Charity Definition

I have always loved your Relief Society motto: “Charity never faileth.”8 What is charity? The prophet Mormon teaches us that “charity is the pure love of Christ.”9 In his farewell message to the Lamanites, Moroni declared, “Except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God.”10

I consider charity—or “the pure love of Christ”—to be the opposite of criticism and judging. In speaking of charity, I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.

I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.

There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere.

Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate one may be benefited. The American educator and politician Horace Mann once said, “To pity distress is but human; to relieve it is godlike.”11

Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others.

Charity, that pure love of Christ, is manifest when a group of young women from a singles ward travels hundreds of miles to attend the funeral services for the mother of one of their Relief Society sisters. Charity is shown when devoted visiting teachers return month after month, year after year to the same uninterested, somewhat critical sister. It is evident when an elderly widow is remembered and taken to ward functions and to Relief Society activities. It is felt when the sister sitting alone in Relief Society receives the invitation, “Come—sit by us.”

In a hundred small ways, all of you wear the mantle of charity. Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.

Charity has been defined as “the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love,”12 the “pure love of Christ … ; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with [her].”13

“Charity never faileth.” May this long-enduring Relief Society motto, this timeless truth, guide you in everything you do. May it permeate your very souls and find expression in all your thoughts and actions.

Thomas S. Monson, “Charity Never Faileth,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 122–25

5 Fundamental Principles to Fortify Our Youth

Our Church leaders have counseled us to establish righteous patterns in our homes. Consider five fundamental practices that have the power to fortify our youth: family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, family dinner together, and regular one-on-one interviews with each child.


Larry R. Lawrence, “Courageous Parenting,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 98–100

Prematurely Pairing Off With a Boyfriend or Girlfriend Is Dangerous

Prematurely pairing off with a boyfriend or girlfriend is dangerous. Becoming a “couple” creates emotional intimacy, which too often leads to physical intimacy. Satan knows this sequence and uses it to his advantage. He will do whatever he can to keep young men from serving missions and to prevent temple marriages.

It is vital that parents have the courage to speak up and intervene before Satan succeeds. President Boyd K. Packer has taught that “when morality is involved, we have both the right and the obligation to raise a warning voice.”4

Larry R. Lawrence, “Courageous Parenting,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 98–100

A Priesthood Injunction

These four words—“Receive the Holy Ghost”—are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction—an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26)


David A. Bednar, “Receive the Holy Ghost,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 94–98

I Wish I Could Speak Into the Ears of The Dead The Gratitude Which Was Due Them In Life

We often take for granted the very people who most deserve our gratitude. Let us not wait until it is too late for us to express that gratitude. Speaking of loved ones he had lost, one man declared his regret this way: “I remember those happy days, and often wish I could speak into the ears of the dead the gratitude which was due them in life, and so ill returned.”11

Thomas S. Monson, “The Divine Gift of Gratitude,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 87–90

The Savior Gave Thanks For What They Had--And a Miracle Followed

In the book of Matthew in the Bible, we have another account of gratitude, this time as an expression from the Savior. As He traveled in the wilderness for three days, more than 4,000 people followed and traveled with Him. He took compassion on them, for they may not have eaten during the entire three days. His disciples, however, questioned, “Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?” Like many of us, the disciples saw only what was lacking.

“And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And [the disciples] said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

“And [Jesus] commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

“And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.”

Notice that the Savior gave thanks for what they had—and a miracle followed: “And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.”4

We have all experienced times when our focus is on what we lack rather than on our blessings. Said the Greek philosopher Epictetus, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”5

Thomas S. Monson, “The Divine Gift of Gratitude,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 87–90

Two Lines of Communication

Our Heavenly Father has given His children two lines of communication with Him—what we may call the personal line and the priesthood line. All should understand and be guided by both of these essential lines of communication.
....

The personal line is of paramount importance in personal decisions and in the governance of the family. Unfortunately, some members of our church underestimate the need for this direct, personal line. Responding to the undoubted importance of prophetic leadership—the priesthood line, which operates principally to govern heavenly communications on Church matters—some seek to have their priesthood leaders make personal decisions for them, decisions they should make for themselves by inspiration through their personal line. Personal decisions and family governance are principally a matter for the personal line.


