President Russell M. Nelson spoke during the Sunday morning session of April 2023 general conference. He invited listeners to follow the Savior and become His peacemakers. Following is a summary of what he said.
President Nelson’s talk summary
“I am greatly concerned that so many people seem to believe that it is completely acceptable to condemn, malign and vilify anyone who does not agree with them.”
Disciples of Jesus Christ are to be examples of how to interact with others — especially when faced with differences of opinion. “One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people.”
The Atonement of Jesus Christ made it possible to overcome evil, including contention.
“Today, I am asking us to interact with others in a higher, holier way. Please listen carefully. ‘If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy’ that we can say about another person — whether to his face or behind her back — that should be our standard of communication.”
Contention and peacemaking are both a choice. “You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation.” Choose to be a peacemaker.
Charity, or the pure love of Christ, is the antidote to contention.
“Examine your discipleship within the context of the way you treat others. I bless you to make any adjustments that may be needed so that your behavior is ennobling, respectful and representative of a true follower of Jesus Christ.”
Notable quotes
“Brothers and sisters, we can literally change the world — one person and one interaction at a time.”
“In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. … As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers.”
“Now is the time to lay aside bitterness. Now is the time to cease insisting that it is your way or no way. Now is the time to stop doing things that make others walk on eggshells for fear of upsetting you. … If your verbal arsenal is filled with insults and accusations, now is the time to put them away. You will arise as a spiritually strong man or woman of Christ.”
See the full text of President Nelson’s talk: ‘Peacemakers Needed’
Who is President Nelson?
- President Russell M. Nelson became the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in January 2018, after serving 34 years in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He is now the oldest President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as the longest-living apostle in this dispensation.
- A renowned surgeon, President Nelson assisted on the first human open-heart surgery in Utah using a heart-lung machine. In June 2018, the University of Utah honored President Nelson with an endowed chair in surgery.
- He and his late wife, Sister Dantzel White Nelson, who died in 2005, have 10 children, 57 grandchildren and more than 140 great-grandchildren. He married Sister Wendy Watson in 2006.
What has President Nelson done recently?
- During the October 2022 general conference, he affirmed that abuse is “an abomination to the Lord,” taught that those who make and keep covenants can find rest and overcome the world with the Savior’s help, and emphasized the importance of focusing on the temple.
- Less than one week after he announced 18 new temples, President Nelson presided at groundbreaking ceremony of the Heber Valley Utah Temple.
- Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ offer all a divine birthright and the potential of eternal life, said President Nelson in a message broadcast to 125,000 Latter-day Saints in Alberta and British Columbia.
- Three of President Nelson’s children celebrate his 5 years as Prophet and offer a glimpse into his role as a father in Episode 118 of the Church News podcast.
Read more of President Nelson’s general conference addresses, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
