You and I can be repeatedly reassured concerning this grand hope by the Comforter, who teaches us the truth about “things as they really are, and … really will be”. Such hope constitutes the “anchor of the soul”. Such hope is retained through faith in Christ...
Sometimes in the deepest darkness there is no external light—only an inner light to guide and to reassure. Though “anchored” in grand and ultimate hope, some of our tactical hopes are another matter...Faith in Father’s plan gives us endurance even amid the wreckage of such proximate hopes. Hope keeps us “anxiously engaged” in good causes even when these appear to be losing causes. Hope helps us to walk by faith, not by sight.
- Neal A. Maxwell, "Brightness of Hope"
The Good News | #BecauseOfHim Easter 2022
It is interesting that [the] blind man, who didn’t have physical sight, recognized Jesus. He saw spiritually what he couldn’t see physically, while many others could see Jesus physically but were totally blind spiritually…keeping a clear spiritual vision is all about focusing on Jesus Christ...I am grateful for what I see. I clearly see the hand of the Lord in this sacred work and in my life. I see the faith of many wherever I go who strengthen my own faith. I see angels all around me. I see the faith of many who don’t see the Lord physically but recognize Him spiritually, because they know Him intimately... I am grateful for what I can see as I follow my Savior.
- Massimo De Feo, Rise! He Calleth Thee
It is a marvelous and wonderful thing that thousands are touched by the miracle of the Holy Spirit, that they believe and accept and become members. They are baptized. Their lives are forever touched for good. Miracles occur. A seed of faith comes into their hearts. It enlarges as they learn. And they accept principle upon principle, until they have every one of the marvelous blessings that come to those who walk with faith...It is faith that is the converter. It is faith that is the teacher…This precious and marvelous gift of faith, this gift from God our Eternal Father, is still the strength of this work and the quiet vibrancy of its message. Faith underlies it all. Faith is the substance of it all.
- President Gordon B. Hinckley, The Miracle of Faith
[W]e spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths ...Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It’s wonderful that you have strengths. And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses. God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths, but He knows that this is a long-term goal. He wants us to become perfect, and if we stay on the path of discipleship, one day we will. It’s OK that you’re not quite there yet. Keep working on it
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Forget Me Not
From time to time...we go through periods of crisis and danger… The way we respond is crucial…[heed] the words of the prophets. This is one sure way to respond to physical and spiritual dangers of all kinds…In Doctrine and Covenants, section 21...the Lord declares: “Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them...” Prophets are inspired to provide us with prophetic priorities to protect us from dangers…it is our solemn responsibility to follow our prophet.
- Quentin L. Cook, Give Heed unto the Prophets’ Words
None of us can control nations or the actions of others or even members of our own families. But we can control ourselves...Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others—whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you. The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us.
It can be painfully difficult to let go of anger that feels so justified...I know what I’m suggesting is not easy. But followers of Jesus Christ should set the example for all the world to follow.
- President Russell M. Nelson, The Power of Spiritual Momentum
The enemy and his angels are trying to distract us. Their purpose is to encourage us to deviate from the covenants that we have made with the Lord, causing us to lose sight of our eternal inheritance...Despite the opposition we face…this is a war that we can and will win…All of us can receive the strength to choose the right if we seek the Lord and place all our trust and faith in Him…Through His atoning sacrifice, we can gain the courage to win all the wars of our time, even in the midst of our difficulties, challenges, and temptations.
- Ulisses Soares, Yes, We Can and Will Win!
The Lord Loves Effort | General Conference April 2020
Having Courage & Trusting the Lord: Stand Up for What You Believe In
You don’t have to face the experiences of this life alone, nor have you been sent here to fail....your Father in Heaven gave you a gift to celebrate your official entrance into His kingdom on earth. The Holy Spirit can be with you always and guide you back to Him, but in order to enjoy the benefits of this holy gift, you must truly receive it, and then you must use it in your life. How sad it would be to be given such a precious gift and then set it aside and never use it...To bless you, the gift of peace that the Holy Spirit brings has been given to you...I pray that we will receive and use this sacred gift from God…
- Margaret D. Nadauld, A Comforter, a Guide, a Testifier
What is the gift of the Holy Ghost?
