President Russell M. Nelson on how love for God enhances our love for one another

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"Love for family and friends, great as it may be, is much more profound when firmly anchored in the love of Jesus Christ. Parental love for children has more meaning here and hereafter because of Him. All loving relationships are elevated in Him. Love of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ provides the illumination, inspiration, and motivation to love others in a loftier way."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Redemption of the Dead and the Errand of the Lord," Salt Lake Temple Devotional, October 11, 1998; see Teachings of Russell M. Nelson p. 189

This is a pretty straightforward message: love is a wonderful thing, but it is "much more profound" when it is built upon a foundation of love of Jesus Christ. Having a love for Him amplifies our ability to feel and share love in every other way:

When we truly love our Father in Heaven, we receive "the illumination, inspiration, and motivation to love others in a loftier way." The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ focuses on love. The Savior taught his disciples: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." (John 13:34.) When we begin to comprehend how He loves us, we are able to emulate that love in our relationships with others.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)