Reverence
Overview
Reverence is profound respect and love. A reverent attitude toward God includes honoring Him, expressing gratitude to Him, and obeying His commandments.
As people show reverence for God, they also show reverence and gratitude for His blessings, His commandments, His prophets, His Church, His ordinances, His priesthood, and His plan for His children. A reverent attitude includes self-respect and personal purity. It leads to proper worship and right conduct.
Reverent behavior includes prayer, scripture study, fasting, and payment of tithes and offerings. It includes having wholesome thoughts, wearing modest clothing, and using clean, wholesome language. The depth of a person’s reverence is evident in his or her choice of music and other entertainment, in the way sacred subjects are spoken of, and in the way the person dresses and acts when attending church services and worshiping in the temple. Reverence also includes making righteous choices even when no one is watching. Reverence for the Lord leads to serving other people and treating them with kindness and respect.
Reverence leads to a quiet transformation in life. The Lord will pour out His Spirit more abundantly on those who are reverent. They are less troubled and confused. They are able to receive revelation to help them solve personal and family problems.
Just as reverence brings an individual closer to God, irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary. Satan will tempt people to follow the world’s trend to more noise, transitory excitement, and contention and to less restraint and quiet dignity.
Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“Encouraging Reverence”
“Reverence Invites Revelation”
“Reverence for the Lord’s House”
Tabernacle Choir Videos
“Abide with Me!”
Learning Resources
Church Magazines
C. Gary Allred, “Sacred Things,” Ensign, October 2016
Kelsey Gurecki, “Seeking Reverence,” New Era, March 2010
Jan Pinborough, “Primary Manners,” Liahona, December 2009
Owen W. Cahoon and Annette B. Olsen, “Children Can Learn Reverence,” Ensign, February 1984
In the News
“Viewpoint: Reverence Invites Inspiration, True Worship,” Church News
“Elder Hallstrom Says Reverent Life Is Priceless,” Church News
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Teaching Resources
Teaching Outlines
Stories and Activities for Teaching Children
“Reverence,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children
“Family Night Fun: Reverence,” Friend, November 2016
Media
Audio
“Fostering Reverence—Part 1,” Gospel Solutions for Families, episode 69
“Fostering Reverence—Part 2,” Gospel Solutions for Families, episode 70
“Reverence,” Stories from General Conference, episode 69