His Goodness Made Him Stop

 "Here's a truth I'm still trying to grasp: stopping on the road to Jericho was not what made the Samaritan good; it was his goodness that made him stop."

"Good Enough," Joey C. Franklin, Y Magazine Summer 2021, 42.

Use Music

 President Dallin H. Oaks said: "The singing of hymns is one of the best ways to put ourselves in tune with the Spirit on the Lord... Sacred music has a unique capacity to communicate our feelings of love for the Lord. This kind of communication is a wonderful aid to our worship.... Our hymns contain matchless doctrinal sermons, surpassed only by the scriptures in their truth and poetic impact." 

"Worship through Music," Ensign, Nov. 1994, 10, 11. 

Our Heavenly's Goal is to Have His Children Choose to Do What is Right

 

The Divine Signature of the US Constitution

By Laureen Naylor Simper

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

“Our Heavenly Father’s goal in parenting is not to have His children do what is right; it is to have His children choose to do what is right and ultimately become like Him. If He simply wanted us to be obedient, He would use immediate rewards and punishments to influence our behaviors.

“But God is not interested in His children just becoming trained and obedient ‘pets’ who will not chew on His slippers in the celestial living room. No, God wants His children to grow up spiritually and join Him in the family business.”

Good Things Can Take Our Time, But What Is Needful? Be Flexible with Your To-Do List

 

Trust in the Lord That You May Not Run Faster Than You Have Strength

By Sister Kristin M. Yee

Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

When I paint, it’s hard for me to walk away from what I’m doing, because I always see something that needs to be fixed or changed, some hue, value, shape, or texture that needs to be adjusted or refined. I realized early on that I needed to literally turn my painting to face the wall before I could go to sleep at night.

Sisters and brothers, the Lord can help us to find rest and to know when to “turn it to the wall.” We have many, many good things that can take our time, but what is needful? The Spirit of the Lord can help us to know what is enough, what is most important, and what can fall to the wayside. Let us be flexible with our “to do” lists and be open to what the Lord may bring our way each day. (See Jacob 4:10; Alma 37:36–37.)...

The prophet Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) taught that the Lord “will help us as we decide from day to day on the allocation of our time and talent. We will move faster if we hurry less. We will make more real progress if we focus on the fundamentals.”

Focusing on the fundamentals includes spending time with the Lord in personal and family prayer, studying His word, ministering as He would, worshipping in His holy house, repenting often and sincerely, and engaging in blessed family history work. These sacred efforts fill our souls and bring the power of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice into our lives and into the lives of our families on both sides of the veil.

When we trust our time and energies to Him, and let Him prevail in this way, He will bring great peace, perspective, power, guidance, and joy into our lives. We will move faster in the ways that matter most.

What Mission Does the Lord Have For You?

 

The Joy of Sharing the Gospel

By Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Brothers and sisters, what mission does the Lord have for you? He knows your capacity to serve, and His Church offers a variety of lengths, assignments, and locations for senior missionaries. If you, like Elder Christensen, wonder whether you are needed, the answer is a decisive yes! The Lord needs your experience, knowledge, and maturity to build His kingdom....

The Lord Needs Your Service

By Elder W. Mark Bassett, Executive Director of the Missionary Department

Whether you served a mission decades ago or have never worn a missionary name tag, the Lord can use your service. You can prepare now to be among His most effective instruments, embracing three suggestions months or even years before you plan to serve:

1. Strengthen your skills. Maintain and improve any language skills you may have had. (Freshen up from your earlier missions or high school language courses). Open your computer and learn how to use it, especially the internet and standard office computer programs and applications. Become familiar with the technology the Church offers. Digital fluency multiplies your ability to serve.

2. Care for your health. Your body is your instrument of service. Schedule that medical checkup, address lingering health concerns, and build sustainable habits. The missionary work ahead needs you at your best.

3. Study leadership. Watch how your local leaders minister, delegate, and build unity. Practice supporting them wholeheartedly. Build up local members and leaders with encouragement, service, and example. Missionaries worldwide are serving as catalysts to help leaders succeed. Every senior missionary supports and strengthens local leadership. We don’t replace it; we sustain and magnify it.

