Words to Live By

Being a refugee may be a defining moment in the lives of those who are refugees, but being a refugee does not define them. … This moment does not define them, but our response will help define us.

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Seventy

Knowing someone’s name can make a difference.

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

As sisters we make up more than half of the Lord’s storehouse to help Heavenly Father’s children. His storehouse is not composed just of goods but also of time, talents, skills, and our divine nature.

Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president

Your ability to lead does not come from an outgoing personality, motivational skills, or even a talent for public speaking. It comes from your commitment to follow Jesus Christ.

Stephen W. Owen, Young Men general president

Our commitment to the Lord and Hisservants cannot be a part-time commitment.

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

Children have a natural desire to do good and to be good. we can feel their innocence, their purity.

Mary R. Durham, former second counselor in the Primary general presidency

Set aside pride.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency

If you … have any questions in your heart, do not give up! …

I invite you to follow the example of the Prophet Joseph Smith when he read in James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally.”

Elder Jairo Mazzagardi of the Seventy

Come to the temple. Come often. Come with and for your family. Come, and help others to come too.

Elder Kent F. Richards of the Seventy

Once we repent and priesthood leaders declare us worthy, we need not continue to confess and confess these past sins. To be worthy does not mean to be perfect. Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness invites us to be humbly at peace on our life’s journey to someday become perfected in Christ, not constantly worried, frustrated, or unhappy in our imperfections today. Remember, He knows all the things we don’t want anyone else to know about us—and loves us still.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Presidency of the Seventy

Showing love and service doesn’t have to be big and grandiose to be meaningful and make a difference. …

… We give service when we don’t criticize, when we refuse to gossip, when we don’t judge, when we smile, when we say thank you, and when we are patient and kind.

Cheryl A. Esplin, former first counselor in the Primary general presidency

It is opposition that enables choice and it is the opportunity of making the right choices that leads to the growth that is the purpose of the father’s plan.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Take joy in the successes of siblings and friends.

Elder Steven E. Snow of the Seventy

Even though we may be a victim once, we need not be a victim twice by carrying the burden of hate, bitterness, pain, resentment, or even revenge. We can forgive, and we can be free!

Elder Kevin R. Duncan of the Seventy

Maybe obedience is not so much the process of bending, twisting, and pounding our souls into something we are not. Instead, it is the process by which we discover what we truly are made of.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency

We must not delay going to the rescue. Sometimes many weeks pass as we talk about how to help families or individuals who are in special need. We deliberate about who will visit them and the approach to take. Meanwhile, our lost brothers and sisters continue needing and sometimes even calling and pleading for help.

Elder Mervyn B. Arnold of the Seventy

Being distinct and different from the world will draw some criticism, but we must anchor ourselves to eternal principles and testify of them, no matter the world’s response.

Neill F. Marriott, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency

Each of us may feel the influence of the Holy Ghost differently. His promptings will be felt in different degrees of intensity according to our individual needs and circumstances.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Here on earth, we identify ourselves in many different ways, including our place of birth, our nationality, and our language. Some even identify themselves by their occupation or their hobby. These earthly identities are not wrong unless they supersede or interfere with our eternal identity—that of being a son or a daughter of God.

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy

Wherever you rank your own father on the scale of good-better-best (and I predict that ranking will go higher as you grow older and wiser), make up your mind to honor him and your mother by your own life.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles