This press release was originally published on Newsroom.
At the April 2022 general conference, prophet and President Russell M. Nelson urged the proclamation of peace in Jesus Christ through missionary work, suggested ways to maintain positive spiritual momentum, invited people to forgive someone by Easter, and announced the construction of 17 new temples.
Conflict and the Gospel of Peace
In his Sunday morning address, the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared his love for the lands and people of Eastern Europe. He called on Saints everywhere to continue to fast and pray for the victims of conflict.
“I have been to Ukraine and Russia many times. I love those lands, the people, and their languages. I weep and pray for all who are affected by this conflict,” he said. “As a Church, we are doing all we can to help those who are suffering and struggling to survive. We invite all to continue to fast and pray for all the people being hurt by this calamity.”
On Saturday morning, President Nelson said the message of Jesus Christ is the key to peace.
“Contention violates everything the Savior stood for and taught. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and testify that His gospel is the only enduring solution for peace. His gospel is a gospel of peace.”
Conflict, the prophet said, is a reminder of the need to preach Christ’s gospel.
“Today, I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission,” he said. “For Latter-day Saint young men, missionary service is a priesthood responsibility. You young men have been reserved for this time when the promised gathering of Israel is taking place. As you serve missions, you play a pivotal role in this unprecedented event!”
President Nelson told young women that a mission is a powerful—though optional—opportunity for them.
“We love sister missionaries and welcome them wholeheartedly,” he said. “What they contribute to this work is magnificent! Pray to know if the Lord would have you serve a mission, and the Holy Ghost will respond to your heart and mind.”
Five Ways to Maintain Positive Spiritual Momentum
The prophet’s Sunday morning address outlined five ways that Latter-day Saints can maintain positive spiritual momentum:
- Get on the covenant path and stay there.
- Discover the joy of daily repentance.
- Learn about God and how He works.
- Seek and expect miracles.
- End conflict in your personal life.
The final point has especial importance for victims of war.
“Any war is a horrifying violation of everything the Lord Jesus Christ stands for and teaches,” President Nelson said. “The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us. It can be painfully difficult to let go of anger that feels so justified. It can seem impossible to forgive those whose destructive actions have hurt the innocent. And yet, the Savior admonished us to ‘forgive all men.’”
We cannot control what others do—but we can control what we do individually, the prophet taught.
“My call today, my dear brothers and sisters, is to end the conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life,” President Nelson said. “Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others—whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or resentment for someone who has hurt you. … We are followers of the Prince of Peace. Now more than ever, we need the peace only He can bring. How can we expect peace to exist in the world when we are not individually seeking peace and harmony?”
The prophet invited everyone to forgive someone by Easter (April 17, 2022).
He added, “If forgiveness presently seems impossible, plead for power through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ to help you. As you do so, I promise a personal peace and a burst of spiritual momentum.”
Seventeen New Temples
In his concluding remarks Sunday afternoon, President Nelson announced plans to build 17 new temples throughout the world. Read more about each temple location. He has announced 100 new temples since he became the leader of the Church in 2018.
“Positive spiritual momentum increases as we worship in the temple and grow in our understanding of the magnificent breadth and depth of the blessings we receive there,” the prophet said. “I plead with you to counter worldly ways by focusing on the eternal blessings of the temple. Your time there brings blessings for eternity.”
