I recently met with the entire Africa West Area Presidency, which reaffirmed how grateful I am to witness the majesty of this moment of growth in the Church. Elder Kyungu is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Elder Ojediran is from Nigeria, and Elder Morrison is from Ghana.
I love these men and am inspired by the impact their leadership is having. In a recent visit, we discussed the growth of the Church in the Africa West Area, the impact BYU–Pathway is having, and the strength of the seminary program in the lives of our youth.
Jesus thinks and acts out of pure love; He yearns to bless and lift others; and He delights to do the will of God. With faith in Christ, we can pray that the Holy Spirit will effect a mighty change in us to instill these same divine motivations in our hearts and help us practice the attributes of a Christlike character.
The same way that a ten-dollar bill given to me was turned into something with priceless value, our life can be something of eternal value through the sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ.
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)
The literal resurrection of Jesus is, of course, the subject of so many scriptures that it is settled doctrine for believers of the Bible and Book of Mormon. For us, the universal resurrection is equally certain.
I wonder if we fully appreciate the enormous significance of our belief in a literal, universal resurrection. The conviction that death is not the conclusion of our identity changes the whole perspective of our mortal life.
It affects how we look on the physical challenges of mortality. It gives us the strength and perspective to endure the mortal challenges faced by each of us and by those we love.
It signifies that mortal deficiencies are only temporary! It also gives us the courage to face our own death or that of loved ones—even deaths we might call premature.
Our belief in the resurrection also encourages us to fulfill our family responsibilities in mortality. It helps us live together in love in this life in anticipation of joyful reunions and associations in the next.
#GreaterLove #GeneralConference
Artwork: “Above All” by Kelsy and Jesse Lighweave
The Savior has entrusted each of us personally with sacred spiritual experiences and knowledge.
Because of those experiences, we can see for ourselves the meaning of the empty tomb:
that Jesus Christ lives
@UchtdorfDF
He is risen! And because Christ rose again, we will too. Thanks to Him, no pain, fear, failure, or unfairness is permanent. This is greater love. This is Easter.
Years ago, while spending peaceful time in the beautiful countryside, I stepped outside after sunset to rest on a lounge chair. The night was so dark that I could hardly see anything.
Instinctively, I looked up and noticed a tiny flickering point of light, then another. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, the sky filled with stars.
The universe is vast beyond comprehension, yet every soul carries infinite worth in the eyes of our Creator. Though we may seem small in a physical sense, each of us is personally known, remembered, and loved by our Eternal Father and by His Son Jesus Christ.
God and His Son Jesus Christ love all—and They love each.
The word all speaks to the universal reach of God’s love.
The word each (or every) testifies of His power to care for each individual soul.
This dual reality is most clearly manifested in Jesus Christ’s Atonement. All sons and daughters of God, without exception, will receive a full opportunity to access its supernal blessings.
Yet it is a remarkably intimate gift, tailored to each individual’s needs and applied to one person at a time.
#GeneralConference
In this sacred Easter season, our hearts turn with deep gratitude and reverent devotion to our Savior, Jesus Christ and remember His merciful mortal ministry, His perfect love, and His marvelous gift of the Atonement.
The Savior teaches that He is the true, trusted, and essential source of spiritual nourishment for our souls:
“I am the true vine… ye are the branches: he that abideth in [Me], and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without [Me] ye can do nothing” (John 15:1, 4–5).
Through Him, we receive strength beyond our own to not only survive the challenges of life, but to grow and thrive. Through Him life becomes more hopeful and more joyful, and the fruits of the Spirit are manifested in us.
Therefore, just as branches cannot bear fruit of themselves unless they remain connected to the vine, neither can we reach our full spiritual measure unless we abide in Jesus Christ and His gospel.
In this sacred Easter season, I solemnly testify that Jesus Christ is the True Vine. He lives.
He rose from the dead, and His redeeming power is real. I bear witness that His voice is the voice of truth and life. With perfect love, He invites all to abide in Him and to continue in His love, that we may recognize His power in our lives, that God’s love may be perfected in us, and we may know that we are in Him. #GeneralConference
Have you ever stood at an empty airport luggage return carousel, as it circles endlessly, wondering if your bag somehow was diverted to Kathmandu?
