President Nelson’s inspired messages for our times

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President Nelson’s message from General Conference this weekend were inspired and just what the world needs to hear.

“I have been to Ukraine and Russia many times. I love those lands, the people and their languages. I weep and pray for all who are affected by this conflict,” he said. “As a Church, we are doing all we can to help those who are suffering and struggling to survive. We invite all to continue to fast and pray for all the people being hurt by this calamity.”

“Any war is a horrifying violation of everything the Lord Jesus Christ stands for and teaches. The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies and to pray for those who despitefully use us. It can be painfully difficult to let go of anger that feels so justified. It can seem impossible to forgive those whose destructive actions have hurt the innocent. And yet, the Savior admonished us to ‘forgive all men.’”

“My call today, my dear brothers and sisters, is to end the conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life. Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others — whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or resentment for someone who has hurt you. … We are followers of the Prince of Peace. Now more than ever, we need the peace only He can bring. How can we expect peace to exist in the world when we are not individually seeking peace and harmony?”

The prophet invited everyone to forgive someone by Easter (April 17, 2022). “If forgiveness presently seems impossible, plead for power through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ to help you. As you do so, I promise a personal peace and a burst of spiritual momentum.”

The prophet pointed out that we should concentrate on the things we personally can do in our own lives and gave five suggestions on how we can maintain positive spiritual momentum:

  1. Get on the covenant path and stay there.
  2. Discover the joy of daily repentance.
  3. Learn about God and how He works.
  4. Seek and expect miracles.
  5. End conflict in your personal life.

It is worth noting that the prophet and several other speakers renewed calls for eligible members, but especially young men, to go on missions.

And how about those 17 new temples, in addition to the scores of others announced in the last few years? President Nelson has announced 100 temples since he became prophet.

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About Geoff B.

Geoff B graduated from Stanford University (class of 1985) and worked in journalism for several years until about 1992, when he took up his second career in telecommunications sales. He has held many callings in the Church, but his favorite calling is father and husband. Geoff is active in martial arts and loves hiking and skiing. Geoff has five children and lives in Colorado.

10 thoughts on “President Nelson’s inspired messages for our times”

  1. Conference was so wonderful, again! President Nelson gave us such specific instructions and a deadline–what more could we ask of a prophet. I detected a theme of consecration in many of the talks and felt that we are being prompted to become the Zion people we need to be ready for the Savior’s return. I especially appreciated Elder Bednar’s talk and won’t ever sing that hymn, Let Us All Press On, without remembering his teachings. I’m so grateful for all the Apostles and leaders!

  2. “Any war is a horrifying violation of everything the Lord Jesus Christ stands for and teaches”

    I think I see how this is directionally true, but the BoM, D&C, and Old Testament all touch on when the Lord may command war.

    Trying to fit it all together…

  3. Gcwatcher2, I agree, and I think defensive wars are definitely morally justified. The people of Ukraine are morally justified to defend themselves, for example. But should other nations get involved? I think the answer is no, and I see no signs from President Nelson that there is a call for the U.S., for example, to get involved in this war.

    It seems to me the BoM and the D&C make it clear that our primary concern in these latter days is feeling justified in feeling anger towards others that leads to involvement in wars, and we are constantly told to forgive and turn the other cheek. And President Nelson’s message also supports that view, ie, we should forgive and avoid contention in all spheres.

  4. Anyone else notice that a temple was announced for “Cleveland”. The eastern suburb of which is a small town, you may have heard of it, called Kirtland.

  5. Archduke, interesting. The Kirtland temple is still owned by the (Community of Christ) former RLDS church, right?

    It is possible to imagine the new LDS temple will be right down the street from the Community of Christ-owned Kirtland temple? Fascinating.

  6. I have heard the Church owns a lot of land in and around Kirtland, but I do believe the old temple is still owned by the CoC. I will be watching the location announcement for that one with great interest.

  7. 2nd temple for Ohio. Third temple for Tennessee.

    My take on temple placement in the US: You need at least 3 strong local stakes to operate a small temple. You need 3 strong local stakes, close to making a 4th local stake, to operate a larger one. And it looks to me like at least 6 to 8 stakes minimum in the temple district.

    —
    An interesting blog that analyzes and comments on church membership growth, especially temple construction, is ldschurchgrowth.blogspot.com

  8. Yes the CoC still owns the Kirtland Temple, but the LDS Church has the Newel K Whitney store & some other sites right there in the same neighborhood. So there is a busy tourist season over the summer into the early fall there. A girl from our ward spend the first 5 months of her mission in Kirtland, and then finished up in Texas.

  10. C. S. Lewis pointed out, somewhere, that we are commanded to love our neighbour – not a cause, or whole groups of people – because they are all that we can personally love and influence. It requires real love – the ‘costly’ kind – whereas loving (or professing to) a cause, group, or whatever else is too easy and non-committal. So is expressing hatred and anger towards whole groups.

    Here, in my personal circle, I can take time to discern what it bothering another person, learn about them, become interested in them, serve them, learn from them, etc. I can receive personal help from them. And I can create peace in my heart and relationships – which is really difficult on its own, without trying to create it all over the world.

    This is where what we profess has to become real. You can say all sorts of things, and sound passionate about it, but until you work on your own circle of influence, it’s all words. And doing that is hard enough for all of us to last us our whole lives.

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