Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
LDS Hymns, no. 223
Sunday, January 11, 2026
How Can I Be Assured That I Am Forgiven?
Understanding the Lord’s Promise to Remember Our Sins No More and the Role of Repentance in Forgetting
By John Fisher (assisted by AI)
Introduction In his October 2025 General Conference address “The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ,” Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught powerfully about the Savior’s promise of forgiveness and the healing available through Jesus Christ’s Atonement. Elder Andersen emphasized that forgiveness and healing are divine gifts available to all who come unto Christ with faith, honesty, and sincere repentance. His message provides both reassurance and practical counsel for those asking the heartfelt question: “How can I be assured that I am forgiven?”
This article explores Elder Andersen’s teachings on forgiveness, the Lord’s promise that He will “remember [our] sins no more,” and how we can work with the Lord to truly leave our past sins behind as we press forward in faith.
Summary of Elder Andersen’s Message Elder Andersen taught that healing and forgiveness are each found in their fullness in the atoning love of Jesus Christ. True forgiveness is a miracle awaiting all who earnestly desire to repent and follow the Savior. The process involves turning from sin, strengthening faith in Christ, and exercising honesty with God and others. Reconciliation and restitution where possible are part of the healing journey, but full forgiveness ultimately comes from the Savior through His grace.
Key Quotes from the Talk
“Healing and forgiveness are each found in their fullness in the atoning love of Jesus Christ.”
“If you have committed serious sins … please know this miracle is awaiting you. The Savior continuously calls, ‘Come unto me.’”
“Turning from sin, turning toward God, and strengthening your faith in Jesus Christ are a beautiful beginning.”
“Forgiveness is a divine gift offered through the grace of Jesus Christ.”
“In the Lord’s time, you will feel His voice telling you, ‘Let these things trouble you no more.’” (referencing the Lord’s promise that He will remember our sins no more)
Questions to Ponder Further
What does it mean to come unto Christ in the context of seeking forgiveness?
How can strengthening my faith help me feel assured that I am forgiven?
In what ways can honesty with Heavenly Father, myself, and others bring me closer to peace and forgiveness?
How do I reconcile the Lord’s promise to “remember [my] sins no more” with my struggle to forget past mistakes?
What steps can I take today to repair what has been broken and seek healing for those I may have hurt?
Conclusion Elder Andersen’s message reminds us that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is both powerful and personal. Assurance of forgiveness is grounded in faith, repentance, and the grace of the Savior who promises that, as we come unto Him, our sins can be taken away and “…the guilt [will be] removed from [our] heart through the merits of His Son.” Recognizing that forgetting past sins is part of the Savior’s healing process, we are invited to trust in His timing, rely on His grace, and continue pressing forward with a contrite heart to experience the joy and peace that forgiveness brings.
"The Sermon on the Mount," painted by the Danish artist, Carl Heinrich Bloch.
A Three-Step Plan to Becoming a Peacemaker
By John Fisher (assisted by AI)
Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."(Matthew 5:9)
In a world often defined by polarization, outrage, and conflict, the ancient promise delivered on the Mount of Olives resonates with profound relevance: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." During the October 2025 General Conference, Elder Gary E. Stevenson extended a powerful, enduring invitation, urging us to become modern-day peacemakers. Recognizing that peace often seems distant amid global commotion, Elder Stevenson provided clarity by outlining three essential spheres where we can begin our work: in our hearts, in our homes and families, and in our communities.
Elder Stevenson’s counsel reminds us that this crucial work is a personal one. The journey to greater peace begins by transitioning from a participant in the "culture of conflict" to a deliberate builder of bridges. Below, I outline an action plan for applying Elder Stevenson's three points in my own life.
My Personal Peacemaker Action Plan
My plan focuses on taking deliberate, specific steps within each of Elder Stevenson’s three suggested spheres to implement meaningful change.
1. Peacemaking in My Heart (Internal Renewal)
My heart is the foundation of my actions. To align my heart with the principles of peace, I commit to the following internal disciplines:
Guard Against Criticism: I will change my heart by consciously not criticizing others in my thoughts or words.
Filter Digital Input: I will avoid social media platforms and content that are critical or abusive, choosing instead to engage only with uplifting content.
Elevate Language: I will actively use better words when appropriate, recognizing the power of language to build or destroy.
Control Thought Life: I will focus on stopping unkind, evil, or negative thoughts about other people before they take root.
Forgive and Release: I will seek out those I feel have abused me or against whom I hold a grudge and work toward genuine forgiveness, releasing the personal burden of resentment.
