Unity doesn’t magically happen; it takes work. It’s messy, sometimes uncomfortable, and happens gradually when we clear away the bad as fast as the good can grow. We are never alone in our efforts to create unity…Jesus put it bluntly: “Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” But if we are one—then we are His...I have full spiritual confidence that, as we seek union of feeling, we will call down the power of God to make our efforts whole…May we...use our individual and collective efforts to increase unity in the world.
- Sharon Eubank, By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power with God
[T]he purpose of faith is not to change God’s will but to empower us to act on God’s will. Faith is trust—trust that God sees what we cannot and that He knows what we do not. Sometimes, trusting our own vision and judgment is not enough…Faith means that we trust not only in God’s wisdom but that we trust also in His love. It means trusting that God loves us perfectly, that everything He does—every blessing He gives and every blessing He, for a time, withholds—is for our eternal happiness.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Fourth Floor, Last Door
That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration comes more as a feeling than it does as a sound. Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind. The Holy Ghost communicates with our spirits through the mind more than through the physical senses. This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings through promptings and impressions...The Lord has many ways of pouring knowledge into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, to correct us, to warn us...You can know the things you need to know. Pray that you will learn to receive that inspiration and remain worthy to receive it.
- Boyd K. Packer, Prayer and Promptings
[W]here our foundation is really matters, and this has a decisive effect on the outcome ultimately and eternally. I hope and pray that we all will find and stay on the sure foundation as we establish our future life...That is the promise from God! If we build our foundation on Jesus Christ, we cannot fall! As we endure faithfully to the end, God will help us establish our lives upon His rock...We may not be able to change all of what is coming, but we can choose how we prepare for what is coming...Our entire lives should be filled with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, They Cannot Prevail; We Cannot Fall
Your body is your personal temple, created to house your eternal spirit. Your care of that temple is important. Now, I ask you, … are you more interested in dressing and grooming your body to appeal to the world than to please God? Your answer to this question sends a direct message to Him about your feelings regarding His transcendent gift to you.
- President Russell M. Nelson, We Can Do Better and Be Better
A consecrated life respects the incomparable gift of one’s physical body, a divine creation in the very image of God...Those who believe that our bodies are nothing more than the result of evolutionary chance will feel no accountability to God or anyone else for what they do with or to their body. We who have a witness of the broader reality of premortal, mortal, and postmortal eternity, however, must acknowledge that we have a duty to God with respect to this crowning achievement of His physical creation... As our body is the instrument of our spirit, it is vital that we care for it as best we can.
- D. Todd Christofferson, Reflections on a Consecrated Life
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… The problem is that we don’t always see things as clearly as we would like to...But when you earnestly seek the truth—eternal, unchanging truth—your choices become much clearer. Yes, you still have temptation and trials...But you can manage when you know who you are, why you are here, and when you trust God.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth
One of the keys is to understand that when women and men work together, we accomplish a great deal more than we do working separately. Our roles are complementary rather than competitive…Becoming more in tune with the divine pattern of working together in unity is critical in this day of “me first” messages that surround us...All are designed and needed to bring about Heavenly Father’s divine plan to give each of His children the best opportunity to fulfill his or her divine potential.
- Jean B. Bingham, United in Accomplishing God’s Work
When we take the sacrament, we…covenant to “always remember” Jesus Christ...As we partake of the sacrament, we witness to God that we will remember His Son always, not just during the brief sacrament ordinance. This means that we will constantly look to the Savior’s example and teachings to guide our thoughts, our choices, and our acts…The sacrament provides a time for a truly spiritual experience as we reflect upon the Savior’s redeeming and enabling power through His Atonement.
- Cheryl A. Esplin, The Sacrament—a Renewal for the Soul
In our life’s journey to return to and become more like our Father, we are not left alone. God has given us the necessary gifts to help us in our mortal experience. “Spiritual gifts are blessings or abilities given by God to His children.” These gifts help us navigate our lives toward eternal goals...Using the spiritual gifts we have been given is paramount in order to remain on the right course.
- José A. Teixeira, Gifts to Help Us Navigate Our Life
If individually we each “put on Christ,” then together we can hope to become one, as Paul said, “the body of Christ.”…We are different members of the body of Christ, fulfilling different functions at different times—the ear, the eye, the head, the hand, the feet—yet all of one body. Therefore, our goal is “that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.”
- D. Todd Christofferson, One in Christ
The Lord said that charity is “the pure love of Christ,” that which is “most joyous to the soul,” “the greatest of all the gifts of God,” “perfect” and “everlasting.”… All of our divine attributes seem to flow from and be encompassed by this one. All men may have the gift of love, but charity is bestowed only upon those who are true followers of Christ… We seek these attributes, especially charity, the pure love of Christ.
- Gene R. Cook, Charity: Perfect and Everlasting Love
[T]he children of God come together in the restored Church of Jesus Christ from different social backgrounds, traditions, and cultures, forming this wonderful community of Saints in Christ. Eventually, as we encourage, support, and love each other, we combine to form a mighty force for good in the world…The Lord has inspired His prophets to teach us how we can support and love each other so we can become united in faith and purpose in following Jesus Christ.
- Ulisses Soares, One in Christ
We celebrate this [Easter] morning His victory over death. We cherish our understanding and feel heartfelt appreciation for the Savior’s willing atoning sacrifice on our behalf. His acquiescence to the will of His Father won the supernal victory over death and is the transcendent event in the history of mankind...Christ fulfilled His sacred mission as Savior and Redeemer…we rejoice in all the Savior has done for us.
- Quentin L. Cook, We Follow Jesus Christ
Because we believe the Bible and Book of Mormon descriptions of the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we also accept the numerous scriptural teachings that a similar resurrection will come to all mortals who have ever lived upon this earth. As Jesus taught, “Because I live, ye shall live also”...Because each of us has an assured resurrection, we know that...mortal deficiencies and oppositions are only temporary.
