BYU NewsNet - General Conference: Sunday Morning

President Henry B. Eyring

First Counselor, First Presidency

Only when we come together, being one in unity, can we be blessed with joy from on high, said President Henry B. Eyring on Sunday morning.

He said there are many ways to build unity, including revelation and humility, but pride can destroy the unity members wish to achieve.

"Pride is the great enemy of unity," President Eyring said. "Happily, I have seen more and more skillful peacemakers who calm troubled waters before harm is done."

Elder Robert D. Hales

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder Robert D. Hales said Christian courage means emulating how Jesus Christ and his disciples responded to outward criticism and persecution.

"Meekness is not weakness," Elder Hales said. "It is a badge of Christian courage."

The Lord did not react by "putting up his dukes" when wrongly accused, he said.

"We are encouraged to be kind and invite the Holy Ghost whenever we make a response," he said.

Elder Hales said there are many opportunities to exhibit meekness, from a kind letter to the editor, a conversation with a friend, a comment on a blog or a reassuring word to one who has made a disparaging comment.

Referring to an experience where barely brushing against a cholla cactus resulted in sharp spines stuck all over his clothing, Hales said members should exhibit Christian courage at times by not saying anything at all.

To any members who wonder how they should respond to accusers, Elder Hales said to love them.

"We have a great work to do which will not be accomplished if we allow ourselves to stop and argue," he said.

Bishop Keith B. McMullin

Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

Serving one another can help combat the human frailties and other challenges that beset us in this life, Bishop Keith B. McMullin said.

"Because we are all brothers and sisters, we are all 'neighbors,'" Bishop McMullin said, "though separated at times by distance, culture, religion or race."

Bishop McMullin recounted a Chinese ambassador, who at a recent trip to Utah and Brigham Young University, expressed his amazement at the church's welfare program. Upon learning about fast offerings, the ambassador gave a red envelope to the manager at Welfare Square, saying it was his fast offering.

Bishop McMullin said prayer is another powerful way to receive God's help.

"In the face of some needs," he said, "we turn to a form of prayer available only under the hands of those authorized to minister for God."

He added the greatest help we can receive is from Jesus Christ.

"The ultimate help from Heavenly Father comes to us through his son," Bishop McMullin said. "'For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.'"

Sister Elaine S. Dalton

President of the General Young Women's Presidency

The Latin root "virtus" means strength, and virtue begins in both the heart and the mind, Sister Elaine S. Dalton said.

"Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards," Sister Dalton said. "It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions."

She told the story of Lehonti, a Lamanite in the Book of Mormon who was slowly persuaded to "come down" to meet with the Nephite dissenter Amalickiah. After he came down, Lehonti was poisoned by degrees to death.

"Are we too being poisoned by degrees?" Sister Dalton asked.

Exhorting that every member must uniquely and individually return to virtue, Sister Dalton said she got her "personal training program" from the scriptures.

"I testify that we will not only be enabled to do hard things, but to do all things," she said.

Elder M. Russell Ballard

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder M. Russell Ballard quoted Joseph Smith's prophecy, saying no unhallowed hand can stop the work of the saints from progressing.

"We have had 178 years to observe the fulfillment of prophecy," Elder Ballard said, "and to watch the 'truth of God' as it goes forth 'boldly, nobly and independent.'"

Elder Ballard said his reason in relating the history of the church's growth was to show the fulfillment of Joseph Smith's prophecy.

"This is God's work and God's work will not be frustrated," Elder Ballard said. "But there is still much to do before the great Jehovah can announce that the work is done."

Though Elder Ballard said the challenges faced are different, it is up to members to carry on the tradition of devoted commitment, the hallmark of previous Latter-day Saint generations.