2. Peacemaking at Home (Family Foundation)
To improve the situation in my home, I will focus on the power of my words and my efforts to understand my family members:
Speak Only Kindness: I commit to speaking only love and kind things to everyone in my home. I will pause before reacting to ensure my words are constructive, not critical.
Seek Understanding: I will actively try to understand where others are coming from. This means listening with patience, seeking clarity over winning an argument, and applying the principles of gentleness and meekness.
3. Peacemaking in the Community (External Service)
I will extend the peace established in my heart and home outward into my community through actions of respect and service:
Serve the Needy: I will actively look for ways to help others in need in my neighborhood or community, volunteering my time and resources.
Universal Respect: I will always treat others with respect, regardless of their background, beliefs, or standing in the community, seeing them as children of God.
Conclusion: Lead with an Open Heart
The call to be a peacemaker is an invitation to lead with strength, not weakness. As Elder Stevenson taught, peacemaking requires courage, gentleness, and a refusal to sacrifice principle while still seeking compromise and understanding.
By consistently executing this three-step plan—refining my heart by controlling my thoughts, renewing my home with kind words, and reaching out to my community with respect—I can fulfill my divine role as a builder of peace and draw closer to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
Follow-Up Questions for Reflection:
What is one specific "digital bridge" you can commit to building this week, and what is one social media habit you will stop?
How would practicing "long-suffering" and "meekness" change the next tense discussion you have with a family member?
Who is one person you can choose to forgive this week, and what action will you take to "repair and reunite" that relationship?
Keywords: Peacemaking, Forgiveness, Conflict Resolution, Digital Citizenship, Christlike Attributes
In September 2025, tragedy struck members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when a shooting and fire disrupted a Sunday service. What could have been remembered only as a moment of violence has instead become a powerful testimony of faith, forgiveness, and the presence of miracles. Survivors, leaders, and members of the community have shared stories of blessings and lessons that emerged in the aftermath—reminders that even in darkness, light can break through.
Forgiveness in the Moment
One survivor, who saw her father being shot, described an extraordinary moment as she looked directly into the eyes of the man who killed him.
“I forgave him, I forgave him right there … I saw into his soul. I never took my eyes off his eyes … He let me live.” (CBS News)
Her ability to extend forgiveness, even as she faced life-threatening danger, has been described by many as nothing short of miraculous.
14-year-old Boy Saves Brothers
A 14-year-old boy named Jasper is being called a hero after saving his younger brothers during the tragic Grand Blanc Township, Michigan church shooting. Jasper had been serving as an usher at his congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when, unexpectedly, “he felt the need to leave his post and go to the restroom to get a tissue” (Tait, 2025). Moments later, the gunman, Thomas Jacob Sanford, crashed his truck through the same chapel doors where Jasper had been standing. “Had he not needed to blow his nose, Jasper would have been the first person the shooter saw,” explained his aunt, Amber Rosen (Tait, 2025).
As the congregation fled in panic, Jasper “grabbed his 8- and 10-year-old brothers,” leading them toward a back exit (Tait, 2025). When the door jammed and his brothers were pressed against the glass by other people trying to escape, Jasper “took his elbow and hit the glass window a few times and the whole thing shattered with no cuts to him” (Tait, 2025). He guided his family to safety, flagged down a car to protect his brothers, and later helped his mother reunite with his sister, Josie, who had been found hiding in the woods “clutching a Latter-day Saint hymnbook” (Tait, 2025). His aunt described his courage and faith, saying, “I believe that angels were with them” (Tait, 2025).
Leaders Witness Miracles
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Michigan shortly after the tragedy. He said he saw “the mighty and many miracles that occurred during this episode.” He praised members’ capacity to remain “firm and steadfast,” noting that their resilience was both a blessing and an act of divine strength.
Compassion Beyond Expectations
Acts of compassion also stood out. David Butler, a fellow church member, raised over $300,000 to support the family of the gunman. When asked why, he explained simply, “It was actually pretty simple … Jesus tells us that we should do this.” His choice to serve the shooter’s family embodied forgiveness and Christlike love in action.
Strength in Community
Bishop Jeffrey Schaub, who leads the local ward, emphasized how deeply he felt the prayers and support from others:
“It is the most significant time in my life where I have felt the love and prayer of other people … It was very humbling to see how much good there is in the world today … above all, we are all children of the same Father in heaven.”
His words reflected the healing power of unity and shared faith.
Conclusion
The Michigan tragedy could have left only scars of grief. Instead, it is remembered by many as a moment when miracles, compassion, and the Savior’s love were evident. From forgiveness in the moment of pain to leaders bearing witness of blessings, these stories remind us that even in suffering, God’s hand can bring healing and hope.
The Power of Spiritual Momentum: A Call to Strengthen Faith and End Conflict
Moses and the burning bush. Image created by chatGPT.