The need for senior missionaries—both couples and singles—is urgent and vast. We could fill multiple stake centers with senior missionaries and still have needs going unmet worldwide.

The Church has thousands of members who could serve, but only a fraction of them are currently serving. The need isn’t just large; it’s now—and it’s waiting for you!

Elder Bassett passed away unexpectedly on May 11, 2026, while this issue was in production.

Peace and Rest Amidst Our To Do List

This whole thing was amazing and really pinged my soul. 

 

Helping Our Children Love the Temple

 Helping our children prepare for the temple can be a natural and normal part of our lives. As the temple and its blessings are important to us, our actions and our words will teach our children to love the temple as well. When children understand the importance of making covenants with God, their desire to prepare for those covenants is likely to increase.

Teaching Your Children to Love the Temple

By Nancy Dance and Dana Wright

Former Members of the Primary General Advisory Council

October 2021

Other Bible Translations

 

Seeing Christ in the Bible

By John Hilton III

Professor of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University

In 2025, an update to General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reinforced that while we should generally use the Church-published or preferred Bible translation in Church meetings, other translations may also be used. The General Handbook states: “Some individuals may benefit from translations that are doctrinally clear and also easier to understand. Examples of such translations can be found in the Church’s Holy Bible list.” If members find doctrinal discrepancies between Bible translations, the General Handbook advises members to “refer to the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and teachings of latter-day prophets.”

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/translations-and-downloads/scriptures/holy-bible?lang=eng

From Dating to Sealing

 

Preparing for Eternal Marriage: A Global Invitation to Joy

By Elder John “Keoni” S.K. Kauwe III and Monica S. Kauwe

Elder Kauwe is an Area Seventy and president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii

Preparing for Eternal Marriage: A Global Invitation to Joy

By Elder John “Keoni” S.K. Kauwe III and Monica S. Kauwe

Elder Kauwe is an Area Seventy and president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii

Faith, preparation, and communication make dating, marriage, and family some of the most joyful and sacred parts of our mortal journey.

Dating can be complex and sometimes heart-wrenching. But understanding the joy the sealing ordinance will bring makes it worth it all.

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states: “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.” Every member of the Church should plan for and prepare to make this sacred covenant.

The Truth That Unites Us All

President Dallin H. Oaks has taught, “Marriage is central to the purpose of mortal life and what follows.” Sister Kristen M. Oaks added, “In truth, marriage is a gift. Not only does marriage give us the opportunity for children, but it gives us the opportunity and incentive to begin a journey of growing with one another. We learn to sacrifice and serve as we can in few other ways.”

President Russell M. Nelson (1924–2025) declared, “Marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other human relationship.”

These are not just encouraging words. They reflect eternal truths about our purpose and the joy possible when we follow God’s plan.

Cultural backgrounds and traditions differ, but one truth remains consistent: Each person is a beloved child of God with a divine destiny. This destiny includes the opportunity to be sealed for time and all eternity to an eternal companion in the house of the Lord.

(If you’re already married, don’t skip the rest of the article. These lessons apply as you continue your courtship and deepen your relationship with your spouse.)

How to Prepare for Marriage and Continued Courtship

President Nelson urged us to “strive to stand for principle instead of popularity” and to prioritize spiritual growth over secular concerns. That includes planning for righteous courtship and covenant marriage.

Preparing for eternal marriage isn’t about setting a date—it’s about becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ who makes and keeps sacred covenants.

Just as Jesus grew “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52), our preparation should include efforts toward spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual progression.

Sister Oaks counseled: “If you find yourself marking time waiting for a marriage prospect, stop waiting and start preparing. Prepare yourself for life—by education, experience, and planning. Don’t wait for happiness to be thrust upon you. Seek out opportunities for service and learning. And most important, trust in the Lord. … And I promise as you do, happiness will come to you.”

