Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on simple acts of kindness and love

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.

"In a recent message of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Music and the Spoken Word, a story was told about an elderly man and woman who had been married for many decades. Because the wife was slowly losing her sight, she could no longer take care of herself the way she had done for so many years. Without being asked, the husband began to paint her fingernails for her.

"'He knew that she could see her fingernails when she held them close to her eyes, at just the right angle, and they made her smile. He liked to see her happy, so he kept painting her nails for more than five years before she passed away.' ('Selflessness,' Sept. 23, 2007, broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word)

"That is an example of the pure love of Christ. Sometimes the greatest love is not found in the dramatic scenes that poets and writers immortalize. Often, the greatest manifestations of love are the simple acts of kindness and caring we extend to those we meet along the path of life.

"True love lasts forever. It is eternally patient and forgiving. It believes, hopes, and endures all things. That is the love our Heavenly Father bears for us."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Great Commandment," General Conference, October 2007
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

How do we manifest love to each other? Is it only in "dramatic scenes" and elaborate expressions? Elder Wirthlin suggests that the greatest manifestations are in small, simple acts of service and kindness:

This is a great message to ponder. While we do know that our Savior and Heavenly Father have manifested love to us in dramatic ways, including the eternal Atonement of Jesus Christ, perhaps there are also simpler "acts of kindness and caring" we receive from divine sources. And if so, how do we emulate them? Acts of forgiveness, encouragement, support, and generosity are certainly a part of the love we should manifest in our interactions with one another.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on learning to be of good cheer in life

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"My brothers and sisters, we are living in a time in which we shall see things both wonderful and awful. There is no way that we can be a part of the last days and have it otherwise. Even so, we are instructed by our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, to 'be of good cheer.' (D&C 61:36; D&C 78:18.)

"Jesus has given that same instruction to others before, when the stressful circumstances in which they found themselves were anything but cheerful. For instance, he told the original Twelve to be of good cheer when, on the surface, there was nothing to be cheerful about. (John 16:33.) The indescribable agonies of Gethsemane were imminent. Judas’s betrayal lay immediately ahead.

"Likewise, Jesus’ arrest and arraignment. The Twelve would be scattered like sheep. Jesus’ unjust and mocking trial and His terrible scourging were but hours away. The shrill and disappointing cry of the mob—to release Barabbas instead of Jesus—would soon echo in the air. Then would come the final, awful moments on Calvary!

"Therefore, how could Jesus expect the Twelve to be of good cheer? Because, the Savior said, 'In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.' (John 16:33; italics added.)"

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Be of Good Cheer," General Conference October 1982
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

"Things both wonderful and awful"—certainly a very accurate description of our time. It's easy to get caught up on the "awful" part of life and of the world around us; and perhaps that is part of the challenge we are being warned against in this message:

Truly, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves, there are always wonderful things to be recognized and for which to be grateful. The key, according to Elder Maxwell, is to recognize that the Savior has overcome the world; the "awful" parts are replaced by the true and lasting joy that He offers. Therefore, He can instruct and invite us to "be of good cheer" because that cheerfulness is available in and through Him. Elder Maxwell's talk is worth reviewing to discover many wonderful suggestions on bringing that power and perspective into our lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Ezra Taft Benson on learning according to our spiritual maturity

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"God has to work through mortals of varying degrees of spiritual progress. Sometimes he temporarily grants to men their unwise requests in order that they might learn from their own sad experiences. Some refer to this as the 'Samuel principle.' The children of Israel wanted a king like all the other nations. The prophet Samuel was displeased and prayed to the Lord about it. The Lord responded by saying, Samuel, 'they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.' The Lord told Samuel to warn the people of the consequences if they had a king. Samuel gave them the warning. But they still insisted on their king. So God gave them a king and let them suffer. They learned the hard way. God wanted it to be otherwise, but within certain bounds he grants unto men according to their desires. Bad experiences are an expensive school that only fools keep going to. (See 1 Sam. 8.)

