Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on having Christ at the center of our lives

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"We must point past the hustle and bustle and concentrate them on the meaning of it all, on the beating heart of the eternal gospel—the love of Heavenly Parents, the atoning gift of a divine Son, the comforting guidance of the Holy Ghost, the latter-day restoration of all these truths and so much more....

"If Jesus—His name, His doctrine, His example, His divinity—can be at the center of our worship, we will be reinforcing the great truth Alma once taught: 'There be many things to come; [but] behold, there is one thing which is of more importance than they all— … the Redeemer [who] liveth and cometh among his people.' (Alma 7:7.)

"I testify... that surely the most thrilling sight and sound in life is that of Jesus not only passing by (see Luke 18:37) but His coming to us, stopping beside us, and making His abode with us. (See John 14:23.)

"Sisters and brothers, through the incessant din and drumbeat of our day, may we strive to see Christ at the center of our lives, of our faith, and of our service. That is where true meaning lies. And if some days our vision is limited or our confidence has waned or our belief is being tested and refined—as surely it will be—may we then cry out the louder, 'Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me' (Mark 10:47). I promise with apostolic fervor and prophetic conviction that He will hear you and will say, soon or late, 'Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee' (Luke 18:42)."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Message, the Meaning, and the Multitude," General Conference October 2019, Saturday morning

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Elder Holland gave the introductory talk in the October 2019 conference, and spoke warmly on the role and place of the Savior as the focus of all we do, using as the prime example the healing of the blind man by the Savior as recorded in Luke 18. The faith of the man, according to the account, brought about the miracle.

In our modern world, with all its noise and confusion, we must get past the "hustle and bustle" to concentrate on "the meaning of it all." That is no small task. It requires prolonged and devoted focus on the things that truly matter. And certainly, the primary focus must be on the Savior, who is the ultimate source of healing and hope.

Like the blind man of the parable, we must continue to seek, to cry out, to plead for His help and involvement in our life. We must do whatever is needed to draw near to Him. Only then can He lay His hands on us to heal and bless.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder Dale G. Renlund on learning to be more Christlike

Elder Dale G. Renlund (born November 13, 1952) served in the First Quorum of Seventy starting in 2009, until his call to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2015.

"Jesus Christ exemplified what it means to do justly and to love mercy. He freely associated with sinners, treating them honorably and with respect. He taught the joy of keeping God’s commandments and sought to lift rather than condemn those who struggled. He did denounce those who faulted Him for ministering to people they deemed unworthy. Such self-righteousness offended Him and still does. (See Luke 15:1-2)

"To be Christlike, a person does justly, behaving honorably with both God and other people. A just person is civil in words and action and recognizes that differences in outlook or belief do not preclude genuine kindness and friendship. Individuals who do justly 'will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably' (Mosiah 4:13) one with another.

"To be Christlike, a person loves mercy. People who love mercy are not judgmental; they manifest compassion for others, especially for those who are less fortunate; they are gracious, kind, and honorable. These individuals treat everyone with love and understanding, regardless of characteristics such as race, gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and tribal, clan, or national differences. These are superseded by Christlike love.

"To be Christlike, a person chooses God (see Moses 7:33), walks humbly with Him, seeks to please Him, and keeps covenants with Him. Individuals who walk humbly with God remember what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have done for them."

- Dale G. Renlund, "Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God," General Conference October 2020, Sunday afternoon

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Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of the Christian message related to how we interact with those around us. Elder Renlund takes his theme from the Old Testament prophet Micah's injunction about the importance of "doing justly" to those around us and "loving mercy" in our interactions. The great exemplar of these attributes is the Savior himself, and so we look to his life and message for the standard that we strive to follow.

We should never be judgmental of those around us. We need to learn to overcome any preconceptions about "race, gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and tribal, clan, or national differences." What a comprehensive list!

As we strive to be more Christlike, we find wonderful teachings and examples to guide us:

What a great thought: "differences in outlook or belief do not preclude genuine kindness and friendship." We can have a difference of opinion with someone but still love and accept them! If we are truly disciples of the Savior, we must learn to do better.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on treating others with love and forgiveness

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

"Stop it!

"It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters. I don’t know exactly how to articulate this point of not judging others with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attached to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read, 'Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.'

"We must recognize that we are all imperfect—that we are beggars before God. Haven’t we all, at one time or another, meekly approached the mercy seat and pleaded for grace? Haven’t we wished with all the energy of our souls for mercy—to be forgiven for the mistakes we have made and the sins we have committed?

"Because we all depend on the mercy of God, how can we deny to others any measure of the grace we so desperately desire for ourselves? My beloved brothers and sisters, should we not forgive as we wish to be forgiven?"