Have you ever been told the last known location of your checked bag was somewhere between “It is sure to turn up somewhere” and “You should consider buying everything new”?
Have you ever been ghosted by a suitcase that contained essential materials for a critical presentation?
If so, this message might interest you. #GeneralConference
Enduring to the end is not merely a relentless determination to grit our teeth, hold on to the limits of our physical strength and mental capacity, and push through the challenges and adversities of mortal life; it is so much more than that.
Enduring to the end is linked inextricably to the spiritual gift of charity, or the pure love of Christ. As we are blessed to receive this supernal gift, a transformation occurs in our spiritual nature and character. Charity encompasses both what we do and what we can become as this spiritual gift ultimately possesses us.
As we follow, love, and serve the Savior, we gradually focus less on our own desires and interests, and more on understanding and addressing the needs of others. We do not merely perform benevolent deeds; rather, our state of being is changed and becomes increasingly Christlike. Charity, then, ultimately possesses us.
The scriptural phrase “endure to the end” is a repeated reminder of the mighty spiritual change in our hearts that should be ongoing throughout our lives; it also is His promise of what we may become if we truly are possessed of the pure love of Christ. #GeneralConference
The world today seems to be in commotion. There are wars and rumors of wars. The economies of whole continents seem to be faltering. Prophesied wickedness seems to be accelerating as the Savior’s return draws nearer.
Yet despite turmoil and difficulty, faithful Latter-day Saints in hardship across the world have flooded heaven with prayers.
In public, and in private, they are petitioning the Lord for help, for comfort, for direction, and personal peace for those they love.
Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, lives, knows us, watches over us, and cares for us.
As we pray continually, no matter the circumstances of life, the Lord will offer us His peace and abiding support.
Consistent prayer during joyous times and also during seasons of distress and grief will surely be rewarded according to His will and perfect timing.
#GeneralConference
Artwork: “Angels Among Us” by Annie Henrie Nader
The General Conference we convened today was remarkable because it began with what we call a Solemn Assembly. For more than a century this has been an event of great significance to members of the Church.
In a Solemn Assembly, we vote to sustain members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in this Assembly voting by quorums and groups. We do this only in the first conference where a new president and prophet of the Church has been called.
I am grateful to be among those whose callings are formally recognized in this way, and appreciate your participation in this significant occasion.
I express our gratitude as leaders of the Church for our members’ sustaining vote, prayers, and support. We also pray for you to be guided and prospered as you continue the great service you give to the children of God throughout the world.
At this Easter season, I reaffirm our testimony of the Resurrected Lord and recognize that He is the head of this Church. We pray for His blessings upon this conference and upon all of you.
#GeneralConference
As the years have passed, I have become increasingly humbled as I have thought about, studied, and found immense comfort in the immeasurable gift of our Savior, the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The human mind can scarcely begin to comprehend how completely the destiny of mankind changed because of what happened in Gethsemane, on the cross, and at the tomb.
There are no words to describe the magnitude of His precious gift. It will never be required of another. Jesus Christ suffered “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).
As one of His ordained Apostles, I have experienced the spiritual and personal moments that have brought to me a sure and certain witness that Jesus Christ lives. At this Easter season, may we rejoice in singing:
“He is risen! He is risen! ...
Death is conquered; man is free.
Christ has won the victory”
(“He Is Risen!” Hymns, no 199).
I testify that what happened on Easter Day really happened. Jesus Christ is resurrected. He lives.
I hope you will find the joy that I find as well in this special Easter season and celebrate the gift of the Son of God.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ, culminating with His Resurrection after three days in a borrowed tomb, stands as the greatest miracle in human history.
“For behold,” He pronounced, “I am God; and I am a God of miracles.” (2 Nephi 27:23).
Because Jesus Christ lives, miracles have not ceased. Miracles abound among His followers today, in your lives and in mine. They may seem small, but the magnitude does not distinguish a miracle, only that it came from God.
As we celebrate the miracle of our Lord’s Resurrection this Easter Sunday, I humbly pray that you will feel the love and power of the Redeemer in your life. #GreaterLove
As we worship today on #PalmSunday
What can you do this week to joyfully welcome the Savior into your life?
As said in Ephesians 2:20
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;”