- Dallin H. Oaks, What Has Our Savior Done for Us?
[E]very person who was ever born into this world will receive immortality regardless of his or her behavior in this life. Thus, resurrection and immortality are synonymous. They are not a reward—they are a gift—for we have rendered no service nor attained any accomplishment to warrant these as a reward...The scriptures teach us that there is promise beyond— ...The reward is exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God. Exaltation is the highest of three degrees of glory in the celestial kingdom.
- Royden G. Derrick, The Way to Perfection
Any work you do in the temple is time well spent, but receiving ordinances vicariously for one of your own ancestors will make the time in the temple more sacred, and even greater blessings will be received…Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- Richard G. Scott, The Joy of Redeeming the Dead
Resurrection is requisite for eternal perfection. Thanks to the atonement of Jesus Christ, our bodies, corruptible in mortality, will become incorruptible. Our physical frames, now subject to disease, death, and decay, will acquire immortal glory. Presently sustained by the blood of life and ever aging, our bodies will be sustained by spirit and become changeless and beyond the bounds of death.
- Russell M. Nelson, Perfection Pending
While we look at Paul’s service, we are inspired and uplifted by our own “Pauls” in our day, who also serve, teach, and testify with love and gratitude amidst the challenges they face in their lives and in the lives of their loved ones…While the challenges of mortality will come to all of us in one way or another, let us focus on the goal of our “press[ing] toward the mark,” which is “the prize of the high calling of God.”…It is not so much about what we are going through in life but what we are becoming.
- Edward Dube, Pressing toward the Mark
[A] sanctifying symmetry in repentance and forgiveness invites us each to offer others that which we ourselves need and desire. Sometimes our willingness to forgive someone else enables both them and us to believe we can repent and be forgiven. Sometimes a willingness to repent and an ability to forgive come at different times.…The Lord, who sees and understands perfectly, forgives whom He will; we (being imperfect) are to forgive all. As we come to our Savior, we focus less on ourselves. We judge less and forgive more.
- Gerrit W. Gong, Happy and Forever
What does it mean to be honest?...It is a commandment from God to be honest, and “complete honesty is necessary for our salvation.” …When we are tempted to be dishonest, and this temptation comes to all of us, we may suppose that no one will ever know….Heavenly Father always knows, and we are ultimately accountable to Him. This knowledge helps me continually strive to live up to this commitment: “[I] believe in being honest.”
- Ann M. Dibb, I Believe in Being Honest and True
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is truly the power that can change our lives and lead us to salvation. How can we build this faith? Through our actions…When we courageously exercise our faith and when we go forward relying on the merits of Christ, He will bless us and guide us in all of our efforts. He will strengthen us and bring us peace in the time of our trials. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
- David E. Sorenson, Faith is the Answer
The atoning power of Jesus Christ is essential because none of us can return to our heavenly home without help. In mortality, we invariably make mistakes and violate God’s laws. We become stained by sin and cannot be allowed back to live in God’s presence. We need the Savior’s atoning power so that we can be reconciled to Heavenly Father.
- Dale G. Renlund, The Priesthood and the Savior’s Atoning Power
[T]here is an important difference between the sorrow for sin that leads to repentance and the sorrow that leads to despair...Godly sorrow inspires change and hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Worldly sorrow pulls us down, extinguishes hope, and persuades us to give in to further temptation...True repentance is about transformation, not torture or torment.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, You Can Do It Now!
Even in our busy lives, we can follow the example of Jesus and see individuals—their needs, their faith, their struggle, and who they can become…Ask to see others as He does... Then act by loving, serving, and affirming their worth and potential as prompted...Christ will enable us to…see others as He does. With His help, we can discern what is most needful. We can begin to see the hand of the Lord working in and through the ordinary details of our lives.
- Michelle D. Craig, Eyes to See
Latter-day Saints, as with other followers of Jesus Christ, are always looking for ways to help, to lift, and to love others....When we love God with all our hearts, He turns our hearts to the well-being of others in a beautiful, virtuous cycle...our greatest joy comes as we help our brothers and sisters, no matter where we live in this wonderful world. Giving help to others—making a conscientious effort to care about others as much as or more than we care about ourselves—is our joy.
- President Russell M. Nelson, The Second Great Commandment
[A]re we making our discipleship too complicated? This beautiful gospel is so simple a child can grasp it, yet so profound and complex that it will take a lifetime—even an eternity—of study and discovery to fully understand it…we need to make a conscientious effort to devote our energy and time to the things that truly matter, while uplifting our fellowmen and building the kingdom of God...I pray that we will focus on “the simplicity that is in Christ” ...
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, It Works Wonderfully!
Tests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son....we...choose to wait upon the Lord, saying, “Thy will be done.”...We may not know when or how the Lord’s answers will be given, but in His time and His way, I testify, His answers will come. For some answers we may have to wait until the hereafter...Let us not give up on the Lord. His blessings are eternal, not temporary.
- Robert D. Hales, Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done
To keep our hope resilient as we face life’s trials, the Savior’s grace is ever ready and ever present. His grace is a “divine means of help or strength"...His grace and His loving eye are upon us throughout our entire journey as He inspires, lightens burdens, strengthens, delivers, protects, heals, and otherwise “succor[s] his people,” ...we need to continue getting up each time we fall, with a desire to keep growing and progressing despite our weaknesses.
- Lynn G. Robbins, Until Seventy Times Seven
[S]teadiness of direction requires three continuing actions: (1) the reaffirmation of the desired goal, (2) an assessment of current position, and (3) the initiation of needed course corrections…These actions are…in harmony with the Apostle Paul’s admonition, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith”… Are we conducting frequent “spiritual checkups” to assess our standing before God and to determine whether we are on the path leading to eternal life?
