See more of the The Universe’s coverage of the 185th Annual General Conference.
In the spirit of Easter season Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Seventy delivered an important reminder of why Jesus died and the importance of perseverance in the Saturday afternoon session of general conference.
“God cares a lot more about who we are, and who we are becoming, than about who we once were,” Elder Renlund said. He reminded the audience of the importance of the Atonement and its ability to erase the past. “For us, because of the Atonement of Christ and our repentance, no matter how wicked, we can say, ‘That’s who I was. But, that past wicked self is no longer who I am.'”
The beauty of the Atonement and Christ’s sacrifice for mankind is illustrated in the teaching that “one of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final,” Elder Renlund said. “The Savior’s infinite Atonement can heal even — and perhaps especially — those who have innocently suffered,” he said.
He recounted a story where a member was frustrated by the treatment she received at church. A friend told the hurt member that “church is like a hospital, and we are all sick in our own way.” Elder Renlund reiterated the importance of being tolerant and supportive of others.
