Elder Gary E. Stevenson on treating others with kindness

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (born August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"As we look through a gospel lens, we recognize that we too are under the watchcare of a compassionate caregiver, who extends Himself in kindness and a nurturing spirit. The Good Shepherd knows each one of us by name and has a personal interest in us. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said: 'I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep. … And I [will] lay down my life for the sheep' (John 10:14-15).

"On this holy Easter weekend, I find abiding peace in knowing that 'the Lord is my shepherd'(Psalm 23:1) and that each of us is known by Him and under His kind watchcare. When we confront life’s wind and rainstorms, sickness and injuries, the Lord—our Shepherd, our Caregiver—will nourish us with love and kindness. He will heal our hearts and restore our souls."

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Hearts Knit Together," General Conference April 2021 Saturday morning

Elder Stevenson began his address with the story of a lab researcher who expressed affection and warmth to the rabbits in the study, and noticed significant health changes. That study has had lasting impacts in the medical community. He used that example to talk about the importance of us treating others with kindness and understanding. As adults in particular, we have the responsibility to "set a tone and be role models of kindness, inclusion, and civility—to teach Christlike behavior to the rising generation in what we say and how we act."

As we live our lives with a spirit of kindness and love towards others, we feel more of the spirit of the Savior and His blessings.

Sometimes we have to be kind even to those who disappoint or hurt us. The Savior does that for us; He is the ultimate "compassionate caregiver." I love the phrase from Isaiah: "In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." (Isa 54:8, emphasis added.) 

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on understanding miracles from God

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (born February 6, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Miracles, signs, and wonders abound among followers of Jesus Christ today, in your lives and in mine. Miracles are divine acts, manifestations and expressions of God’s limitless power, and an affirmation that He is 'the same yesterday, today, and forever' (Moroni 10:19). Jesus Christ, who created the seas, can calm them; He who gave sight to the blind can lift our sights to heaven; He who cleansed the lepers can mend our infirmities; He who healed the impotent man can call for us to rise up with 'Come, follow me' (Luke 18:22).

"Many of you have witnessed miracles, more than you realize. They may seem small in comparison to Jesus raising the dead. But the magnitude does not distinguish a miracle, only that it came from God. Some suggest that miracles are simply coincidences or sheer luck. But the prophet Nephi condemned those who would 'put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain' (2 Ne 26:20).

"Miracles are wrought by divine power by Him who is 'mighty to save' (D&C 133:47). Miracles are extensions of God’s eternal plan; miracles are a lifeline from heaven to earth."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Behold! I Am a God of Miracles," General Conference April 2021 Sunday afternoon

It's good to be reminded that we live in a time of "miracles, signs, and wonders" that always accompany true followers of Jesus Christ. Understanding the nature of miracles will help us see them more frequently in our lives. Elder Rasband offered a wonderful review and reminder.

It is quite easy to "dismiss" miracles or overlook them entirely if we are not spiritually attentive. We can "explain away" the influence of God, and many in the world strive to do this. We can also overlook His hand in our lives; Elder Rasband warns that most of us "have witnessed miracles, more than you realize." I think God is displeased when we fail to acknowledge His influence! Truly, we should learn to recognize it, and to amplify its presence in our daily lives.

 

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder Neil L. Andersen on finding faith in the passing of loved ones

Elder Neil L. Andersen (born August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"Each of us has been affected by the worldwide pandemic, as family and friends have unexpectedly moved beyond mortality....

"The Lord has said, 'Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die.' (D&C 42:45)

"While we weep, we also rejoice in the glorious Resurrection of our Savior. Because of Him, our loved ones and friends continue their eternal journey. As President Joseph F. Smith explained: 'We can not forget them; we do not cease to love them. … They have advanced; we are advancing; we are growing as they have grown.' President Russell M. Nelson said, 'Our tears of sorrow … turn to tears of anticipation.'"

- Neil L. Andersen, "The Personal Journey of a Child of God," General Conference April 2021 Saturday morning

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us have lost people who are close to us, or at least with whom we're acquainted. Elder Andersen helps us ponder how our knowledge and understanding of God's eternal plan for us enables us to deal with losses.