"Sometimes in our attempts to mimic the world, and contrary to the prophet’s counsel, we run after the world’s false educational, political, musical, and dress ideas. New worldly standards take over, a gradual breakdown occurs, and finally, after much suffering, a humble people are ready to be taught once again a higher law."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations," BYU devotional Dec 10, 1974; see also Ensign Dec. 1988 p. 2
Click here to read or listen to the whole talk on the BYU website
Click here to read the whole talk on the Ensign website

President Benson talks about what he calls "The Samuel Principle"—God sometimes allows us to have bad experiences, or to see the results of our bad choices "within certain bounds" when we ask Him for help, in order that we learn a lesson in life.

The statement "God has to work through mortals of varying degrees of spiritual progress" is intriguing. As we struggle in the beginning stages of our growth, our maturity or responsiveness may limit how He can work with us. When we progress further, He is able to work differently. But in those beginning stages, as President Benson notes, we are often tempted to "mimic the world" and make choices that conflict with prophetic counsel in areas such as "false educational, political, musical, and dress ideas." Those bad decisions have their consequences. We only hope that we learn the lessons and repent quickly to minimize the suffering that may result! It requires a "humble people" to be ready to receive the "higher law."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Boyd K. Packer on help to confront the world's challenges

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"The gift of the Holy Ghost, if you consent, will guide and protect you and even correct your actions. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought or a feeling put into your heart. The prophet Enos said, 'The voice of the Lord came into my mind' (Enos 1:10). And the Lord told Oliver Cowdery, 'Behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you' (D&C 8:2).

"It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the Church....

"Youth today are being raised in enemy territory with a declining standard of morality. But as a servant of the Lord, I promise that you will be protected and shielded from the attacks of the adversary if you will heed the promptings that come from the Holy Spirit.

"Dress modestly; talk reverently; listen to uplifting music. Avoid all immorality and personally degrading practices. Take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant. Because we depend so much on you, you will be remarkably blessed. You are never far from the sight of your loving Heavenly Father."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Counsel to Youth," General Conference, October 2011
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

As the title of the talk indicates, President Packer was addressing his remarks primarily to youth, encouraging them to deal with the challenges of their lives in the best ways. It is a great key to learn to listen to the voice of the Holy Ghost, particularly when challenges and temptations come; President Packer reminds us all that the Spirit will always warn us before we make critical mistakes as long as we are worthy and willing to listen.

Our modern times present a setting where we are in "enemy territory" and facing "a declining standard of morality." But President Packer promises protection to those who heed spiritual promptings. In order to be worthy of such support, he counsels:

It's interesting to ponder how our choices influence the ability of the Holy Ghost to bless us. How we look, how we speak, what kind of music fills our minds—these things influence us more than we realize.

This was counsel of bold action: "Take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant." We must be determined and firm in deciding to control our own destiny.  But President Packer's promise is clear: our "loving Heavenly Father" will never be far from us.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder LeGrand Richards on the sacred gift of the Holy Ghost

Elder LeGrand Richards (1886-1983) served as the Presiding Bishop of the Church from 1938-1952, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He died in 1983 at age 96.

"I humbly pray that the Spirit of the Lord will sustain me while I address you here this afternoon and discuss with you a statement of the Prophet Joseph Smith when he visited President [Martin] Van Buren, president of the United States. The President asked the Prophet what difference there was between the Prophet’s church and the other churches of the world. The Prophet answered: 'We have the correct mode of baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.' Then he said: 'We considered that all other considerations were contained in the gift of the Holy Ghost'” (see History of the Church, 4:42).

"I would just like to mention a few things that occurred to me that we have by virtue of the Holy Ghost, which each of us, as members of the Church, receives by the laying on of hands by one who has the authority to thus administer that gift.

"To me, the gift of the Holy Ghost is as important to man as sunshine and water are to the plants. You take them away, and the plants would die. You take the Holy Ghost out of this Church, and this Church would not be any different than any other church. And it is manifest in so many ways in the lives and the devotion of the members of the Church."

- LeGrand Richards, "The Gift of the Holy Ghost," General Conference October 1979
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Understanding the role and function of the Holy Ghost, and having the Priesthood keys to confer that gift on worthy members, is truly a distinguishing feature of Latter-day Saint doctrine. Elder Richards shares his witness of the sacred nature of that gift and its importance to our spiritual progress:

Perhaps we take for granted how important that gift is for us, and how critical it is for our growth and progress in this life. Elder Richards expresses that there is no life without it. And all you have to do is look at "the lives and devotion of the members of the Church" to understand how vitalizing and motivating it is.

