Saturday afternoon session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its 193rd Annual General Conference Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2. This blog summarizes the key points from the Saturday afternoon session.

Follow along with our blog updates below, or watch each session live here.

For a glossary of the Latter-day Saint terminology used in this blog, click here.

Saturday, 04:17 pm

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf — Jesus Christ is the strength of parents

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about Jesus Christ being the strength of parents.He focused on the important task parents have of raising God's children, teaching them how to be good people and educating them on the gospel of Jesus Christ."Have you ever thought about the tremendous risk our Father in heaven takes each time he sends a child to earth? These are his spirit sons and daughters. They have limitless potential. They are destined to become glorious beings of goodness, grace and truth," Elder Uchtdorf said.Yet, God sends his children to earth helpless, with no memory of him. Parents are tasked with helping children form an understanding of life, love, God and his plan. This can be an intimidating endeavor, as parents are trying to figure things out for themselves, too.

"Dear brothers and sisters, relax … The fact is, all parents worry about being not good enough. Fortunately, there is a divine source of help for parents. It is Jesus Christ. He is the source of our mighty change of heart." @UchtdorfDF | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 1, 2023"My message to all parents is this: The Lord loves you. He is with you. He stands beside you. He is your strength in guiding your children to make righteous choices."Elder Uchtdorf said no work is greater than helping God's precious children learn who they really are. Parents should accept this privilege with responsibility, courage and joy.Parents should help children build faith in Jesus Christ, learn to love the gospel and prepare for a lifetime of righteousness. He said Satan will try to discourage parents and convince them they are doing a bad job — but Christ is always there to make up the difference.

"One home evening or one gospel conversation may not change a child's life any more than one drop of rain causes a plant immediately to grow. But the consistency of small and simple things...nourishes children much better than an occasional flood. @UchtdorfDF | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/1q8XhJMZ09

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 1, 2023"He heals the sick, and he can heal relationships. He multiplies bread and fish, and he can multiply the love and the joy in your home."Efforts in parenting may seem small at times, but Jesus Christ will bless and magnify your consistent efforts."Just as Jesus Christ is the strength of youth, Jesus Christ is also the strength of parents," Elder Uchtdorf said. "A parent's love for a child is one of the strongest forces in the universe. It's one of the few things on this earth that can truly be eternal."God is anxious to pour out his spirit to guide parents, Elder Uchtdorf said. As a parent, you should never give up on the miracle that is your children.

"Patiently allow the rising generation to make inspired choices and let God work His miracle. The result will be more beautiful and more stunning and more joyful than anything you could accomplish just by yourself."@UchtdorfDF | #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 1, 2023"My dear friends, building faith in a child is somewhat like helping a flower grow. … What you can and must do for the rising generation is provide rich, nourishing soil, with access to flowing heavenly water," Elder Uchtdorf said. "Then, patiently allow the rising generation to make inspired choices and let God work His miracle."—Cassidy Wixom

Saturday, 04:02 pm

Elder Benjamin De Hoyos — The work of the temple and family history, one and the same work

After traveling to Arizona from Mexico City in 1975 to be sealed to his wife Evelia, General Authority Seventy Elder Benjamin De Hoyos said he was more appreciative of the early saints who sacrificed for three years to complete the temple in Kirtland, Ohio."We truly experienced a glimpse of heaven," he said.He said proper use of temples has always been a sign of the true church of Jesus Christ. When the sealing keys were restored to Joseph Smith, he said, the work of salvation was able to begin.

#ElderDeHoyos | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/LtqUOTY8cg

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) April 1, 2023Elder De Hoyos said church members should preserve stories about their own family history, learn from their ancestors and arrange for ancestors to receive gospel ordinances in the temple.Elder De Hoyos suggested people turn to resources the church has to help them complete family history work. He said FamilySearch centers are designed to help any member take their family names to the temple. He encouraged people to contact family history specialists in their wards or stakes.

"The work of the temple and family history are one and the same work in the Church." #ElderDeHoyos | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 1, 2023"Let us remember that family history is more than just looking for names, dates and places. It is uniting families and feeling the joy that comes from extending to them the ordinances of the gospel," Elder De Hoyos said.He said ordinances bind members to Jesus Christ; and when people keep covenants, they gain healing and strengthening power from him."Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ," he said.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 03:49 pm

Elder Evan A. Schmutz — Trusting the doctrine of Christ

Elder Evan A. Schmutz of the Seventy began his talk by describing his personal mental image of the prophet Nephi's conclusion to his record on the plates of gold.The last thing Nephi included in his record was a treatise on the doctrine of Christ, Elder Schmutz explained.The speaker then quoted President Russell M. Nelson, who said to new mission leaders, "More than anything else, we want our missionaries ... to have the doctrine of Christ engraved in their hearts — rooted in the marrow of their bones."