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Merciful Obtain Mercy," General Conference April 2012
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While serving as a member of the First Presidency, President Uchtdorf shared many powerful messages, and this is a very memorable one. He encouraged us to consider our relationships with one another and to think about the need for love and forgiveness in those interactions. Too often we hold on to grudges and disagreements, as well as treating others with less respect than they deserve; and his advice was very simple: "Stop it!"

When we truly have "a heart full of love for God and His children" it will change our interactions with each other, and we will be more accepting, loving, and forgiving. We depend on mercy from God; we must offer it freely to one another.

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

Elder David A. Bednar on the Lord's tender mercies

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"The Lord’s tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness and obedience enable us to receive these important gifts and, frequently, the Lord’s timing helps us to recognize them.

"We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord’s tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live. When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance (see 1 Ne. 1:20)."

- David A. Bednar,  "The Tender Mercies of the Lord," General Conference April 2005
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After being sustained to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2004, Elder Bednar used his first major conference address in April 2005 to address the topic of "tender mercies" in what has become one of the modern classics. Others have commented on this phrase and verse of scripture, but none so effectively as Elder Bednar did. In 1 Nephi 1, the opening chapter of the Book of Mormon, Nephi has set the foundation of the story of his father Lehi's preaching to Jerusalem and the general rejection of his message of repentance. Nephi closes the chapter with these words:

And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. (1 Ne 1:20)

Lehi was one of the Lord's "chosen" servants, filled with faith. Nephi's testimony was that the Lord will watch over those who have such faith in Him, by blessing them with his "tender mercies" and making them "mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

Elder Bednar applied this promise to all of us. We receive the tender mercies of the Lord as we live in "faithfulness and obedience." Elder Bednar gives a wonderful, encouraging list of when those blessings might come to us in great power in their simple, sweet power:

• to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live
• when words cannot provide the solace we need
• when words cannot express the joy we feel
• when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable
• when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life
• when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome
• when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone

At these critical times of life, Elder Bednar's witness is that we will be "made mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook on power through the atonement of Jesus Christ

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"Live so that the atonement can be fully efficacious in your life.

"As indicated previously, rationalization for bad choices will not be effective, but repentance will. Those who repent will be particularly blessed by the atonement. Without the atonement the eternal principle of justice would require punishment (see Alma 42:14). Because of the atonement mercy can prevail for those who have repented and allow them to return to the presence of God (Alma 42:15).

"I first understood the full significance of the atonement when my grandfather was dying. I was studying for the California bar exam when my mother called and said if I wanted to see my grandfather before he died, I better come to Utah. My grandfather, who was 86 years old, was very ill. He was so pleased to see me and share his testimony.

"There were three concerns that he had:

"1. He loved his ten children very much. They were all good people. He wanted them all to be temple worthy.

"2. His father was one of the young men who had carried members of the Martin Handcart Company across the Sweetwater. His father had died when my grandfather was three years old and he looked forward to seeing him and hoped his father and other family members would approve of his life.

"3. Finally, and most importantly, he told me how he looked forward to meeting the Savior. He referred to the Savior as the 'Keeper of the Gate,' a reference to 2 Nephi 9:41. He told me that he hoped he had been sufficiently repentant to qualify for the Savior’s mercy.

"All of us have sinned and it is only through the atonement that we can obtain mercy and live with God. I can remember to this day the great love that grandfather had for the Savior and the appreciation he had for the atonement."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge," BYU-Idaho devotional, March 14, 2006
Click here to read the full talkClick here to watch a video of the devotional

The opening line of this excerpt is so crucial: "Live so that the atonement can be fully efficacious in your life." Many of us perhaps have felt portions of the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. But for it to be fully efficacious requires that we be fully humble, fully repentant, fully obedient, and fully devoted as disciples of Jesus Christ. The blessings of repentance come to those who open their hearts to Him:

Elder Cook's memories from his youth of a devoted grandfather's last wishes are instructive. What counsel would we give to those we love if we knew our time were short? What would we be able to identify as the highest concerns and priorities we felt? Clearly Elder Cook had a wonderful heritage of faith based on the words of his grandfather.

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

President Boyd K. Packer on peace through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ

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 mercy and grace of Jesus Christ are not limited to those who commit sins either of commission or omission, but they encompass the promise of everlasting peace to all who will accept and follow Him and His teachings. His mercy is the mighty healer, even to the wounded innocent....

"If we are not aware of what the Savior’s sacrifice can do for us, we may go through life carrying regrets that we have done something that was not right or offended someone. The guilt that accompanies mistakes can be washed away. If we seek to understand His Atonement, we will come to a deep reverence for the Lord Jesus Christ, His earthly ministry, and His divine mission as our Savior."

