President Nelson quotes have the special ability to make your burdens feel lighter. The Latter-day Saint prophet has given 101 talks in general conference, including 38 as a member of the First Presidency alongside Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring. These Russell M. Nelson quotes are taken from all of his general conference talks from 1984 to 2022.
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Russell M. Nelson quotes
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2022
Focus on the Temple
Let us never lose sight of what the Lord is doing for us now. He is making His temples more accessible. He is accelerating the pace at which we are building temples. He is increasing our ability to help gather Israel. He is also making it easier for each of us to become spiritually refined. I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can.
Focus on the Temple
Overcome the World and Find Rest
Making and keeping covenants actually makes life easier!
Overcome the World and Find Rest
What Is True?
God is the source of all truth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embraces all truth that God conveys to His children.
What Is True?
Now Is the Time
The future is always uncertain. Weather changes. Economic cycles are unpredictable. Disasters, accidents, and illness can change life quickly. These actions are largely beyond our control. But there are some things we can control, including how we spend our time each day.
Now Is the Time
The Power of Spiritual Momentum
The Lord will bless you with miracles if you believe in Him, “doubting nothing.” Do the spiritual work to seek miracles. Prayerfully ask God to help you exercise that kind of faith. I promise that you can experience for yourself that Jesus Christ “giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.”
The Power of Spiritual Momentum
Preaching the Gospel of Peace
Every person who has made covenants with God has promised to care about others and serve those in need. We can demonstrate faith in God and always be ready to respond to those who ask about “the hope that is in [us].” Each of us has a role to play in the gathering of Israel.
Preaching the Gospel of Peace
2021
Make Time for the Lord
Nothing invites the Spirit more than fixing your focus on Jesus Christ.
Make Time for the Lord
The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation
If you don’t yet love to attend the temple, go more often—not less. Let the Lord, through His Spirit, teach and inspire you there. I promise you that over time, the temple will become a place of safety, solace, and revelation.
The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation
Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation
The pure doctrine of Christ is powerful. It changes the life of everyone who understands it and seeks to implement it in his or her life.
Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation
COVID-19 and Temples
Keep your temple covenants and blessings foremost in your minds and hearts. Stay true to the covenants you have made.
COVID-19 and Temples
Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains
Receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.
Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains
What We Are Learning and Will Never Forget
If you know of anyone who is alone, reach out—even if you feel alone too! You do not need to have a reason or a message or business to transact. Just say hello and show your love. Technology can help you. Pandemic or not, each precious child of God needs to know that he or she is not alone!
What We Are Learning and Will Never Forget
Welcome Message
Part of the gathering of Israel, and a very important part, is the charge for us as a people to be worthy and willing to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.
Welcome Message
2020
A New Normal
Today we often hear about “a new normal.” If you really want to embrace a new normal, I invite you to turn your heart, mind, and soul increasingly to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Let that be your new normal.
A New Normal
Let God Prevail
Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life?
Let God Prevail
Embrace the Future with Faith
We strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ as we strive to keep His commandments and “always remember him.” Further, our faith increases every time we exercise our faith in Him. That is what learning by faith means.
Embrace the Future with Faith
Moving Forward
We are here on earth to be tested, to see if we will choose to follow Jesus Christ, to repent regularly, to learn, and to progress. Our spirits long to progress. And we do that best by staying firmly on the covenant path.
Moving Forward
Go Forward in Faith
Because Jesus Christ is at the center of everything we do in the temple, as you think more about the temple you will be thinking more about Him. Study and pray to learn more about the power and knowledge with which you have been endowed—or with which you will yet be endowed.
Go Forward in Faith
Hosanna Shout
This sacred shout was first given in this dispensation at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836. It is now given at the dedication of each temple. It is a sacred tribute to the Father and the Son, symbolizing the reaction of the multitude when the Savior made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Hosanna Shout
Hear Him
Do whatever it takes to increase your spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation.
Hear Him
Opening the Heavens for Help
This is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He stands at its head and directs all that we do.
Opening the Heavens for Help
Opening Message
Our ultimate quest in life is to prepare to meet our Maker. We do this by striving daily to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. And we do that as we repent daily and receive His cleansing, healing, and strengthening power.
