Highlights from the 193rd Annual General Conference

“We have been spiritually fed during these last two days,” President Russell M. Nelson said at the conclusion of the 193rd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (see page 127). That feast included counsel to emulate the Savior Jesus Christ—replacing contention with charity, compassion, and peace (see President Nelson, page 98; see also Elders Christofferson and Soares, pages 77 and 85).

“I invite you to examine your discipleship within the context of the way you treat others,” President Nelson said. “I bless you to make any adjustments that may be needed so that your behavior is ennobling, respectful, and representative of a true follower of Jesus Christ” (page 98).

With President Nelson, other Church leaders declared that the answer to our questions, challenges, disappointments, and losses is found in the example, teachings, Atonement, and Resurrection of the Savior Jesus Christ, who offers us “the gift of peace” (President Eyring, page 29; see also President Oaks, page 102; President Johnson, page 81; and Elder Meurs, page 39). Speakers encouraged us to focus on the Savior (see Elder Camargo, page 64), worship Him (see Elder Stevenson, page 6), come unto Him (see President Cordon, page 10), strengthen our testimonies of Him (see President Ballard, page 105), minister as He would minister (see Elders Gong and Uceda, pages 16 and 70), and improve our discipleship (see Elders Bednar, Rasband, and Bragg, pages 123, 108, and 60).

Church leaders also encouraged us to treasure our patriarchal blessing. Those who have not received their patriarchal blessing were counseled to pray about “when the time is right” to receive one (see Elders Bennett and Yamashita, pages 42 and 88).

President Nelson, who announced construction of 15 new temples, reminded us, “Jesus Christ is the reason we build temples” (page 127; see also Elders Renlund, De Hoyos, and Duncan, pages 35, 52, and 95).

We sustained five new General Authority Seventies, a new Young Women General Presidency, and a new member of the Young Men General Presidency, while extending a heartfelt thank-you to those who were released or will be released August 1, 2023.

As we revisit general conference, study the messages, and “contemplate the truths taught” (President Nelson, page 127), we will, with those who spoke, feel a desire to talk of, rejoice in, preach of, and testify of Jesus Christ—the source of our salvation (see 2 Nephi 25:26).