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Reason for Our Hope," General Conference, October 2014; see also Ensign, November 2014, pp. 6-8
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President Packer taught many times during his ministry about the meaning and power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It was a doctrine he had pondered deeply and one he clearly loved. In this excerpt, re reminds us that there is much more to the Atonement of the Savior than just the forgiveness of sins, as important as that aspect is. But the Atonement is also "a mighty healer" for all kinds of wounds, even when the wounded person is innocent of wrong-doing:

The Atonement of the Savior can help us overcome regrets we carry in life and bring us peace. It can wash away the guilt from our mistakes. It will truly bring us a deep and profound reverence and love for the ministry and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. Without doubt, it is a doctrine that we should study and ponder regularly, and strive to apply daily!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on the blessing of Christlike friends

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.

"The compassion of Christlike friends deeply touches and changes our lives. We should well remember that the Lord often sends 'blessings from above, thru words and deeds of those who love' (Hymns, no. 293). Love is the very essence of the gospel of Christ.

"In this Church, prayers for help are often answered by the Lord through the simple, daily service of caring brothers and sisters. In the goodness of genuine friends, I have seen the reflected mercy of the Lord Himself. I have always been humbled by the knowledge that the Savior regards us as His friends when we choose to follow Him and keep His commandments. (See John 15:14; D&C 84:63; D&C 93:45.)"

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Valued Companions," Ensign, Nov. 1997, 32
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The brotherhood and sisterhood that exists among true saints is a priceless treasure. When individuals begin to grasp what it truly means to "bear one another's burdens" or to comfort and support, remarkable things take place. I love Elder Wirthlin's phrase "the compassion of Christlike friends." Compassion is a powerful word, meaning the ability to feel deep emotions with someone. It's truly a Christlike emotion; those who possess it are well on the path to becoming like Him. Having "Christlike friends" in our lives can truly change our lives.

This second paragraph is reminiscent of President Spencer W. Kimball's earlier observation:

"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. The people of the Church need each other’s strength, support, and leadership in a community of believers as an enclave of disciples. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read about how important it is to '… succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees' (D&C 81:5)."
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Small Acts of Service," Ensign, December 1974

How blessed we are to have such friends! What a privilege to be such a friend to others! That should be one of our greatest quests—to become such a friend to those around us, providing the Christlike love as His agents and representatives.

And finally, the greatest compliment of all is to be called a friend by the Savior Himself. "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (John 15:14.)

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on our debt to the Savior

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (b. January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"Since the Savior paid for our sins and satisfied justice for us, we become debtors to Him rather than to justice. We must therefore meet the stipulations He has established for forgiveness and cleansing. Otherwise, He withdraws His proffered mediation, and we are left to deal alone with the demands of justice, lacking the means to become pure. One must choose Christ to receive what Christ offers.

"How does one choose Christ? We noted earlier Lehi's declaration that it requires 'a broken heart and a contrite spirit' (2 Ne. 2:7). Nephi elaborates: 'Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost' (2 Ne. 31:17).

"I repeat the Savior's succinct declaration in 3 Nephi: 'Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day' (3 Ne. 27:20)."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Justification and Sanctification," Ensign, Jun 2001, pp. 18-25
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We are in debt to the Savior instead of to justice—this is a key concept in understanding the Atonement of Christ and the interplay of justice, mercy, and grace. Elder Christofferson provides a summary of the key concepts, including the simple summary, "One must choose Christ to receive what Christ offers."

To be "in debt to the Savior" conveys some sense of the obligation we assume as we strive to take advantage of the atoning gift He offers to us. And so what is involved in "choosing Christ"? The scriptures teach the importance of obedience, repentance, and committed discipleship. As we choose to follow Him and emulate Him, we choose Him in our lives, and become eligible and worthy for His eternal love, blessings, and grace.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Russell M. Nelson on agency, choice, and faith

President Russell M. Nelson (b. 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 was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"That precious privilege of choice—man's agency—was decreed before the world was created. It is a moral agency. Thus, it was opposed by Satan, but affirmed by the Lord and reaffirmed through prophets in ancient and in modern times.

"The proper exercise of moral agency requires faith. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. Because of Him, you have your agency. He must be the very foundation of your faith, and the testing of that faith is a fundamental reason for your freedom to choose.

"You are free to develop and exercise faith in God and in His divine Son, faith in His word, faith in His Church, faith in His servants, and faith in His commandments....