Opening Message
2019
Closing Remarks
I leave with you my love and my blessing that each of you may become happier and holier with each passing day.
Closing Remarks
The Second Great Commandment
Our greatest joy comes as we help our brothers and sisters.
The Second Great Commandment
Spiritual Treasures
Sometimes we speak almost casually about walking away from the world with its contention, pervasive temptations, and false philosophies. But truly doing so requires you to examine your life meticulously and regularly.
Spiritual Treasures
Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood Quorums, and Young Women Classes
The cause of the gathering is an essential part of helping to prepare the world and its people for the Second Coming of the Lord.
Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood Quorums, and Young Women Classes
Closing Remarks
As we speak of our temples old and new, may each of us signify by our actions that we are true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. May we renovate our lives through our faith and trust in Him. May we access the power of His Atonement by our repentance each day. And may we dedicate and rededicate our lives to serving God and His children—on both sides of the veil.
Closing Remarks
“Come, Follow Me”
I understand why God weeps.
“Come, Follow Me”
We Can Do Better and Be Better
Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
We Can Do Better and Be Better
2018
The Correct Name of the Church
When the Savior clearly states what the name of His Church should be and even precedes His declaration with, “Thus shall my church be called,” He is serious. And if we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended.
The Correct Name of the Church
Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel
The supreme standard for ministering is that of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel
Opening Remarks
And as you continue to follow my invitations offered at our worldwide youth devotional, you are setting a standard for the rest of us to follow. And what a difference you youth are making!
Opening Remarks
Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints
I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining.
Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints
Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives
If we will truly receive the Holy Ghost and learn to discern and understand His promptings, we will be guided in matters large and small.
Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives
Ministering with the Power and Authority of God
To all brethren holding the priesthood, I invite you to inspire members to keep their covenants, fast and pray, study the scriptures, worship in the temple, and serve with faith as men and women of God. We can help all to see with the eye of faith that obedience and righteousness will draw them closer to Jesus Christ, allow them to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and experience joy in life!
Ministering with the Power and Authority of God
Ministering
We will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others.
Ministering
Let Us All Press On
I bless you to identify those things you can set aside so you can spend more time in the temple. I bless you with greater harmony and love in your homes and a deeper desire to care for your eternal family relationships. I bless you with increased faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a greater ability to follow Him as His true disciples.
Let Us All Press On
Introductory Remarks
I am very grateful for each man who bears the holy priesthood. You are the hope of our Redeemer, who desires “that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world.” He wants all of His ordained sons to represent Him, to speak for Him, to act for Him, and to bless the lives of God’s children throughout the world, to the end “that faith also might increase in [all] the earth.“
Introductory Remarks
2017
The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?
Immersing ourselves regularly in the truths of the Book of Mormon can be a life-changing experience.
The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?
Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives
When I finished that exciting exercise, my wife asked me what impact it had on me. I told her, “I am a different man!”
Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives
2016
Joy and Spiritual Survival
When the focus of our lives is on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives.
Joy and Spiritual Survival
The Price of Priesthood Power
To bear means to support the weight of that which is held. It is a sacred trust to bear the priesthood, which is the mighty power and authority of God.
The Price of Priesthood Power
2015
A Plea to My Sisters
Your virtue, light, love, knowledge, courage, character, faith, and righteous lives will draw good women of the world, along with their families, to the Church in unprecedented numbers!
A Plea to My Sisters
The Sabbath Is a Delight
I am intrigued by the words of Isaiah, who called the Sabbath “a delight.” Yet I wonder, is the Sabbath really a delight for you and for me?
The Sabbath Is a Delight
2014
Sustaining the prophets
Our sustaining of prophets is a personal commitment that we will do our utmost to uphold their prophetic priorities.
Sustaining the Prophets
Keeping commandments
Keeping divine commandments brings blessings, every time! Breaking divine commandments brings a loss of blessings, every time!
Let Your Faith Show
2013
Decisions for Eternity
You, as His son or daughter, were chosen by Him to come to earth at this precise time, to be a leader in His great work on earth. You were chosen not for your bodily characteristics but for your spiritual attributes,
Decisions for Eternity
Catch the Wave
This wave of truth and righteousness is wondrous! It is not man-made! It comes from the Lord, who said, “I will hasten my work in its time.”
