony is through righteous behavior. Your testimony in Jesus Christ isn’t just what you say—it’s who you are.”
“We testify when we love, share, and invite, even online. Your tweets, direct messages, and posts will take on a higher, holier purpose when you also use social media to show how the gospel of Jesus Christ shapes your life.”
Alma 34:8
8 And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
Elder Isaac K. Morrison, “We Can Do Hard Things through Him”
John 9:2–3
2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
“Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
John 16:33
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Elder Quentin L. Cook, “Be True to God and His Work”
“To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess this personal knowledge or witness will fall. If you have not got the testimony, live right and call upon the Lord and cease not [until] you [attain] it. If you do not you will not stand. … The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. … If you don’t have it you will not stand; therefore seek for the testimony of Jesus and cleave to it, that when the trying time comes you may not stumble and fall.”(In Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, 450.)
Alma 38:12
12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.
“Bridle is an interesting word. When we ride a horse, we use the bridle to guide it. A good synonym might be to direct, control, or restrain.”
“The proclamation on the family tells us those ‘who abuse spouse or offspring … will one day stand accountable before God.’”
“In our day one of the most significant challenges is contention and verbal abuse related to societal issues. In many cases anger and abusive language have replaced reason, discussion, and civility.”
“In addition to controlling anger and bridling other passions, we need to lead pure moral lives by controlling our thoughts, language, and actions.”
“President Nelson gave members profound counsel on repentance at the April 2019 general conference. He made it clear that daily repentance is integral to our lives. ‘Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind,’ he taught. ‘Daily repentance is the pathway to purity, and purity brings power.’”
“None can return to God by his or her own good works alone; we all need the benefit of the Savior’s sacrifice. All have sinned, and it is only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we can obtain mercy and live with God.”
President Russell M Nelson, “Focus on the Temple”
“Dear brothers and sisters, during these five magnificent sessions of general conference, we have once again experienced that the heavens are open! I pray that you have recorded your impressions and will follow through with them. Our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, stand ready to help you. I urge you to increase your efforts to seek Their help.”
“It is significant that the Savior chose to appear to the Nephites at the temple. It is His house. It is filled with His power. Let us never lose sight of what the Lord is doing for us now. He is making His temples more accessible. He is accelerating the pace at which we are building temples. He is increasing our ability to help gather Israel. He is also making it easier for each of us to become spiritually refined. I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can.
“We currently have 168 operating temples and 53 new temples under construction and another 54 in the preconstruction design phase! I am pleased to announce our plans to build a new temple in each of the following locations: Busan, Korea; Naga, Philippines; Santiago, Philippines; Eket, Nigeria; Chiclayo, Peru; Buenos Aires City Center, Argentina; Londrina, Brazil; Ribeirão Prêto, Brazil; Huehuetenango, Guatemala; Jacksonville, Florida; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Prosper, Texas; Lone Mountain, Nevada; and Tacoma, Washington.
“We are also planning to build multiple temples in selected large metropolitan areas where travel time to an existing temple is a major challenge. Therefore, I am pleased to announce four additional locations near Mexico City where new temples will be built in Cuernavaca, Pachuca, Toluca, and Tula.”