"Faith, repentance, and obedience will qualify you for sublime gifts of justice and mercy, which are bestowed upon those worthy of the blessings of the Atonement.

"Yes, every test, every trial, every challenge and hardship you endure is an opportunity to further develop your faith."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Choices," Ensign, November 1990, pp. 73-75
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President Nelson teaches that "moral agency" has existed before this world was created; it was involved in the conflict that arose between Satan and the Lord. The key for our current situation in mortality is that we learn to "exercise" our agency properly by starting with a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. As we "develop and exercise" that faith in the context of our agency, we experience growth and blessings.

It's interesting that President Nelson refers to the "sublime gifts of justice and mercy." We might be more inclined to consider mercy as a divine gift than we do justice; but it's important to note how critical both are for the success of God's eternal plan of happiness. Meanwhile, we should be grateful to recognize that our faith grows and develops as we experience the tests and trials of this life, learning to use our moral agency properly in the process.

President Thomas S. Monson on the blessings of forgiveness and mercy

President Thomas S. Monson (b. August 21, 1927) 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 until becoming Church president in 2008.

"In the Book of Mormon, Alma describes beautifully the [Lord's mercy] with his words: 'The plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.' (Alma 42:15.)

"From the springboard of such knowledge we ask ourselves, Why, then, do we see on every side those instances where people decline to forgive one another and show forth the cleansing act of mercy and forgiveness? What blocks the way for such healing balm to cleanse human wounds? Is it stubbornness? Could it be pride? Maybe hatred has yet to melt and disappear....

"There are those among us who torture themselves through their inability to show mercy and to forgive others some supposed offense or slight, however small it may be. At times the statement is made, 'I never can forgive [this person or that person].' Such an attitude is destructive to an individual's well-being. It can canker the soul and ruin one's life. In other instances, an individual can forgive another but cannot forgive himself. Such a situation is even more destructive....

"Should you or I have erred or spoken harshly to another, it is good to take steps to straighten out the matter and to move onward with our lives. 'He [who] cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven; for every one has need to be forgiven.' (George Herbert)"

- Thomas S. Monson, "Mercy—The Divine Gift," Ensign, May 1995, pp. 54-60
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Mercy is such a beautiful, hopeful concept. Oh, how we depend on God's mercy for us! The fact that He can be both a "perfect, just God, and a merciful God also" is truly a wonder—what a remarkable doctrine that is. He is so eager to forgive, through the blessings and merits of the atonement of the Son.

President Monson then ponders: given that marvelous gift, why do we fail to emulate it in our personal lives? If God is willing to extend mercy to us, how can we fail to do so as we interact with one another? The impact of our unwillingness can be lasting and profound:

In modern revelation, the Lord counseled explicitly: "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men" (D&C 64:10). And that includes forgiving ourselves when we have properly resolved our mistakes of the past. That's a good principle to ponder.

D. Todd Christofferson on God's eternal justice and mercy

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (b. January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"The gospel of Jesus Christ opens the path to what we may become. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His grace, our failures to live the celestial law perfectly and consistently in mortality can be erased and we are enabled to develop a Christlike character. Justice demands, however, that none of this happen without our willing agreement and participation. It has ever been so. Our very presence on earth as physical beings is the consequence of a choice each of us made to participate in our Father’s plan. Thus, salvation is certainly not the result of divine whim, but neither does it happen by divine will alone. (See D&C 93:29-31.)

"Justice is an essential attribute of God. We can have faith in God because He is perfectly trustworthy. The scriptures teach us that 'God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round' (D&C 3:2) and that 'God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). We rely on the divine quality of justice for faith, confidence, and hope....

"It is compelling evidence of His justice that God has forged the companion principle of mercy. It is because He is just that He devised the means for mercy to play its indispensable role in our eternal destiny. So now, 'justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own' (Alma 42:24)."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Free Forever To Act For Themselves," Ensign, November 2014, pp. 16-19
Click here to read the full article

If the "gospel of Jesus Christ opens the path to what we may become," then the Atonement and the grace it provides enable us to move along that path toward the eventual glorious destiny. In the interplay of justice and mercy, that progress occurs beautifully.

It's interesting to ponder the fact that justice really is required for this plan. As Elder Christofferson points out, we are blessed to know that we can trust God's word because justice is one of His "essential attributes" — and we rely on that knowledge of His eternal justice in order to have faith in Him, confidence in His promises, and hope for eternity.

But then Elder Christofferson teaches that it is because He is just and true, that God would ensure the "companion principle of mercy" is also available to us.

But the bottom line is that "none of this [can] happen without our willing agreement and participation." It is eternally up to us to choose to participate fully in God's eternal plan of happiness for us.