Sunday Morning
Alive in Christ
By President Dallin H. Oaks
President of the Church
Living worthy to meet Christ is no easy task. Many current writers characterize the time in which we live as “toxic,” a time of “contempt” or “hostility” toward adversaries. This hostility affects many different relationships in society, involving many whose Christian beliefs should orient them otherwise.
Our Savior Jesus Christ taught us how to relate to one another. The great commandments in the law, He taught, were to love—God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39).
Asked who is my neighbor? Jesus answered with a parable that praised the merciful action of the Samaritan, a group the Jews isolated and held in contempt. But Jesus’ teachings about the circle of love went far beyond Samaritans. In the Sermon on the Mount, He declared:
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate
thine enemy.
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good
to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute
you” (Matthew 5:43-44).
What a revolutionary teaching for personal relationships! Love even your enemies! But who are our enemies? Its full meaning, in the sources from which King James’ translators chose the word enemies, include military foes and even extends to any who actively oppose one another. Today we might say that we are commanded to love our adversaries. All mortals are beloved children of God. As President David O. McKay taught, “There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for one’s fellowmen.”1
Encounter at the Empty Tomb
By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
What Mary and those with her discovered on that Sunday morning changed the world
forever. “They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel … [and] said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is nothere, but has risen.’”
This encounter at the empty tomb changed them forever.
It changed the world.
Many might picture Jesus as a carpenter from Nazareth or a traveling preacher from Galilee. They might note the significant influence He had on the world’s religious history. But the bold message of the empty tomb is that Jesus Christ is not merely a historical figure.
We do not seek Him among the dead. He is risen!
We understand He is not confined to the pages of a book any more than He was confined to that grave of stone. The scriptures teach us not only who Jesus was but who He is.
Because of what happened on that Sunday morning, we can speak of Jesus Christ in thepresent tense.
He lives!
Today.
At this moment.
Best Days and Worst Days
By President Emily Belle Freeman
Young Women General President
Isn’t it amazing how you can go from best day to worst day in a matter of minutes?
This is mortality. A proving ground. A place designed for growth. I have learned that
God allows mortality to do its work in us—and that includes both best days and worst days.
I don’t know what your story looks like right now, if today is a best day or a worst day.
But here is my advice for you. On that worst day with Greg several weeks ago, I opened my Forthe Strength of Youth guide wondering if the eternal truths, invitations, and promised blessingsfrom the guide could really help Greg and I find strength in Christ.
Here is what I read. Maybe these words will help you.
“God’s plan is for you. … He has all power and knows all things. You can trust Him, even when life is hard.”
“God wants to communicate with you.” He knows you. He knows your name. “Pour out your heart to Him. … Be still and listen for His answers.”
“Jesus Christ will help you. … When you are worried, afraid, or struggle in any way, He
will comfort you.”
I Feel My Savior’s Love
By Elder Pedro X. Larreal
Of the Seventy
The sacrament represents the Atonement of Jesus Christ. During that sacred moment, when we give our full attention to Him and focus on His Atoning sacrifice, How can we not feel His great love for us? How can we not feel important when we remember that He willingly volunteered to be the advocate between us and the Father? not feel His In Luke 22:19 and 20, we read:
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave it unto them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
“Likewise, also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood,which is shed for you.”
When Christ spoke, these words found in Luke, He was focused on us; the sacrament wasgiven for our benefit. Notice again what He says: “This is my body, which is given for you”; and in the following verse, He says, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
Choose Jesus Christ as Your Guide
By Elder Edward B. Rowe
Of the Seventy
While the Savior’s Atonement is infinite, His invitation is individual. He invites you andme to accept Him as our personal guide. He suffered not just for humanity—He suffered for each of us individually. As President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities.”10 In short, He knows you personally and thus how to guide you based on your distinct strengths, weaknesses, and circumstances.
Though our paths in life are unique, each is to be within the covenant path. For that is Christ’s path. We enter that path and connect ourselves to Jesus Christ as our guide through exercising faith in Him, repenting, and making sacred promises, or covenants, with Him. We follow in His footsteps within the covenant path by being in holy places, like the temple, and by having sacred experiences through partaking of the sacrament, praying, studying the scriptures, and ministering to others. The more time we spend with our guide in this way—and strive to follow His example—the more we will develop a deep bond and special relationship with Him.
“He Is Risen”
By Elder Ronald A. Rasband
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Accounts in The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, also bear witness of Him Resurrected. A gathering at a temple in the new world in the land Bountiful21 heard a voice from the heavens saying, “Behold my Beloved Son in who I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.”
Then, they beheld a “Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe;
and he came down and stood in the midst of them.” And “he stretched forth his hand.” I love that image of Him stretching forth His hand. He said, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.”
