By Union of Feeling We Obtain Pow'r With God

In 1842, the Saints were working hard to build the Nauvoo Temple. After the founding of the Relief Society in March, the Prophet Joseph often came to their meetings to prepare them for the sacred, unifying covenants they would soon make in the temple.

On June 9, the Prophet “said he was going to preach mercy[.] Supposing that Jesus Christ and [the] angels should object to us on frivolous things, what would become of us? We must be merciful and overlook small things.” President Smith continued, “It grieves me that there is no fuller fellowship—if one member suffer all feel it—by union of feeling we obtain pow’r with God.” 

By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power With God, Sharon Eubank, October 2020 General Conference

“Minutes and Discourse, 9 June 1842,” 61, Joseph Smith Papers, josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/minutes-and-discourse-9-june-1842/1.

 When I realized I was spiritually face-blind, I started to follow Mormon’s counsel to pray “with all the energy of heart” to be filled with the love promised His disciples—my love for Him and His love for me—and to “see him as he is … and have this hope.” I prayed for years to be able to follow the first great commandment to love God and to feel that “first great truth … that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength.”

Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus

October 2023

General Conference

Robert M. Daines

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/13daines?lang=eng&verse=#p

 

Why I liked it: 

I have thought frequently how to be a better Bishop, a better Husband, a better Father realized how far off such aspirations are.  Moroni 7:48 is my answer to becoming more of a disciple.  

why for years she only ever wore the same two old skirts

 As a young boy, I often saw my mom as the rule maker. She decided when I could play and when I had to go to bed or, worse, pull weeds in the yard.

She obviously loved me. But too often and to my shame, I saw her only as “She Who Must Be Obeyed.”

Only years later did I come to see her as a real person. I am embarrassed that I never really noticed her sacrifice or wondered why for years she only ever wore the same two old skirts (while I got new school clothes) or why, at the end of the day, she was so tired and eager for me to go to bed early.

Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus

October 2023

General Conference

Robert M. Daines

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/13daines?lang=eng&verse=#p

Their steady, quiet, and typically unrecognized sustaining influence makes possible the blessing of many individuals and families in ways that will be fully known only in eternity.

The phrase “in the path of their duty” describes spouses and children who support a companion, parent, or child who serves in a leadership position in the Lord’s restored Church. Their steady, quiet, and typically unrecognized sustaining influence makes possible the blessing of many individuals and families in ways that will be fully known only in eternity.

In the Path of Their Duty

October 2023

General Conference

David A. Bednar

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/11bednar?lang=eng&verse=#p

Most of the best people who ever lived weren’t very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly

 In 1990, President Howard W. Hunter, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, delivered a message about the indispensable contributions of countless Church members who serve diligently and faithfully and who receive little or no public acknowledgment or acclaim.

President Hunter explained:

“It was said [about the young and valiant Captain Moroni]:

“‘If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men’ (Alma 48:17).

“What a compliment to a famous and powerful man. … Two verses later is a statement about Helaman and his brethren, who played a less conspicuous role than Moroni, that reads:

“‘Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni’ (Alma 48:19).”

President Hunter continued, “In other words, even though Helaman was not as noticeable or conspicuous as Moroni, he was as serviceable; that is, he was as helpful or useful as Moroni.”

President Hunter then counseled all of us to be no less serviceable. He said: “If you feel that much of what you do this year or in the years to come does not make you very famous, take heart. Most of the best people who ever lived weren’t very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly.”

In the Path of Their Duty

October 2023

General Conference

David A. Bednar

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/11bednar?lang=eng&verse=#p

Howard W. Hunter, “No Less Serviceable,” 6.