Catch the Wave
2012
Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You!
You may have previously encountered, or even ignored, our missionaries. My hope is that you will not fear them but learn from them. They can be a heaven-sent resource to you.
Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You!
Thanks Be to God
Our degree of gratitude is a measure of our love for Him.
Thanks Be to God
2011
Covenants
Children of the covenant have the right to receive His doctrine and to know the plan of salvation. They claim it by making covenants of sacred significance.
Covenants
Face the Future with Faith
Obedience allows God’s blessings to flow without constraint. He will bless His obedient children with freedom from bondage and misery. And He will bless them with more light.
Face the Future with Faith
2010
Be Thou an Example of the Believers
Reach out to those you do not know and greet them warmly. Each Sunday extend a hand of fellowship to at least one person you did not know before. Each day of your life, strive to enlarge your own circle of friendship.
Be Thou an Example of the Believers
Generations Linked in Love
The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead.” New technology makes it easier than ever to fulfill that responsibility.
Generations Linked in Love
2009
Ask, Seek, Knock
To access information from heaven, one must first have a firm faith and a deep desire. One needs to “ask with a sincere heart [and] real intent, having faith in [Jesus] Christ.” “Real intent” means that one really intends to follow the divine direction given.
Ask, Seek, Knock
Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers
As we partake of sacramental emblems worthily, we are further promised that we may always have His Spirit to be with us. That is spiritual sustenance that cannot be obtained in any other way.
Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers
2008
Celestial Marriage
That proclamation on the family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship. The earth was created and this Church was restored so that families could be formed, sealed, and exalted eternally.
Celestial Marriage
Salvation and Exaltation
The time to prepare for our eventual salvation and exaltation is now.
Salvation and Exaltation
2007
Scriptural Witnesses
Love for the Book of Mormon expands one’s love for the Bible and vice versa. Scriptures of the Restoration do not compete with the Bible; they complement the Bible.
Scriptural Witnesses
Repentance and Conversion
Hope is linked to repentance. You can change. You can ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.’”
Repentance and Conversion
2006
The Gathering of Scattered Israel
We not only teach this doctrine, but we participate in it. We do so as we help to gather the elect of the Lord on both sides of the veil.
The Gathering of Scattered Israel
Nurturing Marriage
His inattention made me feel like shouting: “Open your eyes, man! Can’t you see? Pay attention! Your wife loves you! She needs you!”
Nurturing Marriage
2005
Jesus Christ—the Master Healer
I marvel at His matchless power to heal. I testify of Jesus Christ as the Master Healer. It is but one of many attributes that characterize His incomparable life.
Jesus Christ—the Master Healer
Now Is the Time to Prepare
Now is the time. But how do we prepare? Begin with repentance!
Now Is the Time to Prepare
2004
Senior Missionaries and the Gospel
No senior missionary finds it convenient to leave. Neither did Joseph or Brigham or John or Wilford. They had children and grandchildren too. They loved their families not one whit less, but they also loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him.
Senior Missionaries and the Gospel
Roots and Branches
Personal identity is much more than a passport photograph. We also have roots and branches. Divinity is rooted in each of us.
Roots and Branches
2003
Personal Priesthood Responsibility
When ordained to an office in the priesthood, you are granted authority. But power comes from exercising that authority in righteousness.
Personal Priesthood Responsibility
Sweet Power of Prayer
Through prayer, we can show our love for God. And He has made it so easy. We may pray to Him any time. No special equipment is needed. We don’t even need to charge batteries or pay a monthly service fee.
Sweet Power of Prayer
2002
“Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
Peace can prevail only when that natural inclination to fight is superseded by self-determination to live on a loftier level.
“Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
How Firm Our Foundation
We can waffle “like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed,” or we can stand on a firm foundation and anchor ourselves with straps of spiritual steel, rooted and grounded to the timeless pillars of the gospel.
How Firm Our Foundation
2001
“Set in Order Thy House”
We need both the Church and the family. They work hand in hand to strengthen each other. The Church exists to exalt the family. And the family is the fundamental unit of the Church.