That outstretched hand was well-known in His earthly ministry. His hand rescued Peter as he began to sink in the choppy waves of the Sea of Galilee.26 His hand motioned for the crippled man at the Pool of Bethesda “to rise. . . and walk.”27 His hands washed the feet of his disciples28 and His hands “took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it” initiating the sacrament in “remembrance” of Him.”29 He promised the prophet Isaiah “Fear thou not; for I am with thee. . .for I am thy God; . . .I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” That promise is for us all.
Because of Jesus Christ
By Elder Dale G. Renlund
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
I cannot add more time to your days or eliminate the many concerns modern life brings.
But I can offer this counsel: Not all matters are of equal value, and maintaining an eternal perspective helps us prioritize the things that are of greatest value. On this Easter Sunday, let us consider why focusing on Jesus Christ and the “infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice” is of greatest value and helps us no matter how many other concerns we must manage. His life, mission, and the fruits of His Atonement bless us infinitely and daily.
Focusing on the Savior, His infinite Atonement, and what He has done for us will bring
joy and clarity into our lives,31 no matter how many other concerns we have. This is why ancient and modern prophets have always and will always direct us to Christ.32 You may remember that President Russell M. Nelson taught, “Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.”33 And President Dallin H. Oaks, the Lord’s living prophet today, counseled, “Jesus Christ is the way.”
You need not be like our little dog, Lady—confused, discouraged, and overwhelmed—when facing too many balls; you do not need to crawl back to bed and cower. Instead, keep your eye on the ball. Focus on the Savior.
The Joy of a Covenant Relationship with God
By Elder Thierry K. Mutombo
Of the Seventy
Our Heavenly Father has a special love for each person who makes the covenant with Him in the waters of baptism. That divine love deepens as additional covenants are made in the house of the Lord and are faithfully kept.
Nathalie and I have experienced this divine love during a very difficult time in our lives as husband and wife and eternal companions. We have been blessed with ten children…
We have experienced the death of four of our children at the beginning of our marriage. After the passing of three of our children, Nathalie and I wondered and asked ourselves so many questions, like the Prophet Joseph Smith asked in Liberty Jail: “Heavenly Father, where art Thou? Do You hear our cries and prayers? What are You trying to teach us through this hardship?”
We soon learned that this was not the end of our trials when Allan Mutombo, our nine-month-old baby, passed away. I found him in his crib. Holding his body in my arms, I cried, begging for a miracle that day. However, as you know, God’s plan for us is perfect, and that day He decided to take Allan back to Him. My prayers did not change His mind and will.
To add to this challenge, after the funeral, our extended families gathered and decided, without consulting us, that Nathalie and I should separate. They told me that tradition required us to separate, and they asked me to take my wife’s belongings outside the house because we had lost many children. I went into the bedroom and prayed to my Heavenly Father, asking for strength to face this adversity…
I remembered the words of our temple sealing and the promises made to God and to each other. I felt great peace and reassurance that Nathalie and I are a daughter and a son of a loving and caring Heavenly Father. I felt the Savior’s love and His hand lifting me up. Understanding our divine identify and potential helped me to know and do what God expected of me.
I came out of the bedroom with empty hands and told the people who were there: “I’m sorry, but Nathalie is my eternal companion. We are striving together to build an eternal family, and the Savior is helping us achieve it.”
They were unhappy and opposed my decision, but exercising my faith in Jesus Christ made me stronger.
A Peculiar Treasure
By Elder Alan R. Walker
Of the Seventy
As we study the scriptures, we encounter the word “treasure” dozens of times—most often as a warning not to set our hearts upon riches or upon the fleeting things of the world. Yet among all those warnings about earthly treasure, there is one passage that reveals something astonishing: the Lord Himself speaks of us as His treasure. I speak of the moment when the Lord addressed the prophet Moses upon Mount Sinai and declared that His people would be a peculiar treasure unto Him, if they would obey His voice and keep His covenant.
Our Heavenly Father’s greatest desire is for us to live with Him again and enjoy eternal life by His side. His work and glory is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” In order to make this possible, He designed the plan of salvation. He sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to break the bands of death and atone for the sins of the world. This sacrifice is the greatest expression of our Father’s infinite love for all His children…
In His benevolent teaching to Moses, the Lord established a pattern of application not only to the ancient children of Israel, but to all those who desire to become His treasure—the Lord’s covenant people. That pattern includes two simple but powerful conditions: to obey His voice, and to keep our covenants with Him. Then we will be a peculiar, or special, treasure; and as such we will be blessed, strengthened, and favored through the Savior’s atoning sacrifice.