"But the importance of the doctrine of Christ is not just for missionaries! And it is much more profound than a mere summary repetition of its five key elements. It encompasses the law of the gospel. It is the great plan for eternal life." — Elder Evan A. Schmutz #universebyu

— The Daily Universe (@UniverseBYU) April 1, 2023Elder Schmutz also recalled a time when President Nelson explained that overcoming the world comes through trusting in the doctrine of Christ."So, how would intentionally trusting the doctrine of Christ change the way we live our lives?" Elder Schmutz asked.He explained that trusting the doctrine of Christ includes:

Trusting every word Christ said and studying his life and promises.

Praying daily and expressing gratitude for the Savior.

Focusing on the Savior and putting aside games and social media, etc.

Repenting joyfully and sincerely.

Enduring to the end.

"If we trust the doctrine of Christ, we will set aside the shiny things of the world so that we can focus on the Redeemer of the world." #ElderSchmutz | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 1, 2023Then Elder Schmutz spoke about a couple that converted to the church and then experienced major health issues that will eventually likely leave the wife blind and widowed. But the family has built their house upon the doctrine of Christ, and when people suffer with faith, they become perfected in Christ, Elder Schmutz explained."Jesus did not speak of the possibility of rain and flood and wind in our lives; He spoke ofthe certainty that storms will arise. The variable in the parable is not whether storms will come but how we have responded to his loving invitation to both hear and do what He has taught. There is no other way to survive," he concluded.— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 03:32 pm

Elder Craig C. Christensen — There can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy

Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Seventy spoke of the joy we can feel as we repent and come unto the Savior.He referenced parables that focus on seeking out those who have strayed away from God and felt joy as they returned. He said each of us can feel joy by repenting and by inviting others to come unto Jesus Christ."After we have felt the joy that comes from sincere repentance, we quite naturally want to share that joy with others. And when we do, our joy multiplies," he said.

"We were created to have joy. It is our intended destiny as children of a loving Heavenly Father. He wants to share His joy with us." #ElderChristensen | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/W1xeMUaX58

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 1, 2023Helping others repent is a natural expression of our gratitude toward the Savior and can be a source of great joy, he added.Elder Christensen explained that joy is more profound than passing moments of contentment and happiness. He said joy is a godly attribute that is more profound, elevating, enduring and life-changing than any pleasure or comfort this life can offer."Repentance is the pathway to joy, because it is the pathway that leads to the Savior Jesus Christ," he said.Because repentance requires change it can at times be painful, difficult and uncomfortable. But it is necessary for each person to be freed from sin, as sin limits joy."Oh, how exquisite is the peace and resplendent joy we feel as the Savior's atonement frees us from sin and suffering," Elder Christensen said.

"Repentance brings joy because it prepares our hearts to receive the influence of the Holy Ghost." #ElderChristensen | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 1, 2023As we repent of our sins, we must focus on the great joy that follows as joy comes from being filled with the spirit,"We speak often of the pain and suffering of Gethsemane and Calvary, but seldom do we speak of the great joy the Savior must have anticipated as he offered his life for us. Clearly, his pain and his suffering were for us, that we might experience the joy of returning with him to the presence of God," Elder Christensen said.—Cassidy Wixom

Saturday, 03:22 pm

Elder Randall K. Bennett — Your patriarchal blessing: Inspired direction from Heavenly Father

General Authority Seventy Elder Randall K. Bennett talked to members of the church about patriarchal blessings."My patriarchal blessing also helped me desire to be more submissive to the will of my Heavenly Father, and that focus helped me experience great joy, despite my personal circumstances," he said.His blessing became a precious treasure to him, as Elder Bennett said the blessing has helped him desire to be better and resist temptation.He said he was told at a young age that his parents would likely get divorced, which gave him significant anxiety. He had a deep desire to get a patriarchal blessing and received it immediately after turning 12 years old."It was vital for me to receive my patriarchal blessing while I was young and while my testimony was still growing. I am forever grateful that my parents and bishop understood that my desire indicated I was ready," he said

"I studied my blessing frequently, and as a youth often daily, which helped me feel the comforting, guiding influence of the Holy Ghost, who helped reduce my anxiety as I followed His promptings." #ElderBennett | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 1, 2023Elder Bennett invited members who have not received their patriarchal blessings to prayerfully consider it when they are ready."I promise that if you prepare spiritually, your experience, like mine, will be sacred to you," he said.He encouraged members who already have their patriarchal blessings to study them and cherish them. He said doing this has blessed him with courage, comfort, hope and joy."My patriarchal blessing helped increase my faith and trust in my Heavenly Father and my Savior. It also increased my love for them — and it still does," he said.Elder Bennett said the blessings provide inspired direction from Heavenly Father, who loves us and wants to bless us.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 03:14 pm

Elder Peter F. Meurs — He could heal me!