“Set in Order Thy House”
Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings
We can acquire holiness only by enduring and persistent personal effort.
Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings
2000
Living by Scriptural Guidance
We all need guidance through life. We obtain it best from the standard works and teachings of the prophets of God.
Living by Scriptural Guidance
The Creation
I testify that the earth and all life upon it are of divine origin. The Creation did not happen by chance. It did not come ex nihilo (out of nothing). And human minds and hands able to build buildings or create computers are not accidental. It is God who made us and not we ourselves. We are His people!
The Creation
1999
A Testimony of the Book of Mormon
When you read the Book of Mormon, concentrate on the principal figure in the book—from its first chapter to the last—the Lord Jesus Christ.
A Testimony of the Book of Mormon
Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women
Our high regard for them should spring from our love of God and from an awareness of their lofty purpose in His great eternal plan.
Hence, I warn against pornography. It is degrading of women. It is evil.
Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women
1998
We Are Children of God
As children of God, we should not let anything enter the body that might defile it. To allow sensors of sight, touch, or hearing to supply the brain with unclean memories is a sacrilege.
We Are Children of God
A New Harvest Time
My grandfather’s watch reminds me that our grandparents watch—and wait—for us to identify them, be linked to them, and provide temple ordinances for them.
A New Harvest Time
1997
Spiritual Capacity
The prophet makes major decisions on a daily basis. This he does with great capacity. Meanwhile, he encourages each of us to make choices that will “give us growth and joy in this life and eternal life in the world to come.”
Spiritual Capacity
Endure and Be Lifted Up
You are never alone. I testify that the lifting power of the Lord can be yours.
Endure and Be Lifted Up
1996
The Atonement
I weep for joy when I contemplate the significance of it all. To be redeemed is to be atoned—received in the close embrace of God with an expression not only of His forgiveness, but of our oneness of heart and mind. What a privilege!
The Atonement
“Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods”
The Lord said, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” I have learned that such faith gives emancipating power. Facing God first lets us decide firmly what we shall not do; then we are free to pursue what we ought to do.
“Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods”
1995
Perfection Pending
My heart goes out to conscientious Saints who, because of their shortcomings, allow feelings of depression to rob them of happiness in life.
We all need to remember: men are that they might have joy—not guilt trips! We also need to remember that the Lord gives no commandments that are impossible to obey. But sometimes we fail to comprehend them fully.
Perfection Pending
Children of the Covenant
We are also children of the covenant. We have received, as did they of old, the holy priesthood and the everlasting gospel. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are our ancestors. We are of Israel.
Children of the Covenant
1994
The Spirit of Elijah
Choosing to identify and perform ordinances for our own kindred should receive our highest priority. The Spirit of Elijah will inspire individual members of the Church to link their generations, rather than submit lists of people or popular personalities to whom they are unrelated.
The Spirit of Elijah
“Teach Us Tolerance and Love”
Our commitment to the Savior causes us to scorn sin yet heed His commandment to love our neighbors.
“Teach Us Tolerance and Love”
1993
Constancy amid Change
Your eventual placement in the celestial, terrestrial, or telestial kingdom will not be determined by chance. The Lord has prescribed unchanging requirements for each. You can know what the scriptures teach, and pattern your lives accordingly.
Constancy amid Change
Combatting Spiritual Drift—Our Global Pandemic
Sincere study of the Book of Mormon transforms the spirit and engenders a testimony of Jesus Christ that heals the spiritual hearts of men and women throughout the world. The more widely it is read and understood, the greater is its influence for good.
Combatting Spiritual Drift—Our Global Pandemic
Honoring the Priesthood
Relatively little is written on my subject. Yet we are all expected to know about it. I speak of honoring the priesthood.
Honoring the Priesthood
1992
Where Is Wisdom?
As stake president I was questioned by many young people about their own educational pursuits. Some asked me how long it took to become a doctor of medicine. “The general pattern would be four years at a university, followed by four years in medical school,” I replied. “And if you choose to become a specialist, that could take another five years or more, depending upon your desire.”
That occasionally evoked a reaction: “That adds up to thirteen years—and maybe more? That’s too long for me!”