Through the priesthood many other blessings are also available to all of the sons and daughters of God, making it possible for us to make sacred covenants and receive holy ordinances that enable us to travel that strait and narrow way back to our Father in Heaven...Under the direction of…prophets, seers, and revelators, who hold the keys in this dispensation, priesthood holders in the Church today have the legitimate right to act in the name of God. As his authorized agents, they are commissioned to go forth and bless others through the power and authority of the priesthood, making all priesthood covenants, ordinances, and blessings available today.
- Robert D. Hales, Blessings of the Priesthood
Why Did Moroni Provide the Exact Wording of Priesthood Ordinances? (Knowhy #587)
[T]he best way I know of to draw closer to God is to prepare conscientiously and partake worthily of the sacrament each week…The sacrament truly helps us know our Savior. It also reminds us of His innocent suffering…No matter where you stand in your relationship to God, I invite you to draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Benefactors and Givers of all that is good...I invite you to feel God’s nearness as He is made known to you, as He was to the disciples of old...As you do, I promise that you will feel nearer to God.
- Dale G. Renlund, “That I Might Draw All Men unto Me”
Sacrament: A Bible Story for Children
[T]hrough the ordinance of baptism, we make a covenant with our Heavenly Father. We prepare ourselves for baptism by having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repenting of our sins, and being willing to take upon us the name of Christ. We make a commitment to keep the commandments of God and remember the Savior always. We covenant to “bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light.” We indicate that we are willing to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who need comfort.
- Barbara Thompson, Cleave unto the Covenants
We are strengthened by associating with others of like minds. In church attendance and participation, our hearts are, as the Bible says, “knit together in love."…Church attendance can open our hearts and sanctify our souls. In a church we don’t just serve alone or by our own choice or at our convenience. We usually serve in a team...Church attendance gives us the strength and enhancement of faith that come from associating with other believers and worshipping together with those who are also striving to stay on the covenant path and be better disciples of Christ.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, The Need for a Church
Disciple of Christ | Official 2024 Theme Music Video | #christianmusic
I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus – Emily Brown – Music Video
The Light of Christ is that divine power or influence that emanates from God through Jesus Christ. It gives light and life to all things. It prompts all rational individuals throughout the earth to distinguish truth from error, right from wrong. It activates your conscience. Its influence can be weakened through transgression and addiction and restored through proper repentance...It is a power and influence that comes from God and when followed can lead a person to qualify for the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost.
- Richard G. Scott, Peace of Conscience and Peace of Mind
At times, having faith in Jesus Christ may seem like something impossible, almost unattainable. We may think that coming unto Christ requires a strength, power, and perfection we don’t have, and we just can’t find the energy to do it all. But what I have learned…is that faith in Jesus Christ is what gives us the energy to begin the journey. Sometimes we may think, “I need to fix my life before I come to Jesus,” but the truth is that we come to Jesus to fix our lives through Him.
- Joaquin E. Costa, The Power of Jesus Christ in Our Lives Every Day
I Will Go and Do: 2020 Youth Theme (feat. David Archuleta) — Official Music Video
The Savior’s infinite Atonement completely changes the way we may view our transgressions and imperfections. Instead of dwelling on them and feeling irredeemable or hopeless, we can learn from them and feel hopeful…The Savior always teaches timeless truths. They apply to people of every age and in any circumstance. His message was and is a message of hope and belonging…Open your hearts to our Savior and Redeemer, no matter your circumstances, trials, sufferings, or mistakes; you can know that He lives, that He loves you, and that because of Him, you will never be alone.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, God among Us
[T]he Savior is inviting us to live a higher, holier way—His way of love where all can feel they truly belong and are needed…Living His way brings joy and peace, and He invited others to that way of living with gentleness, kindness, and love...As we incrementally learn to do what He asks of us—not out of duty or even for the blessings we might receive but purely out of love for Him and our Heavenly Father—His love will flow through us and make all that He asks not only possible but eventually much easier and lighter and more joyful than we could ever imagine.