- Carlos E. Asay, Stay on the True Course
The Bible tells us how God made a covenant with Abraham and promised him that through him all “families” or “nations” of the earth would be blessed. What we call the Abrahamic covenant opens the door for God’s choicest blessings to all of His children everywhere. The Bible teaches that “if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise”. The Book of Mormon promises that all who receive and act upon the Lord’s invitation to “repent and believe in his Son” become “the covenant people of the Lord”.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, All Men Everywhere
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “we first pledge[d] our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ…by the ordinance of baptism.” Through this covenant, we promised to always remember Him, keep His commandments, and serve others...The name we were given at birth reflects our individual identity and gives us belonging within our earthly families. However, when we were “born again” at baptism, our understanding of who we are was enlarged...Thus, with covenant identity and belonging, we are called by the name of Jesus Christ.
-Lisa L. Harkness, Honoring His Name
Each choice you and I make is a test of our agency—whether we choose to be obedient or disobedient to the commandments of God is actually a choice between “liberty and eternal life” and “captivity and death.”...The world changes constantly and dramatically, but God, His commandments, and promised blessings do not change. They are immutable and unchanging. Men and women receive their agency as a gift from God, but their liberty and, in turn, their eternal happiness come from obedience to His laws.
- L. Tom Perry, Obedience to Law Is Liberty
The Apostle Paul taught that meekness is a fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, it can most easily be attained if we "live in the Spirit." And to live in the Spirit, our lifestyle must reflect righteousness before the Lord...."Christlike attributes are gifts from God. [These attributes] come as [we] use [our] agency righteously. …With a desire to please God, [we have to] recognize [our] weaknesses and be willing and anxious to improve."...Meekness was one of the most abundant attributes in the Savior’s life. He Himself taught His disciples, "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart."
- Ulisses Soares, Be Meek and Lowly of Heart
In the inspired pamphlet For the Strength of Youth, we read that freedom of choice is a God-given, eternal principle that carries with it moral responsibilities for the choices made. "While [we] are free to choose for [ourselves], [we] are not free to choose the consequences of [our] actions. When [we] make a choice, [we] will receive the consequences of that choice." …Each one of us will receive the consequences of our choices when this life is over. The commandments are clear, they are protective—they are not restrictive—and the wonderful blessings of obedience are numberless!
- Mervyn B. Arnold, What Have You Done with My Name?
Paul was not at all backward in indicating what he thought of those who didn’t teach the truth that had come to them through the Savior and his teachings. Now I realize...I will come under the condemnation that Paul spoke of if I am not preaching the same gospel that Paul preached; but I bear witness to you today that we have the only true, living church upon the face of the earth that the Lord recognizes that has divine authority to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel…There has never been a time, when God has had a work in the earth, that he has recognized without a prophet at its head.
- LeGrand Richards, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
[I]n a great premortal existence... we developed our identities and increased our spiritual capabilities by exercising our agency and making important choices. We developed our intelligence and learned to love the truth, and we prepared to come to earth to continue our progress.
- President Howard W. Hunter, The Golden Thread of Choice
Unity requires effort. It develops when we cultivate the love of God in our hearts... our love of God and our discipleship of Jesus Christ generate genuine concern for others…When love of Christ envelops our lives, we approach disagreements with meekness, patience, and kindness. We worry less about our own sensitivities and more about our neighbor’s.
- Dale G. Renlund, The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity
The Church is more than the buildings and the ecclesiastical structure; the Church is us, the members. We are The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with Christ at the head and the prophet as His mouthpiece... Sisters and brothers, let us realize how privileged we are to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ, where we can unite our faith, hearts, strengths, minds, and hands for Him to perform His mighty miracles. “For the body [of Christ’s Church] is not one member, but many.”
- Reyna I. Aburto, We Are The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The finest characteristic of any home is the image of Christ reflected in the home’s residents. What matters is the interior design of the souls of the inhabitants, not the structure itself. The attributes of Christ are acquired in the “process of time” by intentional progress along the covenant path. Christlike attributes adorn the lives of those who strive to live with goodness...The Savior is the perfect engineer, builder, and interior designer.
- L. Whitney Clayton, The Finest Homes
Just as Jesus used a child in His mortal ministry as an example for the people of the pure love they must and could have to be like Him, He has offered us the family as an example of an ideal setting in which we can learn how to love as He loves…here is my counsel to children. The Lord gave you a commandment with a promise: “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” It is the only one of the Ten Commandments with a promise.
- President Henry B. Eyring, Our Perfect Example
To maintain a firm stance for ourselves and help others stand firm, the message of the restored gospel must be firmly planted in our hearts and taught in our homes. In your own homes, give your children and loved ones the spiritual armor they will need as they leave you each day and venture away from the safe fortress of your home…The truths of the gospel and knowledge of the plan of salvation are weapons your family members can use for victory over Satan’s evil forces… Let us arm ourselves with faith and stand firm in our convictions.
- Virgina U. Jensen, Stand Firm
[T]he very first blessing coming from sacrifice is the joy that we can feel when we pay the price. Perhaps the very thought that the sacrifice itself could be a blessing becomes a blessing. When we have that kind of thought and feel the joy, we might have received a blessing already…do not be afraid of sacrifice. Please enjoy the happiness and blessings from the sacrifice itself.
- Won Yong Ko, Sacrifice Is a Joy and a Blessing
[T]he joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation…and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy… As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase.
- President Russell M. Nelson, Joy and Spiritual Survival
[I]ntegrity means always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more importantly, in our thoughts and in our hearts. When virtue garnishes our thoughts unceasingly, our confidence is strong in the presence of God. When we are doing what is right, we will not feel timid and hesitant about seeking divine direction.
- President Howard W. Hunter, Personal Integrity
In January [2016], Church leaders participated in a Face to Face broadcast with youth and their leaders and parents from around the world…At that broadcast, I said to the youth: “The leaders of this Church are no strangers to your issues, to your concerns, and to your challenges. We have children. We have grandchildren. We are often meeting with youth all over the world. And we’re praying for you, we’re talking about you in the most sacred places, and we love you.”
- Ronald A. Rasband, Standing with the Leaders of the Church
We realize that as evil increases in the world, our spiritual survival, and the spiritual survival of those we love, will require that we more fully nurture, fortify, and strengthen the roots of our faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul counseled us to be rooted, grounded, and settled in our love for the Savior and our determination to follow Him. Today and the days ahead require more focused and concentrated effort, guarding against diversions and carelessness.
- Neil L. Andersen, Drawing Closer to the Savior
Covenant keeping leads us to seek after whatever invites the influence of the Spirit and reject whatever drives it away...This may mean that we have to change our vocabulary, using kinder words. It could mean replacing spiritually unhealthy habits with new habits that strengthen our relationship with the Lord
…the change that Jesus Christ brings is “a mighty change.” He changes our very natures; we become “new creatures.” We gradually become more like the Savior, filled with His pure love for all of God’s children.
- Milton Camargo, Focus on Jesus Christ
No matter how insignificant our efforts may seem, we must never underestimate the Savior’s power. A simple word of kindness, a brief but sincere ministering visit, or a Primary lesson lovingly taught can, with the Savior’s help, provide comfort, soften hearts, and change eternal lives...Regardless of how insignificant our efforts may seem, if we are sincere, the Savior will use us to accomplish His work. If we simply do the best we can and trust Him to make up the difference, we can become part of the miracles that surround us.
- Vern P. Stanfill, The Imperfect Harvest
Truly loving Christ provides the required strength to follow Him....The Savior’s question to Peter can also be asked of us: “Lovest thou me?” followed by the call to action: “Follow me....The way we treat others reflects to what extent we follow our Savior in loving one another. We show our love for Him when we stop to assist others, when we are “perfectly honest and upright in all things,” and when we make and keep covenants…Moroni pointed out that “the shedding of the blood of Christ…is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.”
- Walter F. Gonzalez, Followers of Christ
[T]he Lord’s way to help those in temporal need requires people who out of love have consecrated themselves and what they have to God and to His work. He has invited and commanded us to participate in His work to lift up those in need…all people are happier and feel more self-respect when they can provide for themselves and their family and then reach out to take care of others… When we join hands to serve people in need, the Lord unites our hearts.
- President Henry B. Eyring, Opportunities to Do Good
What if the day of His coming were tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow—through our premature death or through His unexpected coming—what would we do today? ...We need to make both temporal and spiritual preparation for the events prophesied at the time of the Second Coming…We are surrounded by challenges on all sides. But with faith in God, we trust the blessings He has promised those who keep His commandments. We have faith in the future, and we are preparing for that future.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, Preparation for the Second Coming
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...As harsh and hateful criticism is increasingly leveled at the Savior’s Church and those who follow Him, our discipleship will require a greater willingness to straighten and strengthen our spiritual spines and heed them not…If our spiritual foundation is built solidly on Jesus Christ, we will not fall and we need not fear.
- Kevin W. Pearson, Are You Still Willing?
Following the Savior’s death and those of His Apostles, doctrines and ordinances were changed, and apostasy set in again. This time spiritual darkness lasted for hundreds of years before rays of light would once more penetrate the earth. The Apostle Peter knew of this Apostasy and prophesied following the Savior’s Ascension that the Lord would not return for His Second Coming until there was a “restitution of all things”. The Apostle Paul also prophesied of a time when the members would “not endure sound doctrine” and that a “falling away” would precede the Second Coming of Christ.
- Merrill J. Batemen, A Pattern for All
Ours is the opportunity to “be…an example of the believers”, and the Savior has promised that “all things are possible to him that believeth”. So believe in yourselves. Believe that you are never alone. Believe that you will always be guided...Your righteous example as one of the believers will make a difference in the world, so “be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work”… As you strive to be an example of the believers, you may feel that you are standing alone...But you are not alone. There are thousands…like you all over the world who are striving to be an example of the believers.
- Elaine S. Dalton, Believe!
Out of necessity, most of us are involved in earning money and acquiring some of the world’s goods to be able to sustain our families. It requires a good part of our time and attention. There is no end to what the world has to offer, so it is critical that we learn to recognize when we have enough. If we are not careful, we will begin to chase after the temporal more than the spiritual. Our pursuit for the spiritual and eternal will then take a backseat, instead of the other way around. Sadly, there appears to be a strong inclination to acquire more and more and to own the latest and the most sophisticated.
- Michael John U. Teh, Where Your Treasure Is
We should listen intently to the prophet as we make choices…Over and over again he has told us that if we would live a principle, we would gain a testimony of the truthfulness of that principle, which would in turn increase our faith… As we follow this counsel, our faith [will] increase and our fears decrease…When we choose to follow Christ in faith rather than choosing another path out of fear, we are blessed with a consequence that is consistent with our choice..May we choose to have conviction at the crossroads of life and exercise faith in Jesus Christ. My prayer is that we will live by faith and not by fear.
- Quentin L. Cook, Live by Faith and Not by Fear
When adversity comes, don’t let something you don’t fully understand unravel everything you do know. Be patient, cling to truth; understanding will come…To heed is to give careful attention. Heeding those who do not believe in Christ will not help you find Him…Only the Savior has “the words of eternal life.”...If you lose the Spirit, you are lost. Don’t be distracted and deceived. True disciples continue to awaken unto God each day in meaningful personal prayer, earnest scripture study, personal obedience, and selfless service.