Dallin H. Oaks, “Two Lines of Communication,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 83–86

In This Way We Qualify For the Promise That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be With Us

The direct, personal channel of communication to our Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost is based on worthiness and is so essential that we are commanded to renew our covenants by partaking of the sacrament each Sabbath day. In this way we qualify for the promise that we may always have His Spirit to be with us, to guide us.


Dallin H. Oaks, “Two Lines of Communication,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 83–86

See Also:
By These Means Only May the Spirit of God Become An Abiding Part

[The Book of Mormon] Is Saturated With The Spirit of the Lord

This book(Book of Mormon) is saturated with the Spirit of the Lord.

Jay E. Jensen, “The Holy Ghost and Revelation,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 77–79

The Twin Principles of Repentance and Forgiveness Exceed In Strength the Awesome Power of the Tempter

Every soul confined in a prison of sin, guilt, or perversion has a key to the gate. The key is labeled “repentance.” If you know how to use this key, the adversary cannot hold you. The twin principles of repentance and forgiveness exceed in strength the awesome power of the tempter. If you are bound by a habit or an addiction that is unworthy, you must stop conduct that is harmful. Angels will coach you,19 and priesthood leaders will guide you through those difficult times

Boyd K. Packer, “Cleansing the Inner Temple,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 74–77 

A Beautiful Young Woman Whose Greatest Desire Is To Bond With You In a Relationship That is Eternal and Everlasting

Young men, now is the time to prepare for the future. And in that future for most of you is a beautiful young woman whose greatest desire is to bond with you in a relationship that is eternal and everlasting.

You will know no greater happiness than that found in your home. You will have no more serious obligation than that which you face in your home. The truest mark of your success in life will be the quality of your marriage.

Author: Gordon B. Hinckley
Title: Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry
Where: Ensign, May 1998, 49

To Legalize That Which Is Basically Wrong or Evil Will Not Prevent the Pain And Penalties That Will Follow As Surely As Night Follows Day.

There are both moral and physical laws “irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world” that cannot be changed.17 History demonstrates over and over again that moral standards cannot be changed by battle and cannot be changed by ballot. To legalize that which is basically wrong or evil will not prevent the pain and penalties that will follow as surely as night follows day.

Regardless of the opposition, we are determined to stay on course. We will hold to the principles and laws and ordinances of the gospel. If they are misunderstood either innocently or willfully, so be it. We cannot change; we will not change the moral standard. We quickly lose our way when we disobey the laws of God. If we do not protect and foster the family, civilization and our liberties must needs perish.

Boyd K. Packer, “Cleansing the Inner Temple,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 74–77

See Also
We Did Not Make The Rules; They Were Revealed as Commandments

Priesthood Can Protect You From The Plague of Pornography

The dreadful influence of pornography is like unto a plague sweeping across the world, infecting one here and one there, relentlessly trying to invade every home, most frequently through the husband and father. The effect of this plague can be, unfortunately often is, spiritually fatal. Lucifer seeks to disrupt “the great plan of redemption,”11 “the great plan of happiness.”12

Pornography will always repel the Spirit of Christ and will interrupt the communications between our Heavenly Father and His children and disrupt the tender relationship between husband and wife.

The priesthood holds consummate power. It can protect you from the plague of pornography—and it is a plague—if you are succumbing to its influence. If one is obedient, the priesthood can show how to break a habit and even erase an addiction. Holders of the priesthood have that authority and should employ it to combat evil influences.

Boyd K. Packer, “Cleansing the Inner Temple,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 74–77

Our Agency Is More Powerful Than The Adversary's Will

The old saying “The Lord is voting for me, and Lucifer is voting against me, but it is my vote that counts” describes a doctrinal certainty that our agency is more powerful than the adversary’s will. Agency is precious. We can foolishly, blindly give it away, but it cannot be forcibly taken from us.

There is also an age-old excuse: “The devil made me do it.” Not so! He can deceive you and mislead you, but he does not have the power to force you or anyone else to transgress or to keep you in transgression.

Boyd K. Packer, “Cleansing the Inner Temple,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 74–77

The Prophets and Apostles Have Always Been Shown What To Do

The prophets and apostles have always been shown what to do.

Boyd K. Packer, “Cleansing the Inner Temple,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 74–77

It Is Easier To Keep the Commandments 100 Percent of the Time Than It Is 98 Percent of the Time

In closing may I share with you an example of one who determined early in life what his goals would be. I speak of Brother Clayton M. Christensen, a member of the Church who is a professor of business administration in the business school at Harvard University.