“It all depends,” I would respond. “Preparation for your career is not too long if you know what you want to do with your life. How old will you be thirteen years from now if you don’t pursue your education? Just as old, whether or not you become what you want to be!”
Where Is Wisdom?
Doors of Death
We can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life.
Doors of Death
1991
“These … Were Our Examples”
Just think of the good you can do if you accept a difficult challenge and pursue knowledge—then use it to bless others.
“These … Were Our Examples”
Listen to Learn
Surely wisdom will come as we listen to learn from children, parents, partners, neighbors, Church leaders, and the Lord.
Listen to Learn
1990
Choices
Each of us must make choices. That is one of life’s great privileges.
Choices
“Thus Shall My Church Be Called”
Surely every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord is precious. So each word in this name must be important—divinely designated for a reason. If we study the key words in that name, we can better understand the name’s full significance.
“Thus Shall My Church Be Called”
1989
Woman—Of Infinite Worth
Blessings of the priesthood are shared by men and women.
Woman—Of Infinite Worth
The Canker of Contention
My concern is that contention is becoming accepted as a way of life. From what we see and hear in the media, the classroom, and the workplace, all are now infected to some degree with contention. How easy it is, yet how wrong it is, to allow habits of contention to pervade matters of spiritual significance.
The Canker of Contention
1988
Addiction or Freedom
Both spirit and body have appetites. One of life’s great challenges is to develop dominance of spiritual appetites over those that are physical. Your willpower becomes strong when joined with the will of the Lord.
Addiction or Freedom
“With God Nothing Shall Be Impossible”
How is it possible to achieve the “impossible”? Learn and obey the teachings of God. From the holy scriptures, heaven-sent lift will be found for heaven-sent duties.
“With God Nothing Shall Be Impossible”
1987
Lessons from Eve
Priesthood is the power of God. Its ordinances and covenants are to bless men and women alike.
Lessons from Eve
Keys of the Priesthood
Loyalty to him who has keys to call and to release you, even though he is an imperfect human being, will develop unity essential to success.
Keys of the Priesthood
Life after Life
I know that God lives and that Jesus the Christ is his Son. He is “the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). He lives. He is my Master. I am his servant. With all my heart, I love him, and I testify of him.
Life after Life
1986
“Joy Cometh in the Morning”
In order to experience true joy in the morning, or at any time, at least three factors are needed. You need to feel good about the people with whom you live and work—your companions in life. You must feel good about yourself—not in any sense of conceit, but simply a proper esteem for yourself, well deserved. And possibly most important, you must feel good about your relation to God and sincerely love him.
“Joy Cometh in the Morning”
In the Lord’s Own Way
Scriptures teach us that the poor—especially widows, orphans, and strangers—have long been the concern of God and the godly.
In the Lord’s Own Way
1985
Self-Mastery
Since thoughts precede deeds, you must first learn to control your thoughts.
Self-Mastery
Reverence for Life
Unitedly we thank the Almighty for the wondrous prolongation of the life of Elder Bruce R. McConkie, enabling him to preach that powerful sermon. Our gratitude is profound!
Reverence for Life
1984
Protect the Spiritual Power Line
Freedom to act and mastery of our actions both emanate from law. “When we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:21).
I relearned that so well from President Kimball. On one occasion when he needed an operation that I was to perform, he first asked me for a priesthood blessing. Following that, he said, “Now you may proceed to do that which must be done in order to make that blessing possible.”
He knew, and I knew, that not even for God’s prophet can anyone be exempted from law. Not even for God’s Son could divine law be broken!
Protect the Spiritual Power Line
Call to the Holy Apostleship
Today, I reaffirm that promise, to give all I have to the building of the kingdom of God on the earth. In accepting this call, knowing that challenges, charges, and keys will be conferred and that buffetings will likewise come, I commit my effort, my energy, and my all.
Call to the Holy Apostleship
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Further reading
- What Have Scholars Learned about Joseph Smith?
- How Well Do You Know Brigham Young?
- Who Wrote Mormon Doctrine?
- What Is the Legacy of Emma Smith?
- Talks by Brad Wilcox
