Sunday Afternoon Session
The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ
Excerpts
The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints centers on the family. …
Despite that doctrinal context, there is opposition. …
The national declines in marriage and childbearing are understandable for historic reasons, but Latter-day Saint values and practices should improve—not follow—those trends. …
As parental influences diminish, Latter-day Saints still have a God-given responsibility to teach their children to prepare for our family destiny in eternity (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:25). …
Our Savior Jesus Christ is our ultimate role model. … Following Christ and giving ourselves in service to one another is the best remedy for the selfishness and individualism that now seem to be so common.
Parents also have a duty to teach their children practical knowledge apart from gospel principles. …
… Families flourish when they learn as a group and counsel together on all matters of concern to the family and its members. …
Great blessings come to families if they pray together, kneeling night and morning to offer thanks for blessings and to pray over common concerns. Families are also blessed as they worship together in Church services and in other devotional settings. Family bonds are also strengthened by family stories, creating family traditions, and sharing sacred experiences. …
I testify of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Only Begotten Son of God, our Eternal Father. He invites us to follow the covenant path that leads to a heavenly family reunion.