Latter-day Counsel:
Selections from Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ

“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, He who left His Father’s throne on high and condescended to come to earth to be born in a manger among a hated people in a vassal state and who became the Savior and Redeemer of the world, the great Healer, the great Teacher, the King and Leader, He who had been under His Father’s direction, the Creator of the earth.

“Believe in Him. Worship Him. Hold His name sacred. Never profane His Holy name. You boys and girls who are here, every one of you, do not profane the name of Deity, neither the Father nor the Son. Never let their names cross your lips in profanity. Stay above that and look to Them in love and respect and great kindness” (regional conference, Oahu, Hawaii, 22 Jan. 2000).

Peace, Friendship, and Respect

“I don’t like bigotry. I don’t like hate. They are so incompatible with the spirit of the gospel and the teachings of the Lord.

I like peace. I like friendship. I like mutual respect. As we have these things, I don’t think that is going to slow down the growth of the Church—it may enhance it. I believe that we can do much, and I think we are doing much. I think we are making very substantial headway” (interview with Deseret News, 25 Feb. 2000).

Be Good Parents

“[The Lord] expects us to be good parents, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives. He expects husbands to treat their wives with deference and respect. He expects wives to treat their husbands with kindness and helpfulness. He expects us to be good parents to our children.

“We have the great concept that every one of us is a child of God. We sing about it. We teach it. We believe it, but sometimes we don’t act as if we did. … Let us look to our children with love. They are our Father’s children, and ours is a custodial relationship to them for their lives” (meeting, Guam, 31 Jan. 2000).

Tithing

“I have never heard anyone complain about the payment of tithing who paid his tithing because he relies on the Lord. It was the Lord who promised that He would open the windows of heaven and pour down blessings upon us if we would keep that commandment. It is my belief that He has the power to keep His promise, and it is my testimony that He does so” (meeting, Worcester, Massachusetts, 16 Oct. 1998).

Restoration

“God spoke to His prophet in parting the curtains on this, the dispensation of the fulness of times. He introduced His Beloved Son, our Savior, our Redeemer, of whom you have sung tonight, and told him to listen to Him. That marked the beginning of this work. That beginning is different from the beginning of any other church on the earth. It is unique and different and we never need be ashamed of it. We have to be very, very grateful for it and acknowledge it and live up to its teachings” (meeting, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, 4 Aug. 1998).

Prayer

“Believe in prayer. My brothers and sisters, I hope there isn’t a man or woman or child here who does not believe in the efficacy of prayer. I remind you that the Church came out of an initial prayer offered by the boy, Joseph Smith. … The Lord will hear the prayers of faithful people as certainly as He heard the prayers of the boy Joseph. I believe that with all my heart” (meeting, Burlington, Vermont, 14 Oct. 1998).

Photo by Steve Bunderson