Elder Peter F. Meurs, a member of the Seventy, began his talk by referring to the promise in the Book of Mormon that those who read it remember the mercy of the Lord throughout history.Elder Meurs' father passed away in April 2013. When Elder Meurs spoke at the funeral, he remembered his father's favorite scripture passage — the Savior's visit to the people of Nephi. "When the multitude in the passage are brought to tears, Christ has compassion on them."But his compassion was more than a response to their tears, Elder Meurs said. It was a response to the illnesses, afflictions, and challenges that Christ understood because "he could see them through the eyes of his atoning sacrifice."

"When our Savior Jesus Christ looks upon us, He sees and understands the pain and burden of our sins. He sees our addictions and challenges. He sees our struggles and afflictions of any kind—and He is filled with compassion toward us." — Elder Peter F. Meurs #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/GxmsDHHopv

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 1, 2023Then, he told a story about how he fell asleep while driving his family home after a family outing and caused a head-on car accident. Elder Meurs only suffered minor injuries, and his daughters were in shock, but otherwise OK. His wife broke her leg and sternum, and their 5-month-old son was unresponsive.After his eldest daughter suggested it, Elder Meurs gave his son a priesthood blessing. His son regained consciousness by the time the ambulance arrived 40 minutes later.The physical injuries healed over time, but Elder Meurs felt deep feelings of guilt and remorse that affected his life for a long time.

"As a priesthood leader, while assisting others to repent and helping them to feel the compassion, mercy and love of the Savior, I realized that He could heal me." #ElderMeurs | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 1, 2023"Then, as a priesthood leader, assisting others to repent and helping them to feel the compassion, mercy and love of the Savior, I realized that he could heal me," he said."The Savior's healing and redeeming power applies to accidental mistakes, poor decisions,challenges, and trials of every kind – as well as to our sins. As I turned to him, my feelings of guilt and remorse were gradually replaced with peace and rest," he concluded.— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 03:02 pm

Elder Dale G. Renlund — Accessing God's power through covenants

Elder Dale G. Renlund, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke about the power people receive when they keep their covenants with God.He explained how, in Brazil, there is a natural phenomenon called pororoca that makes the Amazon River flow upward against the natural flow of water. Elder Renlund said, similarly, we can make our own pororocas by accessing God's power and being transformed to go against the flow of the world and achieve exaltation and eternal life.

"By connecting to God's power, we become our own pororoca, able to go against the flow of the world, throughout our lives and into the eternities." @DaleGRenlund | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 1, 2023"We can access the power of God, but only when we connect with him through sacred covenants," he said.By participating in priesthood ordinances and promising to do what God asks, God promises certain blessings in return."A covenant is a pledge that we should prepare for, clearly understand, and absolutely honor," Elder Renlund said. "Making a covenant with God is different than casually making a promise."Elder Renlund spoke about baptismal and temple covenants members of the church make. By making these covenants, people promise to represent Jesus Christ in all that they do."We become his disciples and represent him well when we intentionally and incrementally take on ourselves the name of Jesus Christ through covenants. We are connected to them by a covenantal bond," he said.

"As you walk the covenant path, from baptism to the temple and throughout life, I promise you power to go against the natural worldly flow—power to learn, power to repent and be sanctified, and power to find hope, comfort, and even joy as you face life's challenges."…

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 1, 2023Elder Renlund spoke of the sacrifices his grandmother made to take care of her family as an impoverished widow and mother. She persevered, knowing her family would be with her in the eternities, as she trusted in the sealing power of families.Although his grandmother did not get to make temple covenants in her life, she lived as if she did. Elder Renlund said she kept her baptismal and sacramental covenants through which she "received the power of God to endure and rise above the depressive pull of her challenges and hardships she had."Elder Renlund said covenants bring power — "power to learn, power to repent and be sanctified, and power to find hope, comfort, and even joy as you face life's challenges."— Cassidy Wixom