“A More Excellent Hope”

RUSSELL M. NELSON

S ister Nelson and I extend greetings for a

happy New Year to all of you. At this fire-
side for college-age youth, thousands are
Come, let us anew our journey pursue,
Roll round with the year,
And never stand still till the Master appear.
with us on the campus of Brigham Young His adorable will let us gladly fulfill,
University. Elsewhere, many are participating And our talents improve
via satellite transmission, including congrega- By the patience of hope and the labor of love.
tions assembled in Puerto Rico, the Dominican [Charles Wesley, Hymns, 1985, no. 217]
Republic, and other locations in the Caribbean
area. Having recently visited Saints in those As we begin a new year, we desire to
islands, we are grateful to greet you once improve our talents—by the patience of hope
again. In Santo Domingo, we stood on the site and the labor of love. We all have hope. We
where a new temple will be built. There we hope for academic attainment. Some hope to
envisioned the day when you may enter that find an eternal companion, perhaps even this
holy house and receive all the blessings that year. And some just plain hope to survive.
are not as accessible at the present time. Speaking of companions, I like the counsel
This morning became historic when given by President David O. McKay. He said
President Howard W. Hunter, President that “during courtship we should keep our
Gordon B. Hinckley, and President Thomas S. eyes wide open, but after marriage keep them
Monson officially dedicated the new Bountiful half shut” (“Five Ideals Contributive to a
Temple. They also convey their greetings to Happy, Enduring Marriage,” devotional
you. The Brethren love and honor the youth of address given at Brigham Young University,
the Church and thank you for your devotion to 11 October 1955, p. 8; see also CR, April 1956,
the Lord Jesus Christ. This is his church, and he
welcomes each of us with open arms. Russell M. Nelson was a member of the Quorum of
We thank members of the institute choir the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of
from Ephraim, Utah, for their music. The Latter-day Saints when this fireside address was
words to their hymn seem particularly appro- given at Brigham Young University on 8 January
priate for our first fireside of 1995. 1995.

© INTELLECTUAL RESERVE, INC.

speeches.byu.edu
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2 Brigham Young University 1994–95 Speeches

p. 9). Sister Nelson has been kind to follow that to us is certain: “He that endureth in faith and
advice as she has overlooked my imperfections. doeth my will, the same shall overcome”
Some hopes are more important than oth- (D&C 63:20). I repeat, there is always hope!
ers. A few are major enough to have merited We came to the earth to receive our bodies
New Year’s resolutions. As the title of my mes- and to be tested. Do you remember the scrip-
sage tonight, I have borrowed a phrase from ture that states, “We will prove them herewith,
the Book of Mormon: “A More Excellent Hope.” to see if they will do all things whatsoever
That expression is attributed to Ether, who fur- the Lord their God shall command them”
ther declared that “man must hope, or he can- (Abraham 3:25). Passing tests of obedience
not receive an inheritance in the place which requires faith and hope—constantly.
[God] hast prepared” (Ether 12:32; emphasis Hope is part of our religion—mentioned
added). in one of the Articles of Faith. “We follow the
That verse of scripture came to mind the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we
other day as I read a letter from a troubled hope all things, we have endured many things,
friend who is wrestling with a profound per- and hope to be able to endure all things”
sonal problem. I would like to quote excerpts (Articles of Faith 1:13; emphasis added).
from that letter. A correlation exists between hope and
gratitude. To illustrate, let me share a personal
The guilt and failure I feel make it almost experience. Last Thanksgiving, Sister Nelson
impossible for me to repent. I am losing my faith. and I hosted a memorable gathering. All of
The sins were first; the doubts followed. The order our locally available daughters, sons, and
is important because sin needed doubt. When I grandchildren were there, among others. We
doubted my faith, sins lost their meaning and guilt counted sixty-three people at the feast. As part
its bite. Doubting began, then, as a means of anes- of our after-dinner program, Sister Nelson dis-
thesia. It served to diminish the guilt that was liter- tributed a sheet of paper to each individual,
ally tearing me apart. Before long, however, the headed, “This year, I am thankful for. . .” The
doubts thrived independent of the needs that con- remainder of the page was blank. She asked
ceived them. each to complete the thought, either in writing
My painful indecisiveness, my tentativeness, or by drawing a picture. The papers were then
my lack of direction, my paralysis of volition, my collected, redistributed, and read aloud. We
poverty of confidence, have caused suffering and were asked to guess who composed each reply,
depression. My family, my future, and my faith which, incidentally, was not very difficult.
are at stake. I am losing hope. Meanwhile, I observed a pattern. Generally,
the children were thankful for food, clothing,
Could the author of that letter, as well as shelter, family (and, occasionally, pets). Their
others with such inner turmoil, have forgotten pictures were precious, though not likely to be
a promise of the Lord? He said, “Let virtue gar- shown in an art gallery. Our youth broadened
nish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy their expressions to include gratitude for their
confidence wax strong in the presence of God” country, freedom, and church. The adults noted
(D&C 121:45). Unrighteous thoughts are the most of those items, but in addition mentioned
termites of character—and of confidence. the temple, their love of the Lord, and appreci-
To the author and to each person listening, ation for his atonement. Their hopes were com-
I bring a message of hope. Regardless of how bined with gratitude. Counting blessings is
desperate things may seem, remember, we can better than recounting problems.
always have hope. Always! The Lord’s promise
 Russell M. Nelson 3