When he was 16 years old, Brother Christensen decided, among other things, that he would not play sports on Sunday. Years later, when he attended Oxford University in England, he played center on the basketball team. That year they had an undefeated season and went through to the British equivalent of what in the United States would be the NCAA basketball tournament.

They won their games fairly easily in the tournament, making it to the final four. It was then that Brother Christensen looked at the schedule and, to his absolute horror, saw that the final basketball game was scheduled to be played on a Sunday. He and the team had worked so hard to get where they were, and he was the starting center. He went to his coach with his dilemma. His coach was unsympathetic and told Brother Christensen he expected him to play in the game.

Prior to the final game, however, there was a semifinal game. Unfortunately, the backup center dislocated his shoulder, which increased the pressure on Brother Christensen to play in the final game. He went to his hotel room. He knelt down. He asked his Heavenly Father if it would be all right, just this once, if he played that game on Sunday. He said that before he had finished praying, he received the answer: “Clayton, what are you even asking me for? You know the answer.”

He went to his coach, telling him how sorry he was that he wouldn’t be playing in the final game. Then he went to the Sunday meetings in the local ward while his team played without him. He prayed mightily for their success. They did win.

That fateful, difficult decision was made more than 30 years ago. Brother Christensen has said that as time has passed, he considers it one of the most important decisions he ever made. It would have been very easy to have said, “You know, in general, keeping the Sabbath day holy is the right commandment, but in my particular extenuating circumstance, it’s okay, just this once, if I don’t do it.” However, he says his entire life has turned out to be an unending stream of extenuating circumstances, and had he crossed the line just that once, then the next time something came up that was so demanding and critical, it would have been so much easier to cross the line again. The lesson he learned is that it is easier to keep the commandments 100 percent of the time than it is 98 percent of the time.13

Thomas S. Monson, “The Three Rs of Choice,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 67–70

Supplement with the quote from Elder Richard G. Scott of this same conference.

If We Make the Wrong Choice We Have No One To Blame But Ourselves

 Brethren, whether we are 12-year-old deacons or mature high priests, we are susceptible....

No temptation, no pressure, no enticing can overcome us unless we allow such. If we make the wrong choice, we have no one to blame but ourselves. President Brigham Young once expressed this truth by relating it to himself. Said he: “If Brother Brigham shall take a wrong track, and be shut out of the Kingdom of heaven, no person will be to blame but Brother Brigham. I am the only being in heaven, earth, or hell, that can be blamed.” He continued: “This will equally apply to every Latter-day Saint. Salvation is an individual operation.”8

Thomas S. Monson, “The Three Rs of Choice,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 67–70

Decisions Do Determine Destiny

For by choosing our path, we choose our destination.

Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed—the courage to say no, the courage to say yes. Decisions do determine destiny.

I plead with you to make a determination right here, right now, not to deviate from the path which will lead to our goal: eternal life with our Father in Heaven. Along that straight and true path there are other goals: missionary service, temple marriage, Church activity, scripture study, prayer, temple work. There are countless worthy goals to reach as we travel through life. Needed is our commitment to reach them.

Thomas S. Monson, “The Three Rs of Choice,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 67–70

Satan's Plan

[Satan] insisted that with his plan none would be lost, but he seemed not to recognize—or perhaps not to care—that in addition, none would be any wiser, any stronger, any more compassionate, or any more grateful if his plan were followed.

Thomas S. Monson, “The Three Rs of Choice,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 67–70

Whenever Darkness Fills Our Minds, We May Know That We Are Not Possessed of The Spirit of God

“Whenever darkness fills our minds, we may know that we are not possessed of the Spirit of God. … When we are filled with the Spirit of God we are filled with joy, with peace, and with happiness, no matter what our circumstances may be; for it is a spirit of cheerfulness and of happiness. The Lord has given unto us the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is our privilege to have that Holy Ghost reign within us, so that from morning till night and from night till morning we shall have the joy, the light and the revelation thereof.”8

Henry B. Eyring, “Serve with the Spirit,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 59–62

George Q. Cannon, in Brian H. Stuy, comp., Collected Discourses Delivered by President Wilford Woodruff, His Two Counselors, the Twelve Apostles, and Others, 5 vols. (1987–92), 4:137.