We truly need to carefully cultivate the gift of the Holy Ghost in our personal lives, providing the water and sunlight that will sustain growth. Those things represent, of course, the spiritual nourishment that must be a part of our daily lives. It doesn't do to water a plant once in a while, or to provide sunlight on occasion; true growth requires steady, ongoing supplies.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on eagerly serving one another

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. 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.

"If you come upon a person who is drowning, would you ask if they need help—or would it be better to just jump in and save them from the deepening waters? The offer, while well meaning and often given, 'Let me know if I can help' is really no help at all.

"We continue to learn the important value of being aware of and interested in the lives of those around us, learning not only the importance of giving help but also the overwhelming joy that comes from helping others....

"I would like to close with the words from a beloved hymn:

We are all enlisted till the conflict is o’er;
Happy are we! Happy are we!
Soldiers in the army, there’s a bright crown in store;
We shall win and wear it by and by. ('We Are All Enlisted,' Hymns, no. 250.)

"Brothers and sisters, it is my hope and prayer that we will continue to bear nobly our burdens and to reach out to those among us who are suffering and in need of being lifted and encouraged. May we each thank God for His blessings and renew our commitment to our Father in Heaven of humble service to His children."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Special Lessons," General Conference, April 2012
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

How do we respond when someone we know or care about is in need? Elder Rasband comments on the frequent statement, "Let me know if there is anything I can do to help." He suggests that while that is a sincere and well-meaning sentiment, an even better approach is to just find some way to jump in and do something that would be valuable to the person in need:

There are always those around us who are "suffering and in need of being lifted and encouraged." We should always be aware and prayerful, seeking for ways to help and lift. And in so doing, "overwhelming joy" comes to us as a reward.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Thomas S. Monson on finding happiness at home

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley and then became Church president in 2008. He led the Church for almost a decade until his passing in January 2018.

"'Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.' (Joseph Smith, TPJS 255-6)

"This description of such a universal goal was provided by the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was relevant then. It is relevant now. With such a clear road map to follow, why then are there so many unhappy people? Frequently, frowns outnumber smiles and despair dampens joy. We live so far below the level of our divine possibilities. Some become confused by materialism, entangled by sin, and lost among the passing parade of humanity. Others cry out in the words of the convert of Philip of old: 'How can I [find my way], except some man should guide me?' (Acts 8:31)

"Happiness does not consist of a glut of luxury, the world's idea of a 'good time.' Nor must we search for it in faraway places with strange-sounding names. Happiness is found at home....

"Happy homes come in a variety of appearances. Some feature large families with father, mother, brothers, and sisters living together in a spirit of love. Others consist of a single parent with one or two children, while other homes have but one occupant. There are, however, identifying features which are to be found in a happy home, whatever the number or description of its family members. I refer to these as 'Hallmarks of a Happy Home.' They consist of:

"1. A pattern of prayer.
"2. A library of learning.
"3. A legacy of love.
"4. A treasury of testimony."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Hallmarks of a Happy Home," Ensign, Oct 2001, pp. 2-8
Click here to read the full article

President Monson asks a very interesting question: Why are there so many unhappy people? We are all seeking happiness in life, but most of us "live so far below the level of our divine possibilities." President Monson comments on some of the causes:

• some become confused by materialism
• entangled by sin
• lost among the passing parade of humanity

I've certainly seen examples of each of these around me, and to some extent, have felt their impact in my own life. It's a challenging world! But happiness is available to us, if we look in the right place and in the right way. And President Monson suggests that the home is the place to look for happiness.

President Monson then goes on to expand upon those "Hallmarks of a Happy Home" in his discourse, giving further insights into how they can be implemented to help increase our level of happiness in our families and our personal lives. Very worthwhile counsel! Another prophet taught that "wickedness never was happiness' (Alma 41:10); truly, happiness follows righteous choices and actions in life.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)