Reflect on the Meaning of His Divine Names

 

I Glory in My Jesus

By Elder Aaron T. Hall

Of the Seventy

Brothers and sisters, what names of Jesus Christ help you glory in Him? Perhaps Master, Counselor, or Friend?

When life feels infuriatingly unfair and finding the strength to glory in the Lord seems difficult, reflect on the meaning of His divine names and let Him restore peace to your soul.

Christlike Character Grows Out of a Christlike Heart

 

The Character of Christ

By President D. Todd Christofferson

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

When we consider the character of the Savior, we tend to focus immediately on His attributes, such as virtue, integrity, humility, compassion, and courage, but we should also consider, What is it in Jesus that gives rise to such character traits? I believe they are the natural fruit of the thoughts, desires, and intents of His heart. Christlike character grows out of a Christlike heart. Thus, if we are to succeed in developing a Christlike character, we must possess His motivations—His thoughts, desires, and intents of the heart. For us, it will require what the scriptures call a mighty change of heart....

The love of Christ yields character traits such as compassion, patience, a willingness to correct “when moved upon by the Holy Ghost,” and certainly a willingness to forgive....

The meek are models of self-control, using or withholding their considerable powers and gifts as is best in every situation.

Use the Language and Methods of Peacemakers

 

A Peculiar Treasure

By Elder Alan R. Walker

Of the Seventy

What a revolutionary teaching for personal relationships! Love even your enemies! But who are our enemies? The full meaning of enemies in the sources from which King James’s translators chose the word enemies includes military foes but even extends to any who actively oppose one another. Today we might say that we are commanded to love our adversaries. All mortals are beloved children of God. As President David O. McKay taught, “There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for one’s fellowmen.”...

When we seek to keep all the commandments in our personal lives, we are sometimes accused of having no love for those who don’t. When we show personal love and support loving causes, we are sometimes misunderstood as implying support for results that contradict our other religious duties. But as followers of Christ, we should seek to live peaceably and lovingly with other children of God who do not share our values and do not have the covenant obligations we have assumed. In a democratic government we should seek fairness for all. In countless circumstances, strangers’ suspicions or even hostility gradually gives way to friendship when personal contacts produce mutual respect....

We can follow the example of Jesus Christ, who is our role model, by choosing to love others—even if they show little or no love toward us...

Peacemakers! How it would change the world if followers of Christ would forgo harsh and hurtful words in all their communications....

My brothers and sisters, as followers of Christ, let us follow Him by forgoing contention and by using the language and methods of peacemakers. In our families and other personal relationships, let us avoid what is harsh and hateful. Let us seek to be holy, like our Savior...

Your Sunday Will Come

 

The Joy of a Covenant Relationship with God

By Elder Thierry K. Mutombo

Of the Seventy

Now, you may say, “I’m not facing the same challenge—how does this apply to me?” During this mortal life, each of us will face our own dark days, times when things are not going as hoped. When you face this darkness of sorrow, please remember that dark day when Jesus Christ was humiliated, bruised, abused, reviled, and lifted on the cross for you and me.

That day was filled with devastating, consuming sorrow that gnawed at the souls of those who loved and honored Jesus Christ. But the doom of that day did not last forever. The despair did not linger because, on Sunday, the resurrected Savior overcame the bonds of death. So no matter how dark your days are, please remember that Sunday will come if you faithfully keep the covenants that you made with the Lord.

Not All Matters are of Equal Value

 

Because of Jesus Christ

By Elder Dale G. Renlund

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I cannot add more time to your days or eliminate the many concerns modern life brings. But I can offer this counsel: Not all matters are of equal value, and maintaining an eternal perspective helps us prioritize the things that are of greatest value.

Developing a Deep Bond with Our Heavenly Father

 

Choose Jesus Christ as Your Guide

By Elder Edward B. Rowe

Of the Seventy

We follow in His footsteps within the covenant path by being in holy places, like the temple, and by having sacred experiences through partaking of the sacrament, praying, studying the scriptures, and ministering to others. The more time we spend with our guide in this way—and strive to follow His example—the more we will develop a deep bond and special relationship with Him and our Heavenly Father.

We will feel the Savior’s love, be blessed with His strength, and have greater trust in Him. Even our very natures will change to become more like Him. We will feel more joy. And our love and gratitude for Him will grow.

Don't Read Books or Check Your Phone During the Sacrament

 

I Feel My Savior’s Love

By Elder Pedro X. Larreal

Of the Seventy

The ordinance of the sacrament makes sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church. During the sacrament, we should strive to remove every worldly thought from our minds. This is time to be prayerful and reverent, not a time for reading secular books or magazines, nor is it a time for checking our cell phones. This sacred time is to feel His love for us and remember Him, to know that we are never alone and that His Spirit will be with us to help us during trials and challenges...