- Kevin W. Pearson, Stay by the Tree
Bishops, you stand as watchmen on the tower of the wards over which you preside...You must see that their love for the Lord strengthens and manifests itself in greater love for one another…The sound of your trumpet must be certain and unequivocal. In your ward you stand as the head of the army of the Lord, leading them on to victory in the conquest against sin, indifference, and apostasy...Though your days be long and wearisome, may your rest be sweet and in your hearts may you know that peace which comes alone from God to those who serve Him.
- President Gordon B. Hinckley, The Shepherds of Israel
As disciples of Christ, we are invited to increase our faith in, and love for, our spiritual brother- and sisterhood by genuinely knitting our hearts together in unity and love, regardless of our differences, thereby increasing our ability to promote respect for the dignity of all the sons and daughters of God…During His earthly ministry, Jesus so perfectly exemplified this principle as He “went about doing good” unto all people, inviting them to come unto Him and partake of His goodness...He denied none but treated them with equity and love, for He saw them as His brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of the same Father.
- Ulisses Soares, Brothers and Sisters in Christ
[H]ow can each of us experience the power of understanding our divine identity? It begins by seeking to know God, our Father...Learning of and following the Savior helps us come to know the Father. “Being … the express image of his [Father],” Jesus taught, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do.” Christ’s every word and deed reveals the true nature of God and our relationship to Him.
- Brian K. Taylor, Am I a Child of God?
One evening after work, years ago, I boarded my usual bus home...The woman I happened to sit next to noticed what I was writing on my computer and asked, “You believe in…Christ?” I said, “Yes, I do!”… I asked her, “Do you know why I as a Christian believe in Jesus Christ?” She...invited me to tell her... How would you have responded in a few minutes? I testified to my friend, and I witness to you, that Jesus Christ is that Savior...
- Ahmed S. Corbitt, Do You Know Why I as a Christian Believe in Christ?
[T]he Savior offers us relief and comfort as we face our afflictions, temptations, and weaknesses of mortal life...Christ is ever aware of the adversities we experience in mortality. He understands all of the bitterness, agony, and physical pain as well as the emotional and spiritual challenges we face...This is possible because He personally experienced and took upon Himself in the flesh the pain of our weakness and infirmities.
- Ulisses Soares, Jesus Christ: The Caregiver of Our Soul
As people heed the words of the prophets, the Lord blesses them...Prosperity often leads to pride, which leads to sin. Sin leads to wickedness and to hearts that become hardened to things of the Spirit.…In our day we face a similar choice. We can foolishly ignore the prophets of God, depend on our own strength, and ultimately reap the consequences. Or we can wisely draw near to the Lord and partake of His blessings.
- Joseph B. Wirthlin, Journey to Higher Ground
Thousands of members of the Church across the earth are called every week to serve…And so, to everyone...I give you my counsel. First, you are called of God. The Lord knows you. He knows whom He would have serve in every position in His Church. He chose you. He has prepared a way so that He could issue your call... The person who was inspired to recommend you for this call didn’t do it because they liked you or because they needed someone to do a particular task. They prayed and felt an answer that you were the one to be called.
- President Henry B. Eyring, Rise to Your Call
Hope is a gift of the Spirit. It is a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal and this because of our faith in the Savior...Because of His infinite Atonement, we can be cleansed of sin and stand pure and holy before the judgment bar. The Savior is the Author of our Salvation...No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Infinite Power of Hope
If I were to ask you, “Who is the greatest leader who ever lived?”—what would you say? The answer, of course, is Jesus Christ. He sets the perfect example of every imaginable leadership quality...The world teaches that leaders must be mighty; the Lord teaches that they must be meek...In God’s eyes, the greatest leaders have always been the greatest followers…Leadership is an expression of discipleship—it is simply a matter of helping others come unto Christ, which is what true disciples do. If you are striving to be a follower of Christ, then you can help others follow Him and you can be a leader.
- Stephen W. Owen, The Greatest Leaders Are the Greatest Followers
The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ…Temple ordinances and covenants are ancient...In every age, the temple has underscored the precious truth that those who make covenants with God and keep them are children of the covenant...He is the One who wants you to experience fully His sacred ordinances. He wants you to comprehend your privileges, promises, and responsibilities.
- President Russell M. Nelson, The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation
We come unto Christ by “exercising faith in [Him], repenting daily, making covenants with God as we receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation, and enduring to the end by keeping those covenants”… The doctrine of Christ helps us find and stay on the covenant path, and the gospel is so arranged that the Lord’s promised blessings are received through sacred ordinances and covenants…God will not abandon His relationship with, or withhold His promised blessings of eternal life from, any faithful covenant keeper. And as we honor sacred covenants, we are drawn closer to the Savior.
- Adeyinka A. Ojediran, The Covenant Path: The Way to Eternal Life
God invites us to respond with faith to our own unique afflictions in order that we may reap blessings and gain knowledge that can be learned in no other way…we can know in the midst of our afflictions that God has provided an eternal compensating reward…your personal struggles—your individual sorrows, pains, tribulations, and infirmities of every kind—are all known to our Father in Heaven and to His Son. Take courage! Have faith! And believe in the promises of God!
- Evan A. Schmutz, God Shall Wipe Away All Tears
Sometimes God manifests His love by chastening us. It is a way of reminding us that He loves us and that He knows who we are. His promised blessing of peace is open to all those who courageously walk the covenant path and are willing to receive correction...The Lord chastens whom He loves. The scriptures tell us so. That chastening, or spiritual surgery, will bring about needed change in our lives. We will realize, brothers and sisters, that it refines and purifies our inner vessels.