We Discover Humility by Thinking Less About Ourselves

Some suppose that humility is about beating ourselves up. Humility does not mean convincing ourselves that we are worthless, meaningless, or of little value. Nor does it mean denying or withholding the talents God has given us. We don’t discover humility by thinking less of ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about ourselves. It comes as we go about our work with an attitude of serving God and our fellowman.


Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Pride and the Priesthood,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 55–58

Too Hurried to Serve

Let me illustrate this with a story from the Church News:
“A group of religion instructors [were] taking a summer course on the life of the Savior and focusing particularly on the parables.
“When the final exam time came, … the students arrived at the classroom to find a note that the exam would be given in another building across campus. Moreover, the note said, it must be finished within the two-hour time period that was starting almost at that moment.
“The students hurried across campus. On the way they passed a little girl crying over a flat tire on her new bike. An old man hobbled painfully toward the library with a cane in one hand, spilling books from a stack he was trying to manage with the other. On a bench by the union building sat a shabbily dressed, bearded man [in obvious distress].
“Rushing into the other classroom, the students were met by the professor, who announced they had all flunked the final exam.
“The only true test of whether they understood the Savior’s life and teaching, he said, was how they treated people in need.
“Their weeks of study at the feet of a capable professor had taught them a great deal of what Christ had said and done.” 8 In their haste to finish the technicalities of the course, however, they failed to recognize the application represented by the three scenes that had been deliberately staged. They learned the letter but not the spirit. Their neglect of the little girl and the two men showed that the profound message of the course had not entered into their inward parts.

James E. Faust, “‘Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart’,” Ensign, May 1998, 17

Character Is Not Developed In Moments of Great Challenge or Temptation. That Is When It Is Intended To Be Used

Character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is intended to be used.

Richard G. Scott, “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 43–46 

Satan's Final Destiny Was Fixed By Jesus Christ Through His Atonement and The Ressurection

Satan’s increasing influence in the world is allowed to provide an atmosphere in which to prove ourselves. While he causes havoc today, Satan’s final destiny was fixed by Jesus Christ through His Atonement and the Resurrection. The devil will not triumph. Even now he must operate within the bounds set by the Lord. He cannot take away any blessing that has been earned. He cannot alter character that has been woven from righteous decisions. He has no power to destroy the eternal bonds forged in a holy temple between a husband, wife, and children. He cannot quench true faith. He cannot take away your testimony. Yes, these things can be lost by succumbing to his temptations. But he has no power in and of himself to destroy them.

Richard G. Scott, “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 43–46 

In Time One Who Makes Decisions Based Upon Circumstance Is Virtually Assured to Commit Serious Transgressions

In time one who makes decisions based upon circumstance is virtually assured to commit serious transgressions. There is no iron rod of truth to keep that person in the right way. He or she will continually be faced with many subtle temptations to make deviations from the commandments. Those choices are justified by arguing that they are not that bad, that they are more socially acceptable and provide a broader base of friends. A clever individual without foundation principles can at times acquire, temporarily, impressive accomplishments. Yet that attainment is like a sand castle. When the test of character comes, it crumbles, often taking others with it.


Richard G. Scott, “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 43–46 

See Thomas S. Monson Story about Clayton M. Christensen in the Priesthood Session of this Conference, to supplement this quote.

We Become What We Want to Be By Consistently Being What We Want To Become Each Day

We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day....You cannot be passive in life, or in time the natural man will undermine your efforts to live worthily. You become what you do and what you think about


Richard G. Scott, “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 43–46

A Story of Alexander Davydov

While accompanying President Dieter F. Uchtdorf to Eastern Europe last year, I marveled at the faith and courage of the Saints. One priesthood leader in Ukraine told us of being called to the branch presidency in the spring of 1994, only six months after his baptism. This would require becoming public with his faith and helping to register the Church in the city of Dnipropetrovs’k. It was at a time of uncertainty in Ukraine, and openly showing faith in Christ and in the restored gospel could mean difficulty, including the possibility of losing his job as a pilot.
The priesthood leader told us, “I prayed and prayed. I had a testimony, and I had made a covenant. I knew what the Lord wanted me to do.”31 Courageously, he and his wife went forward with faith, unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Neil L. Andersen, “Never Leave Him,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 39–42
From personal conversation and from a translated excerpt of an oral history by Alexander Davydov, recorded July 16, 2010.