- J. Annette Dennis, His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light
The Good Samaritan: A Bible Story for Children
The Lord extends special protection to children and shares jurisdiction with earthly parents...They cannot sin until they reach the age of accountability, which the Lord has declared to be eight years...Because all children who die before the age of accountability are pure, innocent, and wholly sin-free, they are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven. Understanding the special status of little children before God, because of their pure and innocent nature, brings understanding of the Lord’s commandment to “repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in [His] name”.
- Merlin R. Lybbert, The Special Status of Children
It is when we become angry that we get into trouble. The road rage that affects our highways is a hateful expression of anger. I dare say that most of the inmates of our prisons are there because they did something when they were angry. In their wrath they swore, they lost control of themselves, and terrible things followed, even murder. There were moments of offense followed by years of regret…Anger is the mother of a whole brood of evil actions.
- President Gordon B. Hinckley, Slow to Anger
Increase Your Daily Energy to Act, Love, and Lift Like the Savior
When Anger Mounts - The Spoken Word
In order for us to be strong and to withstand all the forces pulling us in the wrong direction or all the voices encouraging us to take the wrong path, we must have our own testimony. Whether you are 12 or 112—or anywhere in between—you can know for yourself that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Read the Book of Mormon. Ponder its teachings. Ask Heavenly Father if it is true...When we know the Book of Mormon is true, then it follows that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet and that he saw God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
- President Thomas S. Monson, Dare to Stand Alone
The Story of the Book of Mormon: The Plates of Mormon
Katie Payne's Miraculous Book of Mormon Testimony
To know the truth, we need to live the gospel and “experiment” on the word. We are cautioned to not resist the Spirit of the Lord...Patient covenant keeping increases our humility, deepens our desire to know truth, and allows the Holy Ghost to “guide [us] in wisdom’s paths that [we] may be blessed, prospered, and preserved.”…I have found great comfort in the Lord’s promise that “by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” Without knowing everything, we can know the truth.
- David F. Evans, The Truth of All Things
All May Know the Truth: Moroni’s Promise | Mormon 8–9; Moroni 1, 10
God-given gifts make gifted people. Looking through a gospel lens, God endows His children with many spiritual gifts, making them spiritually gifted people. Covenant-keeping members of the Church are bestowed with gifts of the Spirit...The Lord invites us to earnestly seek the best gifts, even spiritual gifts. He gives spiritual gifts to bless us and to use in blessing others…Latter-day Saints should be gifted, covenant-keeping people. Nonetheless, it remains for each of us to seek to exercise our spiritual gifts and then to invite and learn to recognize promptings of the Spirit.
- Gary E. Stevenson, Promptings of the Spirit
Would that every ear could hear the last testimony of Moroni, this giant among men, this humble servant of God...Do you wish to know—really know—the truth? Then follow Moroni’s counsel and you will surely find what you seek. Be sincere. Study. Ponder. Pray sincerely, having faith. If you do these things, you too will be able to stand with the millions who testify that God once again speaks to man on earth…The more we study the scriptures and pray, the more likely we can enthusiastically share our testimonies of the gospel with others.
- Joseph B. Wirthlin, Pure Testimony
The Book of Mormon: President Monson's testimony
The Power of The Book of Mormon
Shaquille’s Story about the Book of Mormon | ComeUntoChrist.org
Prophets, ancient and modern, have urged us to come unto Christ...The admonition to “come unto Christ” is the hub around which everything in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints…revolves—and for good reason. The verb come implies action on our part...There are no disclaimers or exceptions in His invitation. We are the ones who determine whether or not we will come unto Him. The drawing near, seeking, asking, and knocking are up to us...When we come to know that Jesus is the Christ, our lives can never be the same again.
- Sheri L. Dew, “Are You the Woman I Think You Are?”
Come Unto Christ: 2014 Theme Song
An Invitation to Come Unto Christ
Becoming perfected in Christ...is the process—lovingly guided by the Holy Ghost—of becoming more like the Savior. The standards are set by a kind and all-knowing Heavenly Father and clearly defined in the covenants we are invited to embrace...As we accept the Savior’s invitation to come unto Him, we soon realize that our best is good enough and that the grace of a loving Savior will make up the difference in ways we cannot imagine…The Savior stands ready to accept our humble offerings and perfect them through His grace...We must have the courage to believe that His grace is for us...
- Vern P. Stanfill, The Imperfect Harvest
I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus – Emily Brown – Music Video
Ballet and the Book of Mormon—Practicing for Perfection
Moroni Preserves the Record for the Latter Days | Moroni 10; Title Page
Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem is not the beginning of the story, and Calvary is not the end. The scriptures teach that He was “in the beginning … with God” in the premortal Council in Heaven. We also were there, where we...learned that He would perform the central role as Creator and Redeemer of the world. We shouted for joy as we embraced our Father’s great plan of happiness...Christ was born...He lived among us, gave His life for us, was resurrected, and ultimately “finished the work which [His Father gave Him] to do.
- Craig C. Christensen, The Fulness of the Story of Christmas
Light of The World - Lauren Daigle (Christmas story)
For many people today, their vision of what is real and most important—Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world—is blurred by things that are not real…Without Christ, there would be no Christmas. Without Christ, there can be no fulness of joy. Without His birth and His Atonement, we would have no Intercessor, no Advocate with the Father, and no Mediator who makes it possible for us to return to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father and live together as eternal families.
- Gary E. Stevenson, The Reality of Christmas
Handel's Messiah: Debtors Prison
So how do we increase our faith in Christ? We feast on and obey His word. Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “The central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ.” This truth is found throughout the Book of Mormon. King Benjamin, for example, taught his people the words he received from an angel, which helped them have “exceeding faith” in Jesus Christ...God offers His priceless gifts freely to us at Christmas and throughout the year.
- Douglas D. Holmes, The Gift of the Holy Ghost
Iam Tongi - Silent Night (feat. Rexburg Children's Choir)
Christ the babe was born for you!…If we remember anything or feel anything this Christmas season, it should be that we are His...He was born to lift each one of us personally. And if He’s anyone’s, He is most certainly yours. Christ the babe was born for you… In those most sacred minutes of your whole week, if you’re feeling crushed, imagine Him calling you by name, and go to Him. See your Savior in your mind’s eye, with His arms open and bright countenance extended to you...
- Tamara W. Runia, Christ the Babe Was Born for You
Inspiring Short: Christ the Savior Is Born | Russell M. Nelson
Because the Savior was born, lived a sinless life, atoned for us, and was resurrected, each of us receives the great gift of resurrection from the dead. Not one soul who ever lived on the earth is deprived of this remarkable gift...His birth can’t be separated from the reason He came to earth…He was born to save. To save you and to save me. What an incomparable gift that can only be given by Him.
- Paul V. Johnson, Christ Was Born to Save
God is in Relentless Pursuit of You
A Worldwide Celebration of Jesus Christ's Birth | Light the World
The gift of the Son of God is a priceless gift. He is the gift that lights our way and lifts us. He is the gift that sustains us through the difficult days of our mortal journey. He is the gift that offers divine love, lasting hope, and true joy...The baby in the manger was the Son of God, sent as a gift from the Father to become our Savior. Through the joy we feel because of His coming, our burdens can be made light...And in the midst of our reverie, we give gratitude to God for the glorious gift...
- President Henry B. Eyring, The Promised Messiah