- Tanielo B. Wakolo, God Loves His Children
We are invited by a loving Heavenly Father to walk the path of discipleship and to return to Him. He loves us with a perfect love...Heavenly Father will never leave us when we reach for Him. We can fall and get up, and He will help us brush off the dirt from our knees. Some of us are wounded, but the first-aid kit of the Lord has bandages big enough to cover all of our wounds…We are all children of a Heavenly Father who loves us. And He did not send us here to fail but to return gloriously to Him.
- Hans T. Boom, Knowing, Loving, and Growing
[H]aving patience is the key to letting [our] trials work for our good…Chapter 6 of Preach My Gospel teaches key attributes of Christ that we can emulate: “Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God’s will and accept His timing. When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully”.
- Jeremy R. Jaggi, Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, and Count It All Joy!
In matters of personal belief, how do we know what really is true? I testify that the way to know the truth about God is through the Holy Ghost…Cultivate a diligent desire to know that God lives...With softened hearts we are prepared to heed the Savior’s call to “search the scriptures” and to humbly learn from them. We are then ready to ask our Heavenly Father sincerely, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, if the things we have learned are true.
- Robert D. Hales, Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ
In today’s world, there are a multitude of activities, subjects, and interests vying for every minute of our attention. With so many distractions, do we have the strength, discipline, and commitment to remain focused on what matters most?...The scriptures teach that we must be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” We live the gospel and become “doers of the word” by exercising faith, being obedient, lovingly serving others, and following our Savior’s example.
- Ann M. Dibb, I Know It. I Live It. I Love It
The Savior loves all of God’s children regardless of their socioeconomic circumstance, race, religion, language, political orientation, nationality, or any other grouping. And so should we! God’s greatest reward goes to those who serve without expectation of reward. It goes to those who serve without fanfare; those who quietly go about seeking ways to help others; those who minister to others simply because they love God and God’s children…Let us serve others humbly—with energy, gratitude, and honor.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Greatest among You
Faith requires work, such as studying it out in your mind, then asking in prayer if it is right…Faith without works is dead. Thus, “ask in faith, nothing wavering.” ...If we are sincerely seeking the truth, we will do all in our power to find it, which can include reading the scriptures, going to church, and doing our best to keep the commandments of God. It also means that we are willing to do God’s will when we find it…God will reveal truth to those who seek for it as prescribed in the scriptures. It requires more effort than to just search the Internet, but it is worth it.
- Marcos A. Aidukaitis, If Ye Lack Wisdom
Sisters and brothers, how often do we intentionally “speak kind words to each other”?…I invite each of us to heed Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s heartfelt plea: “Brothers and sisters, in this long eternal quest to be more like our Savior, may we try to be ‘perfect’ men and women in at least this one way now—by offending not in word, or more positively put, by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels.”...I have committed to speak words of kindness more often.
- Linda K. Burton, We’ll Ascend Together
We all rely daily on the same atoning power of Christ…our path will not be free from grief, sorrow, or sadness. But we came this far “by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.” And together we will “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all [people].” Together we will “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” for Jesus Christ is our strength!
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home
How can each of us become such a significant influence? We must be sure to sincerely love those we want to help in righteousness so they can begin to develop confidence in God’s love…We best serve our Father in Heaven by righteously influencing others and serving them. The greatest example who ever walked the earth is our Savior, Jesus Christ. His mortal ministry was filled with teaching, serving, and loving others...He invites us to follow His perfect example.
- Richard G. Scott, “I Have Given You an Example”
We have taken upon ourselves the name of the Savior. What more are we to do? …With those around us, let us be more open, more willing to talk of Christ…Be more open on social media in talking about your trust in Christ...We care more about being His followers than being “liked” by our own followers. Peter counseled, “Be ready always to give an answer [for] the hope that is in you.” Let us talk of Christ…As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him. As our true colors as His disciples are revealed, many around us will be prepared to listen.
- Neil L. Andersen, We Talk of Christ
What do we really know about conditions in the spirit world?…[W]e know...some faithful spirits teach the gospel to those who have been wicked or rebellious...modern revelation reveals that the work of salvation goes forward in the spirit world…[W]hat we do know about the spirit world is that the Father’s and the Son’s work of salvation continues there. Our Savior initiated the work of declaring liberty to the captives, and that work continues as worthy and qualified messengers continue to preach the gospel...
- President Dallin H. Oaks, Trust in the Lord
Although the time of Peter’s own martyrdom was approaching, his words are not filled with fear or pessimism; rather, he taught the Saints to “rejoice,” even though they were “in heaviness through manifold temptations.” ...As we face the storms of life, I know that if we make our best effort and rely upon Jesus Christ and His Atonement as our refuge, we will be blessed with the relief, comfort, strength, temperance, and peace that we are seeking...
- Ricardo P. Giménez, Finding Refuge from the Storms of Life
We comprehend more fully the exceeding great and precious promises and begin to partake of the divine nature by responding affirmatively to the call from the Lord to glory and virtue. As described by Peter, this call is fulfilled by striving to escape the corruption that is in the world…What we do in our homes with His sacred time and with what we learn in His sacred space is pivotal to becoming partakers of the divine nature.
- David A. Bednar, Exceeding Great and Precious Promises
We are each one on a road going toward home…We’re trying to get there for eternity. We want to arrive home safely to our loving Father in Heaven. He wants us to make it safely there, so He has sent a guiding light for us to follow: a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, the perfect example. He knows the way. He lights our path in the dark of night, in storms, at crossroads, and in the daylight. He is always ready to show the way back home.