Central to preparation for marriage and complete fidelity in marriage are striving for moral cleanliness and repenting daily. Keeping the Lord’s law of chastity brings additional spiritual power. Freedom from the bonds of sexual sin and pornography allows us to feel the Spirit, build trust, and prepare for an eternal relationship grounded in honesty and respect. If you’ve struggled in this area, know that healing is possible. Through sincere repentance and the power of Jesus Christ, you can be clean, whole, and ready to move forward with peace.

Please remember how very loved you are as a child of God. President Nelson asked you to have this “eternal truth imprinted upon your heart.” Do not dwell on your imperfections. When you elevate the way you honor your covenants and follow Jesus Christ, your physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual wellness will be elevated too.

Beginning Basics of Dating

Dating is a sacred and joyful step in preparing for eternal relationships. Let’s make this simple. A date should:

• Allow the two people to get to know each other.

• Follow a plan that you share with the other person ahead of time.

• Be in a safe environment and public area.

• Include a wholesome activity that allows for comfortable conversation.

• Have a clear, predetermined endpoint.

In addition, bear in mind:

• A single date does not mean you are getting married. It does not mean you are exclusive. It means you are getting to know each other as friends with potential.

• You can learn something from and even enjoy going on a date with someone whom you don’t envision as your eternal partner.

• That being said, it is very reasonable to go on one date with someone and know very clearly that one date was enough.

• Dating is not a status update for gossip, speculation, or unkindness. A surefire way to sabotage your future dating prospects is to belittle someone you dated or who asked you on a date.

• “Most people you meet as a missionary are not currently interested in learning about the Church. Most people you date are not going to marry you. … And that’s okay.”

Something Important to Communicate About: Physical Expressions

Physical expressions of affection or romantic interest that are in harmony with God’s law of chastity, such as holding hands, an embrace, or a kiss, should be preceded by clear communication and affirmative consent. This can be especially true at the end of a date. Here are some basic principles related to consent and respect:

• Agency is foundational in God’s plan.

• You cannot build trust where agency is ignored. You cannot claim love where coercion or manipulation exists.

• Through clear words or actions, a person should indicate permission to engage in physical expressions of affection.

• The absence of a “no” does not mean “yes,” and consent on one occasion does not mean consent can be assumed from that time forth.

• Any action that violates another’s agency is a sin. Abuse of any kind—emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual—is a violation of covenants and completely contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The foundation of healthy dating, marriages, families—all relationships, really—is kind, candid, consistent, and clear communication.

After several dates, you may start to wonder if you are in a relationship. Do not make assumptions about the status or trajectory of your relationship. There is only one way to know this. You have to talk about it!

Say what you mean; don’t assume the other person is filling in the gaps with correct information. They are filling in the gaps but often with the wrong information....

As you date, be thoughtful and intentional. Look for someone who shares your commitment to Jesus Christ and His restored Church, heeds living prophets, honors their covenants, prioritizes temple worship and the sealing ordinance, forgives others, and demonstrates a strong work ethic. Be confident that you can raise children in a Christ-centered family with them. Physical attraction is important; spiritual alignment and shared purpose are paramount....

President Nelson taught, “Harmony in marriage comes only when one esteems the welfare of his or her spouse among the highest of priorities.”

 

Discipleship and the Law of the Fast

By Elder Steven D. Shumway

Of the Seventy

1. Living the law of the fast prepares us to meet the Savior. As represented in the parable of the sheep and the goats, Christ will gather all nations, and then “he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left” (Matthew 25:33). Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explains that those on the Christ’s right hand become heirs to His kingdom, while those on His left receive no inheritance. The distinguishing characteristic is whether they served Christ by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, providing shelter to strangers, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick or imprisoned.

3. The law of the fast strengthens us to overcome temptation. Isaiah teacher that living this law helps "loose the bands of wickedness" (Isaiah 58:6). Each time we fast, we gain more control over worldly appetites and passions and develop power to overcome temptation. Elder James E. Talmage (1862-1933) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed, "Have you some besetting weakness, some sinful indulgence that you have vainly tried to overcome?... Your sin may be of a kind that goeth out only through prayer and fasting."