Weeping is a part of loss. President Nelson said, "Moreover, we can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." ("Doors of Death," Conference April 1992.)  But hope and confidence can accompany the sorrow of loss. Having an  understanding of the doctrine of the Resurrection of the Savior, and a testimony of its power, will bless us as we learn to move forward.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on the blessings of the covenant path

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (born January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"What is the covenant path? It is the one path that leads to the celestial kingdom of God. We embark upon the path at the gate of baptism and then 'press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men [the two great commandments] … to the end.' (2 Ne 31:20.) In the course of the covenant path (which, by the way, extends beyond mortality), we receive all the ordinances and covenants pertaining to salvation and exaltation.

"Our overarching covenant commitment is to do God’s will 'and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us.' (Mosiah 5:5.) Following the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ day by day is the happiest and most satisfying course in life. For one thing, a person avoids a great many problems and regrets. Let me use a sports analogy. In tennis, there is something called unforced errors. These are things such as hitting a playable ball into the net or double-faulting when serving. Unforced errors are considered the result of a player’s blunder rather than being caused by the opponent’s skill.

"Too often our problems or challenges are self-inflicted, the result of poor choices, or, we could say, the result of 'unforced errors.' When we are diligently pursuing the covenant path, we quite naturally avoid many 'unforced errors.' We sidestep the various forms of addiction. We do not fall into the ditch of dishonest conduct. We cross over the abyss of immorality and infidelity. We bypass the people and things that, even if popular, would jeopardize our physical and spiritual well-being. We avoid the choices that harm or disadvantage others and instead acquire the habits of self-discipline and service.

"Elder J. Golden Kimball is purported to have said, 'I may not have [always] walked the straight and narrow, but I [try] to cross it as often as I [can].' In a more serious moment, I am sure Brother Kimball would agree that staying on, not just crossing, the covenant path is our greatest hope for avoiding avoidable misery on the one hand and successfully dealing with the unavoidable woes of life on the other."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Why the Covenant Path," General Conference April 2021, Sunday afternoon session

Elder Christofferson's message reviewed the concept of the "covenant path" and discussed the opportunities and blessings that come along the way.

The application of the tennis concept of an "unforced error" is one I had not considered before. Most of our errors are indeed "unforced" - it's our own choice that brings about the stumble, the mistake. But we also have the choice to correct the error and move forward in better ways. And we can avoid many of those errors as we more carefully "follow the covenant path" in our lives.

We used to hear more about "the strait and narrow path" in our Gospel discussions. I think this emphasis of "covenant path" helps us to remember the importance of sacred covenants that are the keys to getting on that path and remaining firmly on it, so we're not just "crossing" the path now and then but carefully and diligently pressing forward.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder David A. Bednar on doctrines and principles

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"Stated succinctly, a gospel principle is a doctrinally based guideline for the righteous exercise of moral agency. Principles derive from broader gospel truths and provide direction and standards as we press forward on the covenant path....

"Learning, understanding, and living gospel principles strengthen our faith in the Savior, deepen our devotion to Him, and invite a multitude of blessings and spiritual gifts into our lives. Principles of righteousness also help us to look beyond our personal preferences and self-centered desires by providing the precious perspective of eternal truth as we navigate the different circumstances, challenges, decisions, and experiences of mortality....

"Gospel principles are for me and you what a helm is to a ship. Correct principles enable us to find our way and to stand firm, steadfast, and immovable so we do not lose our balance and fall in the raging latter-day storms of darkness and confusion."

- David A. Bednar, "The Principles of My Gospel," General Conference April 2021, Sunday afternoon

In this talk during the April 2021 General Conference, Elder Bednar reviewed one of the crucial aspects of the Gospel: the distinction between doctrines, principles, and guidelines. He described the critical importance of learning, understanding, and living the principles, and benefits that come from doing so:

Using examples from previous leaders, he illustrated his message:

• Joseph Smith, the fundamental message about how he would "teach... correct principles and let [the church members] govern themselves."
• Dallin H. Oaks and his illustrative messages about how principles apply to Aaronic Priesthood duties.
• Russell M. Nelson's recent insights about both the "sign" we give to God as we respect the Sabbath, and the concept from the last conference of letting God prevail in our lives.

