Relationships with Others

An Expression of Kindness

Two young missionaries knocked on a door, hoping to find someone to receive their message. The door opened, and a rather large man greeted them in a less-than-friendly voice: “I thought I told you not to knock on my door again. I warned you before that if you ever came back, it would not be a pleasant experience. Now leave me alone.” He quickly closed the door.

As the elders walked away, the older, more experienced missionary put his arm on the younger missionary’s shoulder to comfort and encourage him. Unknown to them, the man watched them through the window to be sure they understood his message. He fully expected to see them laugh and make light of his curt response to their attempted visit. However, as he witnessed the expression of kindness between the two missionaries, his heart was instantly softened. He reopened the door and asked the missionaries to come back and share their message with him.

… This principle of having love one to another and developing our ability to be Christ centered in how we think, speak, and act is fundamental in becoming disciples of Christ and teachers of His gospel.

Elder Paul E. Koelliker of the Seventy

Act on Promptings

If we will pray and ask Heavenly Father who we can help and promise to act on the promptings He gives us letting us know how we can help, He will answer our prayers and we will become instruments in His hands to do His work. …

… As you act on [a] prompting and do it with love, watch as our Heavenly Father uses your willingness to act to bring about a miracle in your life and in the life of the person you care about.

Elder David F. Evans of the Seventy

Jump In and Help

If you come upon a person who is drowning, would you ask if they need help—or would it be better to just jump in and save them from the deepening waters? The offer, while well meaning and often given, “Let me know if I can help” is really no help at all.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy

Envy

There are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those. …

… Coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Family: A Priority

The most important cause of our lifetime is our families. If we will devote ourselves to this cause, we will improve every other aspect of our lives and will become, as a people and as a church, an example and a beacon for all peoples of the earth.

… May I suggest that we prioritize. Put everything you do outside the home in subjection to and in support of what happens inside your home. …

Organize your personal lives to provide time for prayer and scriptures and family activity.

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

A Key to Facing Trials

Many of you have already discovered the great, transforming truth that when you live to lift the burdens of others, your own burdens become lighter. Although circumstances may not have changed, your attitude has. You are able to face your own trials with greater acceptance, a more understanding heart, and deeper gratitude for what you have, rather than pining for what you yet lack.

Elder David S. Baxter of the Seventy

Family Time

Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected. We urge our members to show devotion to their families.

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I really enjoyed this conference. You could just feel the power in everything that was being said. When they were talking about family, service, a change of heart, forgiveness, and so many other powerful topics, I could just feel the truth of the words they were saying—the power of pure and honest doctrine. How blessed we are to live when the world is in need of truth and we are given the opportunity to be the ones to help bring the world this light.

Carol J., 17, Idaho, USA

The biggest impression I had was that we need to make sure we can use our homes as safe havens from the world. We need to try to keep contention and hatred out of our homes because it drives the Spirit away. We have been told that home can be a heaven on earth only if we are filled with love. Another thing I found profound is the value of souls and that by saving one soul we can save thousands.

Nathan A., 14, Idaho, USA