Cover image via Gospel Media Library.
As we bask in the light of Holy Week and the joy of Easter, our hearts are drawn to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This sacred time coincides with our semiannual general conference, a feast of spiritual nourishment and a beacon of guidance. General Conference is a time when we can reflect and find solace and direction for life’s most pressing challenges, especially those intertwined with our human relationships.
In these moments of contemplation and celebration, some of you may be grappling with profound challenges in your relationships. You may find yourself at a crossroads, weighing the possibility of ending a significant relationship—a decision laden with emotional and spiritual heaviness. Others among us may be mourning a loved one lost to death or divorce. In these moments of uncertainty and grief, we invite you to seek solace and wisdom in the teachings of our Savior.
The gospel of Jesus Christ offers a profound blueprint for navigating the complexities of relationships and finding peace in the whirlwind of life’s turmoil. His resurrection stands as a beacon of eternal love and hope. President Jeffrey R. Holland beautifully articulated this sentiment, declaring, “Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we know that life is eternal, that death is overcome, and that we will live again in the presence of God, if we are faithful” (April 2020 General Conference).
General conference is a divine symphony where Church leaders share inspired messages, addressing myriad challenges, including the pains of the heart. If we open our hearts to the messages of living Apostles and other leaders, we can emerge more steadfast in our trust in the Lord’s promises and His love for us. President Russell M. Nelson emphasizes the importance of anchoring our lives in the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially in times of trouble and uncertainty (Hear Him, April 2020 General Conference).
For those facing relationship dilemmas and life-altering changes, the teachings of our Savior and the counsel of Church leaders can be a wellspring of comfort and peace. Elder D. Todd Christofferson poignantly reminded us, “In marriage, family life, and all relationships, we need the Savior’s healing, strengthening power” (October 2021 General Conference).
As we emulate the Savior’s example and heed the guidance we receive at general conference, we will find the strength to make wise choices, even amidst the most formidable relationship challenges. President Spencer W. Kimball’s timeless words resonate: “Love is like the Polar Star in a changing world. It is a constant. It is the very essence of the gospel. It is the security of every marriage and family, the salt of life” (Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 157).
As we prepare our hearts for the upcoming general conference, let us remember that through Jesus Christ, hope and renewal are possible. By focusing on the Savior and seeking divine guidance, we can navigate the complexities of relationships with unwavering faith and confidence. As followers of Christ, let us lean on His strength and wisdom, for as the Apostle Paul assures us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
During this sacred time, let us reflect on the Savior’s anguish and surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He described His ultimate sacrifice with the words, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). This ultimate act of submission reminds us of God’s power in our lives, even in our darkest hours.
As we reflect on the principles of love exemplified by Christ, we are grateful for His sacrifice, the hope of His resurrection, and the divine guidance available to us. May your journey be guided by the love of our Savior, leading you to a path of peace and clarity in your relationships.
Recent Content
Gethsemane ~ Violin Solo by Cathy
https://youtu.be/rKU9u6hDyA0?si=4DfuPdxHgHJG473q
For a spiritual boost in preparation for conference, listen to LILY Pod 115:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/505kGqZbk2tTcekZCPiSLn?si=QymeNC5aRryqJguRskC8ig
About the Author
Jeff Teichert, and his wife Cathy Butler Teichert, are the founders of “Love in Later Years,” which ministers to Latter-day Saint single adults seeking peace, healing, and more joyful relationships. They are co-authors of the Amazon bestseller Intentional Courtship: A Mid-Singles Guide to Peace, Progress and Pairing Up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff and Cathy each spent nearly a decade in the mid-singles community and they use that experience to provide counsel and hope to mid-singles and later married couples through written articles, podcasts, and videos. Jeff and Cathy are both Advanced Certified Life Coaches and have university degrees in Family & Human Development. They are the parents of a blended family that includes four handsome sons, one lovely daughter-in-law, and a sweet baby granddaughter.
Purchase Jeff & Cathy’s book Intentional Courtship:
Connect with Jeff & Cathy:
Website: http://www.loveinlateryears.com/
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/loveinlateryears
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/loveinlateryears
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoveInLaterYears
Instagram: http://instagram.com/loveinlateryears/
Email: lo**************@gm***.com