It's always very worthwhile to ponder what the guiding principles are in our lives, especially the doctrinally-based ones. The more we understand about the principle itself and the doctrine underlying it, the more power we will find in obeying and following.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the power of the Savior's infinite Atonement

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"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 cleansing gift of repentance allows us to leave our sins behind and emerge a new creature.

"Because of Jesus Christ, our failures do not have to define us. They can refine us.

"Like a musician rehearsing scales, we can see our missteps, flaws, and sins as opportunities for greater self-awareness, deeper and more honest love for others, and refinement through repentance.

"If we repent, mistakes do not disqualify us. They are part of our progress.

"We are all infants compared to the beings of glory and grandeur we are designed to become. No mortal being advances from crawling to walking to running without frequent stumbles, bumps, and bruises. That is how we learn.

"If we earnestly keep practicing, always striving to keep God’s commandments, and committing our efforts to repenting, enduring, and applying what we learn, line upon line, we will gather light into our souls. (See D&C 50:24.) And though we may not fully comprehend our full potential now, 'we know that, when [the Savior] shall appear,' we will see His countenance in us and 'shall see him as he is' (1 John 3:2),

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "God among Us," General Conference April 2021 Saturday morning

Is God real? Can His influence be felt among us? Can He bless and help us in our struggles and trials from day to day? Elder Uchtdorf bears testimony of the reality of His presence, and His willingness to offer us all the blessings of eternity. Through His infinite Atonement, we can receive forgiveness from sin; but we can also feel the power of ongoing growth and progress as we confront our own shortcomings:

Most of us are pretty good at making mistakes, like a beginning student working on fundamental scales. But most of us are not as good at turning those mistakes into progress! We become easily discouraged by our lack of proficiency, our lack of progress; we do not have the ability to turn those "failures" into refining. It is only in and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that such things are possible. His grace is sufficient to enable us to move forward with joy, even when we occasionally stumble. We truly can turn those things into more love for others and greater awareness of our own divine natures.

 

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on the great needs of our time

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Brothers and sisters, we do see too much conflict, anger, and general incivility around us. Fortunately, the current generation has not had a Third World War to fight, nor have we experienced a global economic crash like the one in 1929 leading to a Great Depression. We are, however, facing a kind of Third World War that is not a fight to crush our enemies but a conscription marshaling the children of God to care more about each other and to help heal the wounds we find in a conflicted world. The Great Depression we now face has less to do with the external loss of our savings and more to do with the internal loss of our self-confidence, with real deficits of faith and hope and charity all around us. But the instruments we need to create a brighter day and grow an economy of genuine goodness in society are abundantly provided for in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We cannot afford—and this world cannot afford—our failure to put these gospel concepts and fortifying covenants to full use personally and publicly.

"So, in a world 'tossed with tempest, and not comforted,' as Jehovah said it would be, how do we find what He called 'the covenant of … peace'? We find it by turning to Him who said He would have mercy on us and 'with everlasting kindness' would grant peace to our children. In spite of frightful prophecies and unsettling scriptures declaring that peace will be taken from the earth generally, the prophets, including our own beloved Russell M. Nelson, have taught that it does not have to be taken from us individually!"

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Not as the World Giveth," General Conference April 2021, Saturday afternoon

Elder Holland's talk was among those in this conference that reflected deeply on the challenges of our times. But it's not just social turmoil and viral outbreaks that present concerns. It's the moral decay and spiritual challenges of our time that are also deeply concerning. The "search for peace" has perhaps never been more difficult, but never more important to our safety and progress.

The "gospel concepts and fortifying covenants" Elder Holland describes are the key to our search. Through them we can find the otherwise elusive confidence and peace. As we "apply the healing balm of the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ" in our lives and families, we will find that peace.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)