n the past I have written articles reviewing quotes from particularly helpful general authorities with relevant ideas for singles. These articles have included quotes from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (https://www.ldsdimension.com/articles/elder-jeffrey-r-holland-quotes-247/) and Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (https://www.ldsdimension.com/articles/elder-uchtdorf-quotes-237/), as well one on the excellent “personal creed” of President George Albert Smith (https://www.ldsdimension.com/articles/the-creed-of-president-george-albert-smith-271/). In that same spirit, I wanted to highlight several teachings relevant for singles from President George Albert Smith, one of the most loving general authorities the church has ever had.
Quotes from President George Albert Smith:
Taken from the manual, “Teachings of Presidents of the Church”, (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/36786_eng.pdf?lang=eng), here are some useful quotes with application for singles from President George Albert Smith:
*Love One Another As Spiritual Brothers and Sisters:
“I do not have an enemy that I know of, and there is no one in the world that I have any enmity towards. All men and all women are my Father’s children, and I have sought during my life to observe the wise direction of the Redeemer of mankind—to love my neighbor as myself. . . . You will never know how much I love you.
I have not words to express it. And I want to feel that way toward every son and every daughter of my Heavenly Father.”
“Let us evidence by our conduct, by our gentleness, by our love, by our faith, that we do keep that great commandment that the Savior said was like unto the first great commandment, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
**Application: as we see everyone as our literal family members, this mindset can improve the caring, consideration, and kindness we use to treat everyone well at all times. This includes whomever someone may date, whether or not the relationship works out over time. In addition, life is happier, better, and easier when we drop grudges and bad feelings towards others—in dating and in general. Such an approach makes dating life much more positive and pleasant, however it turns out.
*Beat the Blues and Loneliness Through Service and Giving:
“Do not forget no matter how much you may give in money, no matter how you may desire the things of this world to make yourselves happy, your happiness will be in proportion to your charity and to your kindness and to your love of those with whom you associate here on earth. Our Heavenly Father has said in very plain
terms that he who says he loves God and does not love his brother is not truthful [see 1 John 4:20]. It isn’t only what we receive that makes us happy; it is what we give, and the more we give of that which is uplifting and enriching to our Father’s children, the more we have to give. It grows like a great fountain of life and bubbles up to eternal happiness. When our life here is ended and we return home, we will find credited to us there every good act we have performed, every kindness we have done, every effort we have put forth to benefit our fellows. . . .”
**Application: during your journey as a single to find and nurture a new relationship, loneliness, frustration, and sadness are common. So please remember, a great way to be happy now before you have that relationship will come through giving to others through service and kindness.
*Keeping An Eternal Perspective Lessens Loneliness and Bereavement:
“As I think of the experiences of people in the world, on occasions of this kind, I marvel how we have been blessed. I have no more doubt about eternal life and the immortality of the soul than I have that the sun shines at midday. . . . It is a sad thing to part with our dear ones, even temporarily. We send them upon missions, or
they go to other parts of the world to live and we miss them. When an occasion like this occurs it seems that they are more distant, but as a matter of fact they are not, if we but understood. . . . Instead of extending the condolence that sometimes might go to those who are bereaved, I feel more like rejoicing this day that I know that this is not the end. . . . So today, as I stand in your presence, when perhaps tears should be flowing, my soul is filled with comfort and satisfaction. I pray that that comfort may be in the lives of each of those who are bereaved.”
**Application: when someone close in your life passes away or we lose friends, acquaintances, and other relationships over time, we can remember we can all live together in eternally. So, goodbyes are temporary. And if we are divorced, we can maintain a confidence that if we desire an eternal companion and strive to be worthy for this, we will have a spouse either in this life or the eternities. We can also have confidence that we will see other close friends and family again as well.
Final Thoughts:
I recommend reading or listening to the classic church manuals, “Teachings of Presidents of the Church”. Each prophet, seer, and revelator has shared many eternal truths and insights that will help you as a single member of the church, and in general. Feed yourself such spiritual nourishment on a regular basis and you will reap the benefits from these men of God. And remember that “…neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.”—1 Corinthians 11:11.
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.
| 2021-12-13 | 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).