Summarized by John Fisher (assisted by AI)
In his address The Power of Spiritual Momentum, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers five specific actions to help individuals build and sustain positive spiritual momentum. His message emphasizes faith, personal growth, and the importance of ending conflict in our lives. Through powerful stories, scriptural insights, and heartfelt invitations, he encourages listeners to strengthen their relationship with God and experience the blessings of spiritual progress.
Summary
President Nelson begins by acknowledging the challenges of life, including personal trials and global conflicts. He speaks of the suffering caused by war and emphasizes that, while we cannot control world events, we can control our own actions. He urges listeners to seek peace in their hearts, homes, and communities.
Using the analogy of momentum in sports, President Nelson illustrates how small actions can create lasting spiritual progress. He outlines five key actions to build and maintain positive spiritual momentum:
1.Get on the covenant path and stay there.
President Nelson emphasizes that walking the covenant path is the surest way to gain spiritual strength. The covenant path begins with baptism, where individuals make their first promise to follow Christ. Through additional sacred ordinances performed in temples, individuals deepen their commitment to God and receive divine power. Staying on the covenant path requires faithfulness to commandments, regular participation in the sacrament, and continual spiritual growth. He reassures those who may have strayed that it is never too late to return. The covenant path is the road to exaltation and eternal life, providing strength and guidance in an increasingly turbulent world.
2.Discover the joy of daily repentance.
Repentance is often misunderstood as something to be feared or delayed, but President Nelson reframes it as a joyful process of growth and renewal. He explains that repentance is not a sign of failure but an essential part of spiritual momentum. As individuals recognize their shortcomings and seek to improve daily, they draw closer to Christ, who lovingly provides healing and strength. He warns that delaying repentance allows the adversary to increase misery in our lives, whereas sincere repentance brings peace, freedom, and relief. President Nelson urges all to embrace repentance as a daily opportunity to align their lives more fully with God’s will and to experience His love in greater abundance.
3.Learn about God and how He works.
Understanding God’s character and His ways is crucial for spiritual progress. President Nelson warns that the world is filled with counterfeit philosophies and misleading messages, making it essential to seek truth directly from God through scripture study, prayer, and worship. He highlights the example of Moses, who recognized and rejected Satan’s deception because he had experienced God’s presence. The ability to discern truth comes from regular spiritual nourishment—reading the scriptures, attending church, and seeking inspiration through prayer. President Nelson urges individuals to prioritize their relationship with God, ensuring that faith is built on a firm foundation rather than worldly distractions.
4.Seek and expect miracles.
Miracles are not just events of the past; they continue today for those who exercise faith. President Nelson assures that God has not ceased to be a God of miracles, and He stands ready to bless those who believe. He recounts biblical and scriptural examples of divine intervention, from the parting of the Red Sea to Nephi retrieving the brass plates. While miracles may not always come in the way or timeframe we expect, they do happen for those who diligently seek them. He invites listeners to pray for miracles in their own lives and to trust in God’s timing. Recognizing and acknowledging God’s hand in our lives fuels spiritual momentum, reinforcing faith and trust in Him.
5.End conflict in your personal life.
One of the most powerful aspects of President Nelson’s message is his urgent plea to end personal conflicts. He calls on individuals to let go of resentment, bitterness, and anger. Whether in families, friendships, or communities, unresolved conflict can be a major obstacle to spiritual growth. Christ commanded His followers to forgive and love their enemies, even when it feels difficult or unjustified. President Nelson reminds that forgiveness is not about condoning wrongdoing but about freeing oneself from the burdens of anger and pain. As Easter approaches, he invites everyone to seek reconciliation, viewing it as a meaningful way to honor the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Letting go of conflict allows for increased peace, unity, and personal spiritual progress.
Five Quotes from the Speech
1.“We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying.”
2.“If you feel you have strayed off the covenant path too far or too long and have no way to return, that simply is not true.”
3.“Few things will accelerate your spiritual momentum more than realizing the Lord is helping you to move a mountain in your life.”
4.“I invite you to seek an end to a personal conflict that has weighed you down. Could there be a more fitting act of gratitude to Jesus Christ for His Atonement?”
5.“God lives! Jesus is the Christ! He lives! He loves us and will help us.”
Conclusion
President Nelson’s message is a profound call to action for all who seek spiritual growth. By embracing repentance, strengthening faith, and striving for peace, individuals can harness the power of spiritual momentum. His promise is clear: those who follow these principles will gain increased resilience, greater unity, and a stronger relationship with God. As Easter approaches, he encourages everyone to take steps toward reconciliation and faith, ensuring that they move forward with spiritual strength and purpose.
