In every general conference, there are great talks and quotes for everyone. And part of that “everyone” includes single members of the church. In this article, as I have done in the past, several quotes of particular relevance, usefulness, and applicability to single members will be shared and reviewed. The spirit of this article’s purpose is contained in this classic truth: “Beware of those who would set up the dead prophets against the living prophets, for the living prophets always take precedence.—President Ezra Taft Benson, “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet,” Tambuli, June 1981. In other words, the most current prophets and most current revelation from them is the most important and relevant over everything else that has come before. Therefore, every six months, valuable, fresh, current-inspired thoughts are to be heard and applied.
Conference Quotes, October 2022:
We live as individuals, are known and loved individually, and all entitled to spiritual help and support.
In our lives that are often filled with questions, worries, pressures, and opportunities, our Savior’s love for us individually and as His covenant children and also His teachings and laws are available daily resources that we can depend on to be a “light which shineth, … enlighten[ing our] eyes [and] quicken[ing our] understandings.” As we seek for the blessings of the Spirit in our lives, we will be able to, as Jacob taught, see “things as they really are, and … as they really will be.”
--Sister Tracy Y. Browning
Seeing More of Jesus Christ in Our Lives
We all need to fit in and belong, including singles. Strive to reach out and connect with others, and allow others to give that to us in return.
“A sense of belonging is important to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Yet it is quite possible that at times each of us might feel that we don’t fit in. In discouraging moments, we may feel that we will never measure up to the Lord’s high standards or the expectations of others. We may unwittingly impose expectations on others—or even ourselves—that are not the Lord’s expectations. We may communicate in subtle ways that the worth of a soul is based on certain achievements or callings, but these are not the measure of our standing in the Lord’s eyes. “The Lord looketh on the heart.” He cares about our desires and longings and what we are becoming.”
--Elder D. Todd Christofferson
The Doctrine of Belonging
No matter our life circumstances, we are to be loving towards others and have charity. The other details of our life don’t matter much.
“Nothing you do makes much of a difference if you do not have charity. You can speak with tongues, have the gift of prophecy, understand all mysteries, and possess all knowledge; even if you have the faith to move mountains, without charity it won’t profit you at all. “‘Charity is the pure love of Christ’ [Moroni 7:47]. The Savior exemplified that love.” In John we read, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Many talks have been given by our Church leaders on charity, unity, love, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy. I believe the Savior is inviting us to live a higher, holier way—His way of love where all can feel they truly belong and are needed. We are commanded to love others, not to judge them. Let’s lay down that heavy burden; it isn’t ours to carry. Instead, we can pick up the Savior’s yoke of love and compassion. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
--Sister J. Anette Dennis, His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light
The timing of what blessings do or don’t happen in this life matters far less than the desires of our hearts and our worthiness. All blessings are available in this life or the next, so keep the faith. All things will eventually be made right.
“In the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet Joseph Smith saw in a vision his brother Alvin saved in the celestial kingdom. The Prophet Joseph marveled since Alvin had died before receiving the saving ordinance of baptism. Comfortingly, the Lord explained why: The Lord “will judge [us] according to [our] works, according to the desire of [our] hearts.” Our souls bear record of our works and desires.
Gratefully, we know the living and “the dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God” and Christ’s Atonement. In the spirit world, even those in sin and transgression have the opportunity to repent.”
--Elder Gerrit W. Gong
Happy and Forever
Final Thoughts:
I hope these clips from the most recent general conference will inspire and strengthen you. I encourage you to get the Gospel Library app and watch or listen to all of the conference sessions again to reinforce these and other messages. Every 6 months we have the opportunity and blessing to take advantage of inspired words and direction from his prophets to know God’s current will for us. Please take advantage of this great resource. There is nothing else like it. I know you will be blessed for doing so. And remember that “…neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.”—1 Corinthians 11:1.
Dr. G
P.S. If you have any questions, comments, or a future article request for me, feel free to contact me at drgilchrist@yahoo.com.
| 2022-10-15 | Randy Gilchrist | Spirituality |
About the author
Hello, my name is Dr. Randy Gilchrist (aka "Dr. G"). I am a licensed clinical psychologist, a licensed marriage & family therapist, and a certified hypnotherapist in private practice in Roseville, CA (www.dr-rg.com), practicing since 1997. Also, I am happily married in the temple (Manti) since 1996 and have 4 sons. I am a volunteer writer and contributor to LDS Dimension. I use my training, education, and experience to share insights with LDS Dimension on all things of interest to the LDS dating community. Please read my articles and columns on this site to assist you in your online dating journey. Also, to be considered for an answer in a future Q and A column, please email me your dating/relationship oriented questions to drgilchrist@yahoo.com. Finally, I also offer a powerful, effective worldwide custom hypnosis recording service just for LDS Dimension members for weight loss, pornography, and many other issues of concern to those in the LDS dating community (please learn more now at www.dr-rg.com/lds; email me questions to drgilchrist@yahoo.com).