Patrick Kearon

Our mortal life is but a moment in our existence, but that moment—sometimes very difficult—is of eternal importance. Yes, our Heavenly Father wants us to learn and grow. And, yes, that growth at times entails disappointment and suffering. But He wants our lives to be beautiful and hopeful. To that end, and to ease our journey back to Him, He has provided a Savior. Through His love and atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ has dealt with and healed everything we will encounter in life. What a joy to repent and be forgiven through Christ's redeeming love! Image courtesy of Havenlight “Eventide” by Yongsung Kim

I love this counsel Jen recently shared about being a true friend—even when we may not see eye to eye. Her steady kindness and care for others reflect a life centered on Jesus Christ. As we strive to always treat others as the Savior would, we can look to Him as our perfect example of listening, loving, and lifting.

While the Atonement of Jesus Christ may be beyond our full comprehension, it’s real. It’s there. It’s joyful. Because of Him, we can get through any trial and any challenge.

Jen and I were absolutely thrilled to be with you this evening. The “song of redeeming love” we raised together will stay with us forever. I plead with you to hold fast to the radiant, foundational truths the Lord has already woven into your lives. And if some of those truths still feel unfamiliar, please know this: you and I can keep practicing—again and again. As we do, we will come to truly understand the astonishing good news of the Savior's gospel. And in that understanding, we will feel His peace settle in our souls, His joy lift our hearts, and His divine love wrap around us in the very moments we need it most.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. He can fill our lives with unspeakable hope and joy. Jen and I are looking forward to discussing this—and other important topics on your minds—with you at the Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. MST. We hope you can join us.

New beginnings are at the heart of the Father’s plan for His children. Fresh starts are the mission of the Son! Please receive your new beginning—even today, right now.

Believe that there is a particular gift in this season for you. Seek for quiet, solitary moments when you can ponder, pray, and feel the loving-kindness of the One whose birth makes any joy in any life possible.

An empty arena is cold, joyless, and lacks connection. In many ways, it mirrors life without the light of Jesus Christ and His gospel. But when our lives are centered on His gospel light, that same arena is transformed. What was once empty becomes bright, full of life, purpose, and community. The light of Jesus Christ always overcomes darkness.

If you have turned away from God, please remember that no matter the reason, and no matter how long you’ve been away, He wants you back. The Savior’s arms are always wide open.

Across faith traditions, sacred spaces—whether soaring cathedrals, quiet temples, majestic mosques, serene synagogues, or humble meeting places—hold deep meaning. These houses of worship stand in nearly every land, offering refuge and inspiration for the faithful. I was grateful to share these thoughts with global faith leaders at the Eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions at the Palace of Independence in Astana, Kazakhstan. Regardless of religion, we honor the divine call to foster peace, mutual respect, and lasting fellowship for the whole human family.

All of us can have a new beginning through, and because of, Jesus Christ. Even you. New beginnings are at the heart of the Father’s plan for His children. This is the church of new beginnings! This is the church of fresh starts! Our new beginning doesn’t just happen once. We tend to think that baptism is our one shot at a new beginning. It isn’t. We don’t have just one chance. These new beginnings can happen every day! Jesus gives us as many new beginnings as we need. #GeneralConference

President Russell M. Nelson both teaches and exemplifies the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. With any topic, he focuses on the joy found in gospel teachings. A good example is what he has taught us about the joy found in repentance. He has taught this beautiful truth in a way that changes perceptions and invites peace. The gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed a gospel of “glad tidings of great joy” (Mosiah 3:3). I am so grateful for President Nelson’s example and teachings that so wonderfully emphasize this. #PresidentNelson101

Our Heavenly Father’s plan is a plan of HAPPINESS. Our wonderful visit with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and friends of other faiths in the Philippines has convinced me of this more than ever. The joy we saw on the faces of those we met was absolutely remarkable. Our Father desires to bring each of us home to experience true joy with Him forever. I am unspeakably grateful for this beautiful truth.

Words cannot describe the beautiful reception we received as we visited Maa Elementary School this week. We participated in a ceremony celebrating an initiative that so many good and faithful members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been involved in to provide electricity and water to a local elementary school in Davao, Philippines. Our Savior Jesus Christ exhibited during His mortal ministry great love for children. We are grateful for this opportunity to follow His example and help the children of Maa Elementary School to feel His love.

You are loved more than you can imagine. Yes, you will face challenges. We all do. But please remember this: there is nothing beyond the reach of the infinite atoning gift of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.

The most important message any of us could receive is a reminder of who we are and how we are loved by our Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Revelation from our loving Heavenly Father is a gift that allows us to feel these reminders often. May we all humble ourselves as we seek to hear Him communicate these special truths to us.

We really are God’s children—and He really does love us.   Jen and I consider ourselves absolutely blessed to have been reminded of this profound truth as we visited with the Secuya family in their home in Cebu, Philippines.   Their faith in Jesus Christ strengthens us. Our Heavenly Father truly does loves them—just as He loves each of you.