“Words to Live By,” New Era, November 2016
Words to Live By
My heartfelt plea is that we will encourage, accept, understand, and love those who are struggling with their faith. … We are all at different places on the path, and we need to minister to one another accordingly.
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
When you pray, are you really praying or just saying prayers?
Elder Juan A. Uceda of the Seventy
Whether our testimony of the Book of Mormon comes the first time we open it or over a period of time, it will influence us all of our days if we continue to read it and apply its teachings.
Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. of the Seventy
We need not be timid about testifying of Joseph’s mission as prophet, seer, and revelator, for the Lord has always worked through prophets.
Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy
The only opinion of us that matters is what our Heavenly Father thinks of us.
Elder J. Devn Cornish of the Seventy
Just serve.
Elder Carl B. Cook of the Seventy
Many of us have pleaded with God to remove the cause of our suffering, and when the relief we seek has not come, we have been tempted to think He is not listening. I testify that, even in those moments, He hears our prayers, has a reason for allowing our afflictions to continue, and will help us bear them.
Elder Evan A. Schmutz of the Seventy
There is only one way to judge righteous judgment, as Jesus Christ does, and that is to be as He is.
Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy
One is never too young to seek and Receive a personal testimony of the Book of Mormon.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The [sacrament] prayers introduce the covenants with the phrase “that they are willing” … . This phrase has so much potential power for us. Are we willing to serve and participate? Are we willing to change? Are we willing to address our weaknesses? Are we willing to reach out and bless others? Are we willing to trust the Savior?
Elder Peter F. Meurs of the Seventy
Repentance … is His gift to us, purchased at a very dear price.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
instead of making excuses, let us choose repentance.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Worshipping God is such an essential element in the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ that if we fail to receive Him in our hearts, we will seek for Him in vain in our councils, churches, and temples.
Bishop Dean M. Davies, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
Never forget, question, or ignore personal, sacred spiritual experiences.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The Sabbath is … a perfect time to remember the covenant we made at the waters of baptism to love and serve Heavenly Father’s children. Fulfilling that promise on the Sabbath will include participating in a class or quorum with full purpose of heart to build faith and love among our brothers and sisters who are there with us.
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency
We cannot afford to have our testimonies of the Father and the Son become confused and complicated by stumbling blocks. … Our testimonies of Them need to remain pure and simple.
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Youth, you are some of our most effective gospel teachers. … Don’t be afraid. Have faith to testify of what you know to be true.
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Young women of the Church need to see themselves as essential participants in the priesthood-directed work of salvation and not just as onlookers and supporters. You hold callings and are set apart by those holding priesthood keys to function as leaders with power and authority in this work. As you magnify your callings in class presidencies and prepare spiritually, counsel together, reach out to minister to your class members, and teach one another the gospel, you are taking your place in this work and both you and your peers will be blessed.
Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women General President
To help address special needs, we [as home teachers] might send a scriptural quote or a line from a general conference talk or a Mormon Message drawn from the wealth of material on LDS.org.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
To our amazing youth … across the world, I give a special invitation and challenge to be “witnesses of God.” Those who surround you are open to spiritual inquiry. … You do not come to the table with empty hands but with technology and social media at your command. We need you; the Lord needs you to be even more engaged in this great cause.
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
To me, the greatest miracles in life are not the parting of the Red Sea, the moving of mountains, or even the healing of the body. The greatest miracle happens when we humbly approach our Father in Heaven in prayer, fervently plead to be forgiven, and then are cleansed of those sins through the atoning sacrifice of our Savior.
Linda S. Reeves, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency
Prayer is essential to developing Faith.
Carol F. McConkie, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency
The gospel truly is about the one. … It is about each one of us—as imperfect as we may be—becoming one with the Savior as He is one with His Father (see John 17:21).
Elder K. Brett Nattress of the Seventy
Don’t give up.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency
We were never expected “to have a perfect knowledge of things” during this mortal existence. Instead, we are expected to “hope for things which are not seen, which are true” [Alma 32:21].
Elder W. Mark Bassett of the Seventy
We can bring the light of the gospel into our homes, schools, and workplaces if we look for and share positive things about others and let the less-than-perfect fade away.
Jean B. Bingham, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency
We are ambitious for Christ when we serve faithfully, accept humbly, endure nobly, pray fervently, and partake worthily.
Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita of the Seventy
Hope and healing are not found in the dark abyss of secrecy but in the light and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Carole M. Stephens, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency
Our young members’ fascination and expertise with social media gives them unique opportunities to reach out to interest others in the gospel. Describing the Savior’s appearance to the Nephites, Mormon writes, “He did teach and minister unto the children … , and he did loose their tongues … that they could utter” (3 Nephi 26:14). Today I suppose we would say “loose their [thumbs] that they could utter.” Go to it, youth!
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Repentance is not a backup plan just in case our plan to live perfectly fails. Continual repentance is the only path that can bring us lasting joy and enable us to return to live with our Heavenly Father.
Brian K. Ashton, Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency
Believing Him is trusting that His bounteous blessings are available and applicable in our individual lives and families. … Believing Him—accepting as true His power and promises—invites perspective, peace, and joy into our lives.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The joy We feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and Everything to do with the focus of our lives.
President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles