Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reminded members to love God, others and themselves during the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference.
Sister Susan H. Porter, first counselor in the Primary general presidency, expressed the complete and deep love Heavenly Father has for each one of His children. She said understanding and knowing God's love will change the way people feel about themselves when they make mistakes.
God's love is not limited and it sheds itself over all the earth into the hearts of the children of men, Sister Porter explained.
People can pray to be filled with God's love for others and to know of His pure love for themselves, she said. “God’s love is not found in the circumstances of our lives, but in His presence in our lives. We know of His love when we receive strength beyond our own and when His spirit brings peace, comfort and direction,' she said.
Elder Erich W. Kopischke of the Quorum of the Seventy reminded those who are affected with mental illness that God loves them. “For all who are personally affected by mental illness, hold fast to your covenants, even if you might not feel God’s love at this time…' he said.
Turning toward others and recognizing their difficulties in times of personal trial and adversity can create compassion for them. General Authority Seventy Elder Moises Villanueva said in the many opportunities he has had to minister and serve his fellow man, it was at those times that Heavenly Father lightened his burdens and blessed him with His infinite love.
“In moments of difficulty and trial, there are few things that bring us greater peace and satisfaction than serving our fellow man,' Elder Villanueva said.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also talked about showing love and said everyone should love God and themselves. “Isn’t it curious that loving ourselves seems to come less easily than loving others? Yet, the Lord has said, ‘love thy neighbor as thyself.''
Church leaders also urged the importance of keeping sacred covenants. 'We are bound securely to and with the Savior as we faithfully remember and do our best to live in accordance with the obligations we have accepted,' Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said.
Missionary, temple and family history work are all part of one great work that enables members to receive the power of Godliness through focusing on sacred covenants and ordinances, Elder Bednar said. He emphasized the covenants, promises and blessings given to those who keep sacred covenants.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussed the divinely-appointed responsibilities members have as they participate in God's work of salvation and exaltation.
Living the gospel and inviting others to receive it, caring for those in need and uniting families for eternity are divinely appointed responsibilities, Elder Stevenson explained.
The gospel is not complicated, complex or filled with turmoil. In reality, the gospel is plain, precious and simple. “We should all strive to keep the gospel simple in our lives, in our families, in our classes and quorums and in our wards and stakes,' he said.
Elder Christoffel Golden Jr. of the Seventy reminded conferencegoers that the gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of repentance. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, an invitation to keep changing, growing and becoming more pure is extended to everyone.
As members act, Christ will guide and direct them along the way, Elder Ciro Schmeil of the Seventy said. Studying the scriptures will give the necessary strength for members to get through one more day and to try one more time.
“To become a better follower of the Savior Jesus Christ is a lifelong journey and we are all in different stages, moving at a different pace. We must keep in mind that this is not a competition, and we are here to love and help each other,” Elder Schmeil said.
Through prayer, scripture study and action, anyone can unlock the blessings of heaven and become a better follower, parent, spouse and disciple of Jesus Christ, he said.