- Margaret D. Nadauld, Follow the Light
Our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, have the power to save us and transform us. They can help us become as They are… Although we can’t save ourselves, when we submit to the Lord’s will and keep our covenants, the way is open for our redemption…we can have our hearts changed, have His image in our countenances, and become new creatures in Christ.
- Paul V. Johnson, Be Perfected in Him
Because They love you, They do not want to leave you “just as you are.” Because They love you, They want you to have joy and success. Because They love you, They want you to repent because that is the path to happiness. But it is your choice—They honor your agency. You must choose to love Them, to serve Them, to keep Their commandments. Then They can more abundantly bless you as well as love you.
- D. Todd Christofferson, The Love of God
Our service to others is a demonstration of discipleship and our gratitude and love for God and His Son, Jesus Christ…After all is said and done, true ministering is accomplished one by one with love as the motivation...As we accept the opportunity to wholeheartedly minister to our sisters and brothers, we are blessed to become more spiritually refined, more in tune with the will of God, and more able to understand His plan to help each one return to Him.
- Jean B. Bingham, Ministering as the Savior Does
I am grateful for angels throughout the Church who boldly and lovingly proclaim eternal truth to Heavenly Father’s children…I don’t know if anything in this world could bring more happiness and joy than to know that our children know the Savior...That is why we pray with our children every day. That is why we read the scriptures with them every day. That is why we teach them to serve others, so that they can hold claim upon the blessings of finding themselves as they lose themselves in the service of others.
- K. Brent Nattress, No Greater Joy Than to Know That They Know
Do not think that it is easy to maintain a testimony. Others will test you. Sometimes they will point the finger of mockery and scorn. Sometimes they may persecute you openly...We should not let others determine our faithfulness and affect our testimony and ultimately our eternal salvation…Each of us will be tested, tempted, and tried for our testimonies and to find out if we will remain true and faithful through these trials of our faith.
- Robert D. Hales, The Importance of Receiving a Personal Testimony
I testify that Jesus Christ is the literal, living Son of our literal, living God. This Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer who, under the guidance of the Father, was the Creator of heaven and earth and all things that in them are...I know He is the Holy One of Israel, the Messiah who will one day come again in final glory, to reign on earth as Lord of lords and King of kings.
- Jeffrey R. Holland, The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent
By the way you live the gospel, you reflect His light. Your example will have a powerful effect for good on the earth. “Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” is a call to each of you. It is a call to move to higher ground. It is a call to leadership…It is a call to share this light with others...as you awake and arise, your light will be a standard to the nations, but I also believe your standards will be a light to the nations.
- Elaine S. Dalton, It Shows in Your Face
Our Father in Heaven reaches out for each of us with His infinite love...He accomplishes His miracles one prayer at a time, one person at a time...We can face our challenges with prayer and trust in the Lord. And in the process we become more like Him…God our Father knows us personally and reaches out to help us. Through His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, we may overcome the challenges of this world and be safely delivered home.
- Jean A. Stevens, “Fear Not; I Am with Thee”
We can’t always choose the outcome of our actions, but we can choose to be ready to act…When winds blow in our lives, where is our focus? Remember, there is always one reliable source of strength and courage. The arms of Jesus extend to us, just as they extended to Peter. As we reach for Him, He will lovingly rescue us. We are His...He will prevail in your life if you let Him. The choice is yours.
- S. Gifford Nielsen, This Is Our Time!
To reclaim us from death and sin, our Heavenly Father’s plan would provide a Savior. His Resurrection would redeem all from death, and His atoning sacrifice would pay the price necessary for all to be cleansed from sin on the conditions prescribed to promote our growth. This Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to the Father’s plan...I testify of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who makes it all possible.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, The Great Plan
Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins. All of them. On that most important day in history, Jesus the Christ opened the gates of death and cast aside the barriers that prevented us from passing into the holy and hallowed halls of everlasting life. Because of our Lord and Savior, you and I are granted a most precious and priceless gift—regardless of our past, we can repent and follow the path that leads to celestial light and glory, surrounded by the faithful children of Heavenly Father.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Behold the Man!
Because the Lord desires to save mankind, even until the end, He revealed to John the Revelator that in the latter days angels would again fly through the midst of heaven as emissaries of the Almighty. John saw that one of these angels would fly from heaven to earth and would bring the everlasting gospel back to earth, it having been lost to mankind over the ages...John further said that this angel would fly in the “hour of [God’s] judgment”, which could only mean the latter days...He came as predicted, and Moroni was that angel.
- Mark E. Peterson, The Angel Moroni Came!
Being denied the opportunity to return and be with our Father in Heaven because we chose to remain in or dirtied by a mud hole of sin would be eternally tragic. We should not deceive ourselves about what it takes to return and remain in the presence of our Father in Heaven. We have to be clean.
…His plan included the role of a Savior—someone who could help us become clean no matter how dirty we have become...He invites us to become clean so that we are not left outside of our Father in Heaven’s house.
- Allen D. Haynie, Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted
You can’t please God without upsetting Satan, so you will get pressure from those he tempts to do wrong…The more obedient you are, the more you stand for true principles, the more the Lord can help you overcome temptation. You can also help others because they will feel your strength…Consistent, willing obedience increases your confidence and ability. It produces character that allows you to face difficult challenges and overcome them. It qualifies you to receive inspiration and power from the Lord.
- Richard G. Scott, Making the Right Choices
At the beginning of this story, you lived in a faraway, beautiful place. We do not know many details about life in that premortal sphere, but we do know some. Our Heavenly Father has revealed to us who He is, who we are, and who we can become. Back in that first estate, you knew with absolute certainty that God existed because you saw and heard Him. You knew Jesus Christ, who would become the Lamb of God. You had faith in Him…everyone you see around you…was valiant in the premortal world.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Your Wonderful Journey Home
The battle to bring souls unto Christ began in the premortal world with the war in heaven. That same battle continues today in the conflict between right and wrong and between the gospel and false principles. The members of the Church hold a frontline position in the contest for the souls of men. The missionaries are on the battlefield fighting with the sword of truth to carry the glorious message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the peoples of the earth. No war has ever been free of risk.
