Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Saturday evening session of October 2025 general conference about both seeking forgiveness and healing from wounds caused by others. The following is a summary of what he said.
Elder Andersen’s talk summary
Healing and forgiveness are each found in their fullness in the atoning love of Jesus Christ.
“The powerful compassion of the Savior in forgiving sin and in healing the wounds caused by the sins of others is a most miraculous manifestation of the love of God.”
Repenting of serious sin includes acknowledging it to a priesthood leader, but full forgiveness comes through the Savior.
“If you have committed serious sins and are in the process of or have the desire to fully repent and feel the unspeakable joy of forgiveness, please know this miracle is awaiting you. The Savior continuously calls, ‘Come unto me.’”
For those suffering from the serious sins of another, joy and light will come again through Jesus Christ. His atoning love can be found in the most difficult situations.
“I give you my absolute assurance the Savior knows you and loves you. Reach out to Him. He is your comfort and strength. He will send His angels to bear you up. When will your pain be gone, your grief subdued, the unwanted memories forgotten? I do not know. But this I do know: He has the power to bring beauty from the ashes of your suffering.”
Read the full text of Elder Andersen’s talk: 'The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ'
Notable quotes
“The powerful compassion of the Savior in forgiving sin and in healing the wounds caused by the sins of others is a most miraculous manifestation of the love of God.”
“Your Heavenly Father rejoices in your resolve to come unto Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit.”
“I give you my absolute assurance, the Savior knows you and loves you. Reach out to Him. He is your comfort and strength; He will send His angels to bear you up. When will your pain be gone, your grief subdued, the unwanted memories forgotten? I do not know. But this I do know: He has the power to bring beauty from the ashes of your suffering.”
Who is Elder Andersen?
- Elder Neil L. Andersen was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on April 4, 2009. He had served as a General Authority Seventy since 1993, during which time he managed development of the film “The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd” and supervised the initial launch of Mormon.org, now ComeUntoChrist.org.
- Elder Andersen served a mission in France from 1970 to 1972, presided over the France Bordeaux Mission from 1989 to 1992, and accompanied President Henry B. Eyring as he dedicated the Paris France Temple on May 21, 2017. In addition to English, he speaks French, Portuguese and Spanish.
- He met his wife, Sister Kathy Williams Andersen, while attending Brigham Young University. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 20, 1975, and are the parents of four children.
- Elder Andersen worked as an advertising executive and later as a vice president of Morton Plant Health System.
What has Elder Andersen done recently?
- In August, he presided over the Tampa Florida Temple groundbreaking.
- Elder Andersen also dedicated the Farmington New Mexico Temple in August.
- In July, he helped commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Young Men organization.
- In April 2025 general conference, Elder Andersen spoke about the sanctity of mortal birth.
Read more of Elder Andersen’s general conference addresses, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X/Twitter.