A Choice of Peace and Protection and A Choice That Is Appropriate for All. That Choice Is Faith

Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism.


Richard C. Edgley, “Faith—the Choice Is Yours,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 31–33

Pornography, In Particular, Is A Weapon of Mass Moral Destruction

Pornography, in particular, is a weapon of mass moral destruction. Its impact is at the forefront in eroding moral values. Some TV programs and Internet sites are equally lethal. These evil forces remove light and hope from the world. The level of decadence is accelerating.5 If we do not black out evil from our homes and lives, do not be surprised if devastating moral explosions shatter the peace which is the reward for righteous living. Our responsibility is to be in the world but not of the world.



Quentin L. Cook, “Let There Be Light!,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 27–30

True Success In Life Comes In Consecrating Our Lives

True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes (see John 17:1, 4; D&C 19:19). In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny.

D. Todd Christofferson, “Reflections on a Consecrated Life,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 16–19

A Teacher's Attitude Is Not Taught It's Caught

A teacher’s attitude is not taught; it’s caught

David McCullough, “Teach Them What You Love” (address given in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah, May 9, 2009).

Missionary Service Is A Priesthood Duty

Missionary service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much. Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to represent the Lord. Maintain your health and strength. Study the scriptures. Where such is available, participate in seminary or institute. Familiarize yourself with the missionary handbook Preach My Gospel.

Thomas S. Monson, “As We Meet Together Again,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 4–6

The Sun Never Sets on This Kingdom

I was on a mission in the British Isles more than 70 years ago. Part of the British Empire was still intact. That empire was the most widely extended political family of nations on the face of the earth. It was said that the sun never set on the British Empire. The Union Jack flew around the world.

Great good came of that empire in many areas. But there was also tremendous suffering. It came as a result of conquest, oppression, war, and conflict. The remains of British soldiers were buried in graves around the earth.

Now it is all gone. Rudyard Kipling wrote of its demise in his “Recessional”:

Far-called, our navies melt away;

On dune and headland sinks the fire.

Lo, all our pomp of yesterday

Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!

(“God of Our Fathers, Known of Old,” Hymns, no. 80)

There is now another empire. It is the empire of Christ the Lord. It is the empire of the restored gospel. It is the kingdom of God. And the sun never sets on this kingdom. It has not come of conquest, of conflict, or war. It has come of peaceful persuasion, of testimony, of teaching, one here and another there.

Gordon B. Hinckley, Opening Remarks - Ensign Nov. 2005 - ensign

Scripture 2 Nephi 15:27

How Many of Us...Are Doing It?

How many of us, learning the will of the Father, are doing it? How many of us day by day are laying a foundation and building a structure that shall conform to the dignity of the stature of our Master?


Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith, 2010; Chapter 1: Living What We Believe; p.5

If You Do It To The Best Of Your Ability, Your Position Is Just As Important As Mine

In his first general conference address as President of the Church, [George Albert Smith] said to the Saints who had just sustained him, “I wonder if anyone else here feels as weak and humble as the man who stands before you.” He expressed similar feelings to members of his family: “I have not wanted this position. I have not felt equal to it. But it has come to me, and I will fill it to the best of my ability. I want you all to know that, whatever you are doing in the church, from [home] teaching to presiding over a stake, if you do it to the best of your ability, your position is just as important as mine.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith, 2010, p. xxxii

God's Plan Is That Every Young Man...Prepare Himself to Serve A Mission

God has a plan for missions—every able young man should serve a mission. Some young men do not want to work that hard or would rather get married, go to college, get a job, or do nothing. But God’s plan is that every young man who is physically and mentally capable prepare himself to serve a mission.

Stanley G. Ellis, The Book of Mormon and Gods Plan for Us - Ensign Jan. 2012

If You Love the Lord, If You Love His Doctrine, You'll...Sing [the Hymns].

If you love the Lord, if you love his doctrine, you’ll love the hymns. And when you love them, you sing them.

Thomas S. Monson; Worship the Lord by Singing Hymns - Ensign Jan. 2012

Initially Cleansed Through the Ordinances and Covenants Administered By the Authority of the Aaronic Priesthood

Just as a cucumber must be prepared and cleaned before it can be changed into a pickle, so you and I can be prepared with “the words of faith and of good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6) and initially cleansed through the ordinances and covenants administered by the authority of the Aaronic Priesthood.