Sunday Afternoon
The Character of Christ
By President D. Todd Christofferson
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
Since we know that the Lord will come and establish a new earth where righteousness prevails, Peter asks, “What manner of persons ought ye to be?” He counsels that we should be preparing diligently now so that when the Lord comes, He will find us “in peace, without spot, and blameless,” leading lives of holiness.
As I have pondered Peter’s question, “What manner of persons ought ye to be?,” I have decided to speak today about the character of Jesus Christ. It is in emulating the character of Christ that we become the “manner of persons” we ought to be. Acquiring the character of Christ is one of the most important ways we take His name upon us.
When we consider the character of the Savior we tend to focus immediately on His attributes, such as virtue, integrity, humility, compassion, and courage, but we should also consider, what is it in Jesus that gives rise to such character traits? I believe they are the natural fruit of the thoughts, desires, and intents of His heart. Christlike character grows out of a Christlike heart. Thus, if we are to succeed in developing a Christlike character, we must possess His motivations—His thoughts, desires, and intents of the heart. For us, it will require what the scriptures call a “mighty change of heart”…
In the case of King Benjamin’s people, and some others, this spiritual rebirth with a changed heart was almost instantaneous. For most of us, our “mighty change of heart” occurs incrementally over time. In either case, the outcome is the same and equally valid. And in all cases, it requires faith in Christ, repentance, a baptismal covenant of obedience, and the grace of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.1
Yes, it requires a consistent and sustained effort on our part, but remember, it is not
simply a matter of our striving. The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that we, each of us, can call on the grace of Jesus Christ to help us.
Remember “Remember, remember”
By Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong
Of the Quorum of the Seventy
Do you still remember the five sets of “Remember, remember” verses in the Book of Mormon?
They are:
- We can dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness if we keep His
commandments.
- We will be cut off from God’s presence if we do not keep His commandments.
- We can only be saved through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
- We will not fall if we build our foundation upon Jesus Christ.
- We were given knowledge and agency to choose and act wisely.
“I Glory in My Jesus”
By Elder Aaron T. Hall
Of the Quorum of the Seventy
As the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi concludes his teaching, he shares this powerful
witness, “I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.”
That short phrase, “I glory in my Jesus,” beautifully captures Nephi’s loving relationship with the Son of God, the Messiah, the Redeemer. In the books of 1st and 2nd Nephi, there are over 60 different names for Jesus Christ. Each name reveals something of His majesty, character, and His mission as the Savior of the World. Yet, in this expression of love, Nephi refers to Him in a very endearing way: My Jesus.
To Nephi, Jesus Christ was not someone distant or merely known by name. No, to Nephi, the name of Jesus was his salvation. As Nephi experienced trials, and the joy of deliverance, the name of Jesus Christ became even more personal to him.
Nephi came to know that “there was none other way, nor name given under heaven whereby men can be saved in the Kingdom of God…” The name of Jesus Christ was Nephi’s redemption, and he gloried in it.
“Here Am I, Send Me”
By President Susan H. Porter
Primary General President
Wake up each day with purpose and confidence, knowing that Jesus will walk with you. Follow His example and say in prayer to Heavenly Father, “Here am I, send me.” Then listen for thoughts and ideas. What will He send you to do? Through His Spirit He may send you to comfort someone who is lonely, help your family, learn important lessons at school, or teach someone to pray. He can help you stand for truth so you can bring His light to others.
Do you remember learning about Jesus feeding more than 5,000 people? Jesus had been teaching all day, and the people were hungry. Somewhere in this large group there was a youngboy who had five loaves of bread and two small fishes. He knew that this food could not feed very many people, but he decided to give Jesus what he had. Jesus took the food and thanked Heavenly Father for it. That food fed thousands of people!
Eternal Marriage Is an Eternal Journey
By Elder Neil L. Andersen
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
In my 74 years, there are only a few experiences where nearly every emotion and feeling
are solidly cemented in my conscious mind. One of the most poignant is as I knelt across the altar from Kathy in a holy temple of God. The hopes, the dreams, the love we shared, all burst in a kaleidoscope of anticipation as we heard those unforgettable words, “for time and for all eternity.”
To you in this vast worldwide congregation who lovingly remember that day in your life, I speak especially to you. At that moment, kneeling across the altar, we have a growing realization of the depth of our commitment to God and each other. The sacred ordinance binds us together with our eternal companion and with God. We solemnly vow to keep the covenants, and the Lord promises us as we are faithful, unspeakable blessings in mortality and beyond; including thrones, powers, and dominions in the eternal world.
Our even greater hope, however, is a desire to refine our very nature, to become more like our Savior, allowing us one day to live with Him. Within our sacred marriage, bound to God and to each other, we find ourselves in a crucible of spiritual development where vital qualities: sacrifice, charity, patience, and oneness; the very character of Christ can become a greater part of us.
As we increase our love for the Savior, our love for each other grows. Like our own discipleship, our eternal marriage is not a short-term experiment but a journey, an eternal journey of becoming who God desires us to become.
Keys, Covenants, and Easter
By Elder Quentin L. Cook
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elijah was a remarkable prophet who held sacred priesthood keys and through whom mighty miracles were performed. Christians, Muslims,12 and Jews the world over accept Elijah as a prophet. Muslims believe that Elijah was a prophet sent by God (Allah) to call people away from idol worship – especially the worship of Baal – and back to the worship of the one true God.
The Jews have been waiting for Elijah’s return for over twenty-nine hundred years, as a forerunner to the coming of the Messiah. Prior to Jesus Christ’s mortal ministry, the prophet Elijah exercised the sealing power of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
It is noteworthy to me that Elijah also appeared, with Moses, at the time of the transfiguration of Christ. Elijah conferred priesthood keys of the sealing power upon Peter, James, and John. It is also significant that when Christ visited the people on the American continent, He specifically recited to them the Old Testament account in Malachi concerning Elijah and his role in uniting families eternally prior to the Second Coming of Christ.
Because of the Restoration, we understand the important and pivotal role Elijah has playedin the salvation of mankind. Elijah “committed” to Joseph Smith the priesthood keys pertaining to the sealing power to bind sacred ordinances and covenants on earth and in heaven. This includes the vicarious ordinances of salvation and exaltation that must be performed here on earth in the temples of the Lord.
The sealing ordinances are effective after this life and in the eternities – to seal husbands and wives, parents and children. Without these keys, there are no eternal families and the “whole earth would be utterly wasted.”
Come Unto Christ—Together
By Elder Taniela B. Wakolo
Of the Seventy
“The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints centers on the family.Essential to our doctrine on the family is the temple. The ordinances received there enable us to return as eternal families to the presence of our Heavenly Father. …The gospel plan…is implemented through our mortal families, and its intended destiny is to exalt the children of Godin eternal families.”
The Lord has also declared that “marriage is ordained of God…that the earth might
answer the end of its creation,” and without the sealing authority needed to enter these eternal covenants that unite families forever, “the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.”
The temple stands as a symbol of hope, not pressure. The crowning ordinance of temple sealings invite us into the divine order of God. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a wedge to divide families but a bridge to unite them, eternally. We must ensure that our discipleship reflects the Savior’s patience, His gentleness, and His perfect love.
My dear brothers and sisters, some of you are from families yet to be sealed in the temple. Some of you who are listening are not members of the Church. Others of you who are members of the Church may have spouses not of our faith. Today, I say to each of you: You are essential to God’s plan.
Abide with Me; ‘Tis Eastertide
By Elder Gerrit W. Gong
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Jesus Christ walking with His disciples on the road to Emmaus reveals a covenant
pattern. Sometimes, on our dusty roads to Emmaus, we feel alone, misunderstood, burdened, unseen. But as He “talk[s] with us by the way,” His words in scripture can cause our hearts to burn. As He breaks and blesses the sacramental bread, His ordinances and covenants can help us know Him.
As we walk by faith with Him, abiding in Him, and Him in us, we come to know He lives. His Easter promises are real.
Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus ask Jesus to abide with them, Jesus Christ
promises to abide with us. In the gospel of John chapters 14 and 15, Jesus teaches His disciples and us how He can remain, belong, walk with us. His faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
When we have a question, problem, or joy, Jesus Christ says, I am your answer – your way, your truth, your life. To abide with us in our darkest days, in John 14 Jesus promises us the First and Second Comforters.
The First Comforter Jesus speaks of is the Holy Ghost. “And I will pray unto the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father [shall] send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance.”
The Second Comforter Jesus speaks of is Himself. Jesus promises, “I will not leave youcomfortless: I will come to you.”“For “he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” Indeed, “if a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
Closing Remarks
President Dallin H. Oaks
President of the Church
Truly, Jesus Christ is the way to peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come. He knows and loves each of us perfectly, and invites us to walk with Him, abide in Him, and follow His example of ministering to others one by one in charity and love. We have been reminded of the central role of marriage and families in our Heavenly Father’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. May we demonstrate the pure love of Christ in our families, in our communities, and in all of our interactions with God’s children.
As the messages from this conference are published, I invite all to study and ponder them prayerfully, and to act in faith on the principles they explain. The Lord has promised: “unto him that receiveth I will give more.”1 As we treasure up and act upon the teachings of this conference, the Lord will continue to teach and inspire us with personal revelation and guidance.