- M. Russell Ballard, Duties, Rewards, and Risks
We solemnly proclaim that God loves His children in every nation of the world…We affirm that under the direction of the Father and the Son, heavenly messengers came to instruct Joseph and re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ…We declare that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized on April 6, 1830, is Christ’s New Testament Church restored…Millions throughout the world have embraced a knowledge of these prophesied events. We gladly declare that the promised Restoration goes forward through continuing revelation.
We find it remarkable that the very Son of God, the great Jehovah of old, should be born into this mortal world in the humblest of circumstances. An inn would have been lowly enough, but it was not even an inn. Rather it was a stable, and the babe was laid on the hay of a manger where common animals fed. Even so, the greater condescension is that Jesus should have submitted to mortality at all, even if He were to be born in the best and most elegant of circumstances...It was essential that the Son of God be born in the flesh and descend below all things that He might “redeem all things.”
- D. Todd Christofferson, The Condescension of God and Man
I am grateful for the matchless gift of His Son—a Son who came to earth as a baby, swaddled by a young mother and laid in a manger. A baby who would learn line upon line and grow grace for grace until He laid down His life as an offering for my sins. For your sins. For the sins of all who have ever lived and will ever live on the earth.
We sing the words of a well-loved hymn: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King!”
- Michelle D. Craig, Less Conspicuous Gifts
We can see an important purpose and symbol in the divine announcement of the birth of God’s Only Begotten Son...The first announcement was to the shepherds in the hills by Bethlehem. An angel and a heavenly choir proclaimed “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people … a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” The shepherds were probably chosen to receive these good tidings because they were meek and humble. Thus, they were uniquely receptive to the message of heaven, which they verified by visiting the newborn.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, Good Tidings of Great Joy
The Atonement of Jesus Christ became the immortal creation. He volunteered to answer the ends of a law previously transgressed. And by the shedding of His blood, His and our physical bodies could become perfected.…He became the firstfruits of the Resurrection. He had accomplished the Atonement, which could give immortality and eternal life to all obedient human beings....The Savior’s gift of immortality comes to all who have ever lived.
- President Russell M. Nelson, The Atonement
At the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem angels did sing and, as prophesied, a new star did appear to light the sky, honoring the entrance of the Son of God into mortal life. He towers above us, and yet the events surrounding His mortal birth draw from us a feeling of His being close to us. He chose to come down from His throne at the right hand of the Father to take upon Him mortality. He did it out of love for every son and daughter of His Father who would be born into the world. He did it out of love for you—and for me.
- President Henry B. Eyring, The Spirit of Christmas
[F]or all of us who believe in and follow Jesus Christ, one beautiful truth stays the same: we rejoice that...He came. And because He came, the billions who have lived upon this earth will live again and may, if they choose, inherit eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God…With all the difficulties and uncertainty, for the righteous—for those who trust in God—in the end, whether in this life or when we kneel at His feet, all will be well.
- Neil L. Andersen, For the Righteous, Christmas Means All Will Be Well
The scriptures contain many affirmations that hymn singing is a glorious way to worship…the Lord commanded his people to “praise the Lord with singing, [and] with music”…Sacred music has a unique capacity to communicate our feelings of love for the Lord. This kind of communication is a wonderful aid to our worship. Many have difficulty expressing worshipful feelings in words, but all can join in communicating such feelings through the inspired words of our hymns.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, Worship through Music
Prophets have admonished us to forsake the world and turn our hearts to Jesus Christ...Said President Spencer W. Kimball, “If we insist on spending all our time and resources building up…a worldly kingdom, that is exactly what we will inherit”…coming unto Christ means walking away from the world...Satan is the god of Babylon, or this world. Christ is the God of Israel, and His Atonement gives us power to overcome the world.
- Sheri L. Dew, We Are Women of God
What we will need in our day of testing is a spiritual preparation. It is to have developed faith in Jesus Christ so powerful that we can pass the test of life upon which everything for us in eternity depends. That test is part of the purpose God had for us in the Creation...
So, the great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God’s commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage.
- President Henry B. Eyring, Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady
All laws of nature and of God are part of the everlasting gospel. Thus, there are many unchanging principles...One of them…is that of your eventual judgment. Each of you will be judged according to your individual works and the desires of your hearts. You will not be required to pay the debt of any other. Your eventual placement in the celestial, terrestrial, or telestial kingdom will not be determined by chance. The Lord has prescribed unchanging requirements for each. You can know what the scriptures teach, and pattern your lives accordingly.
- President Russell M. Nelson, Constancy amid Change
If you want to reach your potential in the future, if you want to become the person the Lord wants you to be, you had better work on it today, because it is a true principle that we become what we do. If we want to be a successful university student, we had better be successful in high school. If we want to live a celestial life in the hereafter, we had better live a celestial life here on earth. Our futures are truly connected to our past…How will you connect your celestial goals with your everyday life?
- Richard J. Maynes, A Celestial Connection to Your Teenage Years
Some Christians...have declared that there can be no more authorized scripture beyond the Bible...One of the arguments often used in any defense of a closed canon is the New Testament passage recorded in Revelation 22:18...However, there is now overwhelming consensus among virtually all biblical scholars that this verse applies only to the book of Revelation, not the whole Bible…That is because the whole Bible as we know it—one collection of texts bound in a single volume—did not exist when that verse was written…Continuing revelation does not demean or discredit existing revelation.
- Jeffrey R. Holland, “My Words … Never Cease”