SAT SATURDAY MORNING SESSION 190TH SEMIANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE Pres. Russell M. Nelson Elder David A. Bednar Elder Scott D. Whiting President of the Church Quorum of the Twelve Apostles General Authority Seventy The world has been overturned Tests in “the school of mortality” are Latter-day Saints are commanded by in recent months by a global a vital element in eternal progression. the Savior to become “even as [He is].” pandemic, raging wildfires and Scriptural words such as “prove,” “ex- “Consider asking a trusted family mem- other natural disasters. amine” and “try” are used to describe ber, spouse, friend, or spiritual leader “I grieve with each of you who knowledge about, understanding of what attribute of Jesus Christ we are in has lost a loved one during this and devotion to the plan of happiness need of.” It is vital to also ask Heavenly time. And I pray for all who are and the Savior’s Atonement. Father where to focus efforts. “He has a currently suffering.” “The year 2020 has been marked, perfect view of us and will lovingly show Yet the work of the Lord moves in part, by a global pandemic that has us our weakness.” steadily forward. “Amid social proved, examined and tried us in many President Russell M. Nelson taught: distancing, face masks and Zoom meetings, we have ways. I pray that we as individuals and families are learning the “When we choose to repent, we choose to change!” learned to do some things differently, and some even more valuable lessons that only challenging experiences can teach us.” After committing to change and repent, the next step is to choose effectively. Unusual times can bring unusual rewards.” Two principles can guide individuals facing proving and trying an attribute to strive to develop. As one strives to obtain this Missionaries have been “resourceful, resilient and truly circumstances — preparation and pressing forward with a attribute, it will come gradually through His grace. Efforts to obtain remarkable.” Temples were closed for a time and con- steadfastness in Christ. these attributes will require prayers for His assistance. struction projects briefly delayed. But they too are moving “I invite each of us to ‘consider (our) ways’ (Haggai, 1:5, 7) By focusing deeply on one attribute, other attributes begin to forward. Family history has increased and new wards and and ‘examine (ourselves), whether (we) be in the faith; (and) accrue. stakes have been created. The Church has provided pan- prove (our) own selves’ (2 Cor. 13:5). What have we learned It is important to record experiences and what one is learning. demic humanitarian aid for 895 projects in 150 countries. during these recent months of lifestyle adjustments and “As I study with one of His attributes deep in my mind, the scriptures Through it all, one can know that he or she is loved by restrictions? What do we need to improve in our lives spiritually, become new as I see examples of this attribute.” Real progress Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. “They care for physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually? Now is the requires sustained effort and sacrifice. us! They and Their holy angels are watching over us. I know time to prepare and prove ourselves willing and able to do all “I know that becoming like Him through His divine help and that this is true.” things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us.” strength is achievable step by step.” Sister Michelle D. Craig Elder Quentin L. Cook Elder Ronald A. Rasband Pres. Dallin H. Oaks Young Women general presidency Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Quorum of the Twelve Apostles First counselor, First Presidency The Old Members of Latter-day Saint Followers of Testament story of the Lord’s Church temples stand as Christ must forego a young man who should commit “to testaments of faith the anger and served the prophet live righteously and in eternal life. The hatred with which Elisha teaches that be united as never words “Holiness political choices each individual has before.” to the Lord” on the are debated or the power to ask Righteousness outside of a temple denounced. A the Lord through and unity are show that it is the “well-known but prayer to “open “profoundly signifi- Lord’s house. “He rarely practiced” your eyes to see cant,” because when people love God with all sets the standards teaching of the things you would not normally see.” their hearts and righteously strive to become by which we enter as His guests.” Savior is to “Love your enemies, bless them With the Lord’s help, all can learn to like Him, there is less strife and contention in The phrase “recommended to the Lord” puts that curse you, do good to them that hate you, see clearly “who we really are — sons and society.” additional perspective on being interviewed and pray for them which despitefully use you, daughters of heavenly parents.” And when Unity is enhanced when people are treated regularly by Church leaders. Rather than a hall and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44). one’s true identity and purpose becomes with dignity and respect even though they are pass, holding a temple recommend means The first step to learning to love an enemy is clear, it is much easier to learn to see others different outwardly. one lives in harmony with the teachings of the to follow the Savior’s teaching not to “contend as God does. “As leaders, we are not under the illusion Church and is committed to living the Lord’s with anger” and to understand the power of “As I pray for the Lord to open my eyes to that in the past all relationships were perfect, laws. “Your temple recommend opens the love. Another essential part of loving enemies see things I might not normally see, I often all conduct was Christlike, or all decisions gates of heaven for you and others with rights is to “render unto Caesar” by keeping the laws ask myself two questions and pay attention were just. However, our faith teaches that we and ordinances of eternal significance.” of one’s country. to the impressions that come. ‘What am I are all children of our Father in Heaven, and During President Howard W. Hunter’s The Savior’s teaching to love enemies is doing that I should stop doing?’ and ‘What we worship Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, first address as prophet, he said, “It would based on the reality that all are beloved chil- am I not doing that I should start doing?’ “ who is our Savior. Our desire is that our hearts please the Lord if every adult member would dren of God. “That eternal principle and some These questions lead to opportunities to and minds will be knit in righteousness and be worthy of — and carry — a current temple basic principles of law were tested in the recent see others and act on behalf of the Lord to unity, and we will be one with Them” (Doctrine recommend.” protests in many American cities.” meet their needs. and Covenants 45:71). Though temples throughout the world are There have been racial injustices. “As citizens “As with all gifts the Father so willingly This is a moment of particularly strong closed or in limited use due to the COVID-19 and as members of The Church of Jesus Christ offers, seeing deeply requires us to ask divisions. “The millions who have accepted pandemic, being worthy to attend the temple of Latter-day Saints, we must do better to help Him — and then act.” By asking to see the gospel of Jesus Christ have committed has not been suspended. “Whether you have root out racism.” others and then acting by “loving, serving, themselves to achieving both righteousness access to a temple or not, you need a current Loyalty to established law instead of tempo- and affirming their worth and potential as and unity. We are all aware that we can do temple recommend to stay firmly on the rary “allies,” or ideologies, is the best way to prompted.” better, and that is our challenge in this day.” covenant path.” love enemies in seeking unity in diversity. SAT SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION 190TH SEMIANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE Elder D. Todd Christofferson Brother Steven J. Lund Elder Gerrit W. Gong Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Young Men general president Quorum of the Twelve Apostles A sustainable, flourishing society Tanner Christian Lund, the youngest The tender mercies of the is one that promotes happiness, son of President Steven J. Lund and Lord are found among life’s daily progress, peace and well-being Sister Kalleen Lund, taught others a challenges for those with “faithful among its members. There are two timeless lesson in finding joy in Christ hearts and eyes to see.” Through examples of such thriving societies shortly before cancer claimed his challenges and sacrifice, the found in the scriptures: the city of young life. blessings of heaven can be found Enoch, or Zion, and the Nephites One Sunday, 12-year-old Tanner was in mortality. and Lamanites for two centuries determined to fulfill an assignment As disciples of Christ, “We are after the Savior’s ministry in the to pass the sacrament. His mother invited to change the world for Americas. assured him that someone else could the better, from the inside out, “The societies in these two examples … were obedient do it for him. one person, one family, one neighborhood at a time” by to God in their personal lives and they looked after one “Yes,” said Tanner.