Two years ago, I asked the young adults of the Manchester Coordinating Council, “What events would you like to plan throughout 2024?” I was moved that their ideas focused on the temple and on leading the youth. In 2024, they organised four successful, Christ-centred, temple-focused events: two 'Flood the Temple' events with up to 500 young adults at the Preston Temple, some making their own covenants; a youth “Flood the Temple” event where 40 young adults led 280 youth to the baptistry; and a weekend where 20 young adults led a missionary preparation experience for 50 young men and women. I vividly recall visiting the baptistry and seeing a young man baptising a young woman, two young women witnessing, a young adult man recording, and young people waiting for their turn. Tears filled my eyes at the sight. Reflecting on these moments fills me with joy for the strength and covenant focus of the Rising Generation.
We are fortunate to have temples across Europe, with more being built or announced. President Nelson declared, 'We are doing all within our power, under the direction of the Lord, to make temple blessings more accessible to members of the Church'. (1)
In the temple, Christ is central, and we make sacred covenants with Him. The preparation for and act of making and keeping such covenants bring love, protection, opportunity, strength, and power beyond comprehension. President Nelson’s teachings on “hesed” deeply resonated with me. He explained, “All those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy. In the Hebrew language, that covenantal love is called hesed.” He continued, “Because God has hesed for those who have covenanted with Him, He will love them. He will continue to work with them and offer them opportunities to change. He will forgive them when they repent. And should they stray, He will help them find their way back to Him”. (2) Oh, how I love this sentiment of love, mercy and forgiveness, the sense of scope, power and opportunity that the Saviour’s atonement provides to each and every one of us who make and keep covenants with Him. All is never lost; all is always possible with Him and His atonement. He taught, “How oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart”. (3)
President Nelson also said, “Regular worship in the temple will help us. In the house of the Lord, we focus on Jesus Christ. We learn of Him. We make covenants to follow Him. We come to know Him. As we keep our temple covenants, we gain greater access to the Lord’s strengthening power. In the temple, we receive protection from the buffetings of the world. We experience the pure love of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father in great abundance! We feel peace and spiritual reassurance, in contrast to the turbulence of the world. Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple. You will feel His mercy. You will find answers to your most vexing questions. You will better comprehend the joy of His gospel”. (4)
I invite you to “find a way to make an appointment with the Lord, to be in His holy house,” and use your temple recommend to bless your life and the lives of your loved ones. If you don’t have a current temple recommend, be kind to yourself and know that you can work to become worthy to attend and receive these blessings. “I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples”. (5)
I am profoundly grateful for the temple, for the joy, blessings, and protection it brings to me and my family. I cherish the experiences of eternal significance I have had there, where at times, even the veil has thinned.
1. Russell M. Nelson, 'Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys“, Liahona, May 2024
2. Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant”, Liahona, Oct 2022
3. 3 Nephi 10:6
4. Russell M. Nelson, “The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again”, Liahona, Nov 2024
5. Russell M. Nelson, “Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints”, Liahona, Nov 2018