Sunday Morning Session | October 2022 General Conference

The Sunday Morning Session of the 192nd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints begins from Salt Lake City. President Henry B. Eyring introduces the session, with music provided by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. The choir performs 'How Wondrous and Great' and 'With Songs of Praise,' followed by an invocation from Elder Weatherford T. Clayton.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland discusses why Latter-day Saints generally do not use the cross as a symbol, clarifying their deep respect for its meaning to other Christians. He explains that early followers often avoided highlighting the brutal instrument of Christ's death, and that the Church emphasizes the complete miracle of Christ's mission, including His glorious Resurrection. He also highlights President Gordon B. Hinckley's teaching that 'The lives of our people must [be] the ... symbol of our [faith].' He emphasizes the 'crosses we bear' as disciples, acknowledging the burdens and challenges that come with following Christ, including mental illness, poverty, and struggles with identity and sexuality. He concludes that embracing these challenges with faith in Christ brings blessings and a deeper understanding of His atoning sacrifice.

Sister J. Anette Dennis shares a story about a hunting dog, Cassie, who was wounded but misunderstood, to illustrate how often people judge others without understanding their hidden pains. She emphasizes the Savior's example of ministering with love and charity, quoting Paul on the importance of charity over all other gifts. She invites members to 'live a higher, holier way—His way of love, where all can feel they truly belong.' She stresses that we are commanded to love, not judge, and that lifting the burden of judgment and embracing the Savior's yoke of love brings rest and peace. She calls for empathy for those with hidden sorrows and challenges, echoing President Nelson's call against prejudice and for unity in the body of Christ.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs 'You Can Make the Pathway Bright,' with uplifting lyrics about finding joy and sharing brightness with others through faith and a positive heart.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong speaks on the concept of 'happy and forever,' asserting it is not a fairy tale but the essence of God's plan of happiness achievable through Jesus Christ. He shares two spiritual experiences illustrating how Christ's Atonement heals intergenerational conflicts and clarifies family relationships through temple work. He outlines five doctrinal principles: Christ's Atonement uniting spirit and body, the 'at-one-ment' in Christ through faith and repentance, God's perfect knowledge and love, opportunities for proxy temple ordinances, and the sanctifying symmetry of repentance and forgiveness. He emphasizes that the Lord's prophet is drawing us closer to the Savior through temple ordinances and covenants, enabling us to knit our hearts together in compassion.

Elder Joseph W. Sitati emphasizes the timeless constancy of day and night as a reminder of unchangeable realities. He speaks about God providing patterns of truth to govern our lives, contrasting this with Korihor's deception and lack of humility. He explains that humility is foundational for discipleship, leading to repentance and obedience. He warns against pride and worldliness, inviting all to learn of Christ and become 'meek and lowly of heart.' He stresses that true discipleship involves loving God and others, focusing outward rather than on personal gratification. He encourages nurturing holy habits at home, such as prayer and scripture study, to grow in love for God and others, and to participate in consecrated service.

The congregation joins the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in singing the hymn 'We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,' expressing gratitude for prophetic guidance and the restored gospel.

President Steven J. Lund shares experiences from 'For the Strength of Youth' (FSY) conferences, highlighting how young people experience upward arcs of conversion. He discusses the challenge of maintaining spiritual momentum in a 'spiritually corrosive environment' and the importance of continuing practices like prayer, scripture study, and sacrament meeting attendance. He recounts a story from a Young Women's camp where girls were transformed by a week of spiritual focus, becoming 'new creatures.' He emphasizes that the youth are 'voyaging through stunning times' and must strive to hear Him amidst distractions. He concludes by advising a departing missionary to carry spiritual momentum into the rest of his life by continuing holy habits and nurturing a testimony of Jesus Christ, promising peace and confidence.

Elder David A. Bednar delves into the parable of the royal marriage feast, explaining that parables convey divine truth in proportion to one's faith and spiritual preparation. He details how the invited guests, representing those who reject God’s call, were replaced by others from the highways. Critically, he focuses on the guest who chose not to wear the provided wedding garment, symbolizing a rebellious refusal to follow the king's customs. He clarifies that 'many are called, but few are chosen' means that being 'chosen' is not an exclusive status but a choice made through righteous exercise of moral agency, keeping covenants, and embracing the Savior's grace. He urges self-evaluation of priorities, seeking spiritual gifts, and putting on 'beautiful garments' of righteousness.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs 'How Great the Wisdom and the Love,' focusing on the profound wisdom and love manifest in the Savior's sacrifice and redemption.

President Russell M. Nelson expresses gratitude and love for the members, marveling at their faith and compassion. He assures them of Heavenly Father's and Jesus Christ's love, especially amidst current world turmoil. He speaks of 'many wonderful things ahead' and the 'greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power' yet to come. He discusses finding 'rest' through covenants, citing a young boy's profound observation in the Washington D.C. Temple. He emphasizes that 'making and keeping covenants actually makes life easier' by granting increased access to the power of Jesus Christ, strengthening individuals to withstand trials. He urges members to 'overcome the world' by trusting Christ's doctrines, delighting in truth, and yielding to the Holy Spirit. He blesses the members in their quest to overcome the world, to increase faith in Jesus Christ, discern truth from error, and prioritize the things of God.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square sings 'Let Us All Press On,' and the benediction is offered by President Bonnie H. Cordon, who expresses gratitude for the music, messages, and spiritual promptings received, and seeks continued understanding and capacity to overcome the world through Jesus Christ.