David A. Bednar, “Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign, May 2007, 19–22

No One Between the Lord and The Sealer

Every member of the Church should read and study section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Do you realize that there is no one between the Lord and the sealer when he performs the sealing ordinance? It is a beautiful and a touching ceremony.

Robert D. Hales, A Little Heaven on Earth - Ensign Sept. 2011

We've Had Sever Children, None of Which We Could Afford

Don’t be afraid of marriage. I have been much more effective and much more able to accomplish things in my life with Barbara at my side than I ever would have been alone. Did we have hard times? Oh, yes. But they were some of the best times because we drew together, we prayed together, we worked together, we saw our way from one point of our lives on until today. We are so blessed that we’ve had seven children, none of which we could afford. You young people are very expensive. But don’t let that worry you. Pay your tithing. The Lord said that He’ll provide, He’ll make the way, and that was the case with us.

M. Russell Ballard, Preparing for the Future - Ensign Sept. 2011

The Goal of Goseple Teaching...The Aim is To Inspire

The goal of gospel teaching … is not to ‘pour information’ into the minds of class members. … The aim is to inspire the individual to think about, feel about, and then do something about living gospel principles (in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 107).


Thomas S. Monson; Quoted by Russell T. Osguthorpe, October 2009 General Conference                                              

Young Men, You Will Preside At Home And In The Church. But Be Humble Enough To Listen To And Learn From The Women In Your Life

Young men, your ordination to the priesthood is a grand privilege and responsibility, and not a license to dominate. Be unfailingly worthy to exercise this godly power, which is given you to be of service. A man is never more magnificent than when he is guided by the Spirit to honor the priesthood he holds.

If you will marry a virtuous woman who can hear the voice of the Lord, she will bless your life every day of your life. Consider Eve. She was the first to see that the fruit of the tree was good, and after partaking, she “gave unto her husband … , and he did eat.”¹⁶ Were it not for Eve, our progression would have ceased. Elder Dallin H. Oaks stated that her act was “a glorious necessity [that opened] the doorway toward eternal life. Adam showed his wisdom by doing the same.”¹⁷

Young men, you will preside at home and in the Church. But be humble enough to listen to and learn from the women in your life. They will provide insight, balance, and unique wisdom. And when challenges come, you will see how resilient a woman committed to God the Father and Jesus Christ is.

It Is Not Good for Man or Woman to Be Alone - Ensign Nov. 2001 - Sheri L. Dew

Courage, Not Compromise, Brings the Smile of God's Approval.

 Of course, we will face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but also as a determination to live decently. A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.

Thomas S. Monson, The Call for Courage - Ensign May 2004

Decisions Do Determine Destiny

Life’s journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, “No,” the courage to say, “Yes.” Decisions do determine destiny.


Thomas S. Monson, The Call for Courage - Ensign May 2004

 Granted, those with true hope still see their personal circumstances shaken at times—like a kaleidoscope. Yet with the “eye of faith,” even in their changed, proximate circumstances, they still see divine design (see Alma 5:15 ).

Hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ Neal A. Maxwell, October 1998 General Conference

Oh, The Church Will Take Care of That. I Pay My Fast Offering!

"We must take care of the poor. Said the Lord, 'The poor ye have with you always.' (See Mark 14:7; John 12:8.) There have always been poor and I guess there always will be poor until the Millennium. We must take care of them and we must have the facilities to do so. But we must be very careful not to overinstitutionalize that care. We must not shift the burden that we ought to carry in our own hearts of spreading kindness and love and help to others, to the institution, which at best, is impersonal.

"I do not want you to get any idea that I am saying we should not have the welfare program. We must have it. It is a part of the Lord's plan and the good it does is vast and incalculable. But I think there is a tendency among us to say, 'Oh, the Church will take care of that. I pay my fast offering. Let the Church take care of that.' We need as individuals, I think, to reach down and extend a helping hand without notice, without thanks, without expectation of anything in return, to give of that with which the Lord has so generously blessed us" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 459).

One of the Primary Reasons That the Savior Established A Church

 We can help one another as fellow Church members; it is one of the primary reasons that the Savior established a church.

April 2011 General Conference, D. Todd Christofferson, "As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten"