Ministry of Church Leaders

The Blessings and Importance of Temple and Family History Work

San Diego California Temple

Photograph of San Diego California Temple

President Russell M. Nelson has taught often about the importance of helping gather Israel on both sides of the veil. Participating in temple and family history work is essential in that great work. President Nelson observed:

“When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us. We feel part of something greater than ourselves. Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple. …

“While temple and family history work has the power to bless those beyond the veil, it has an equal power to bless the living. It has a refining influence on those who are engaged in it. They are literally helping to exalt their families” (“Generations Linked in Love,” Liahona, May 2010, 92, 93).

The following statements from prophets and apostles can help us learn more about the blessings and importance of temple and family history work.

Covenants in the House of the Lord

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

“Through the sacred covenants we make in the house of the Lord, our Savior can help draw us closer to God and to each other as we knit our hearts together with Christlike, Christ-given compassion, forgiveness, and mercy.”

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, video, Facebook, Dec. 5, 2022, facebook.com/gerritw.gong.

Those Who Acted in Faith in Their Savior

President Dallin H. Oaks

“‘Tell me a story’ is a frequent request from children. While fictional stories and fairytales can be fun to share, consider instead telling your children stories that show faith in Jesus Christ and stories that connect them to their noble ancestors. Years ago, Kristen and I decided to create our own family storybook, filled with accounts from our extended families and ancestry. We love reading from it with our family.

“We invite you to create your own compilation of examples from your family history of those who acted on their faith in the Savior, in His leaders, and in the principles of His gospel. You might pull stories from talks or family histories, or even just stories you heard growing up. Document them, and share them. Doing so can help you and your family turn your hearts to your ancestors.”

President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, Facebook, Jan. 14, 2021, facebook.com/dallin.h.oaks.

Temple Points Toward Jesus Christ

President Henry B. Eyring

“Everything that happens in the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints points us toward the Savior and will act as an anchor through challenging times ahead.”

President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, Facebook, Aug. 17, 2022, facebook.com/henry.b.eyring.

Family Stories and Traditions

Elder Ulisses Soares

“What family stories do you draw strength from? What traditions do you keep alive? If nothing comes to mind, do not be discouraged. We encourage you to discover them; and remember, family history isn’t all about the distant past. It is a combination of the past and the present that makes you uniquely you.”

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Facebook, Mar. 2, 2022, facebook.com/soares.u.

Precious Family

President M. Russell Ballard

“The most precious thing in your life will be your family—not only the family you have here but also your family in the eternities.”

President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Facebook, July 6, 2022, facebook.com/mrussell.ballard.

Connecting with Our Own Families

Elder Quentin L. Cook

“We all have a responsibility to the generations that preceded us and to the generations that will follow us. I pray each of us will continue to find a way to connect with our own families.”

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Facebook, Feb. 19, 2021, facebook.com/quentin.lcook.