Hope emanates from the Lord, and it tran- neither can ye if ye have no hope. [Moroni
scends the bounds of this mortal sphere. Paul 10:20–21; see also Ether 12:9, 34]
noted that “if in this life only we have hope
in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” We know that there is an opposition in all
(1 Corinthians 15:19). Only with an eternal per- things (see 2 Nephi 2:10–11, 15). Not surpris-
spective of God’s great plan of happiness can ingly, therefore, faith, hope, and charity have
we ever find a more excellent hope. “What is it their opposing forces. As illustrated in the let-
that ye shall hope for?” asked Moroni. He then ter from which I read, the antithesis of faith is
answered his own question: “Behold I say unto doubt (for descriptions, see Hebrews 11:1,
you that ye shall have hope through the atone- Alma 32:21); the opposite of hope is despair.
ment of Christ” (Moroni 7:41; see also Alma And the counterpart of charity—the pure love
27:28). Paul expressed the same thought. He of Christ—is disregard or even disdain for
succinctly called the Lord Jesus Christ “our him and his commandments.
hope” (1 Timothy 1:1). Have you heard the old Therefore, in our quest for faith, hope,
statement that “hope springs eternal?” It can and charity, we must beware of the dangers
only be true if that hope springs from him of doubt, despair, or disdain for the divine.
who is eternal. Moroni so taught: “If ye have no hope ye
must needs be in despair; and despair
Faith, Hope, and Charity cometh because of iniquity” (Moroni 10:22).
Have you noticed in the scriptures that Each of you is special, valued, and needed
hope seldom stands alone? Hope is often in building the kingdom of God. The adversary
linked with faith. Hope and faith are com- is also aware of your worth and will surely
monly connected to charity. Why? Because taunt you. When Satan’s temptations come
hope is essential to faith; faith is essential to your way, please remember this counsel from
hope; faith and hope are essential to charity Alma:
(see 1 Corinthians 13:13, Alma 7:24, Ether 12:28,
D&C 4:5). They support one another like legs Humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on
on a three-legged stool. All three relate to our his holy name, and watch and pray continually,
Redeemer. that ye may not be tempted above that which ye
Faith stems from the Lord Jesus Christ. can bear. . . .
Hope centers in his atonement. Charity is mani- Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that
fest in the “pure love of Christ” (see Moroni ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God
7:47). These three attributes are intertwined always in your hearts. [Alma 13:28–29]
like strands in a cable and may not always be
precisely distinguished. Together, they become Anchor of Faith and Hope
our tether to the celestial kingdom. We read in A more excellent hope is mightier than a
the Book of Mormon: wistful wish. Hope, fortified by faith and char-
ity, forges a force as strong as steel. Hope
There must be faith; and if there must be faith there becomes an anchor to the soul. To this anchor,
must also be hope; and if there must be hope there the faithful can cling, securely tethered to the
must also be charity. Lord. Satan, on the other hand, would have
And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be us cast away that anchor and drift with the
saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be ebb tide of despair. If we will cling to the
saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; anchor of hope, it will be our safeguard forever.
A scripture declares:
4 Brigham Young University 1994–95 Speeches

Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with thirty different languages. He even noticed
surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at that Samoans sang with Fijians, that Tongans
the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, danced with Tahitians, and so on. The spirit of
maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would unity among the Latter-day Saint youth was
make them sure and steadfast. [Ether 12:4; see also easily evident to all of us.
v. 9 and Hebrews 6:19] Finally he asked the question “How do
you promote such unity among your young
The Lord of hope invites all people to come people?” I answered his question later, when
unto him. Steps toward him begin with faith, I presented a copy of the Book of Mormon to
repentance, and baptism. Moroni explained him, describing it as the precious document
that promoting that unity—and joy.
Tonight I thought of that unity as we sang
the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowli- words to the opening hymn, “Now Let Us
ness of heart; and . . . the visitation of the Holy Rejoice.” Written by W. W. Phelps in the 1830s,
Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and per- it was sung by early converts to the Church
fect love, . . . until the end shall come, when all the from many nations. Their difficulties adjusting
saints shall dwell with God. [Moroni 8:26; empha- to new neighbors, languages, and cultures
sis added] must have been great. Yet they found hope in
their new life together as brothers and sisters
That destiny can only be realized when we in the Church. Can you picture in your mind
“have faith unto repentance” (Alma 34:15). those early struggling Saints singing these
Insufficient hope often means insufficient words, just as we did tonight?
repentance. John pleaded that “every man that
hath this hope in [God] purifieth himself, even In faith we’ll rely on the arm of Jehovah
as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). To guide thru these last days of trouble and gloom,
And after the scourges and harvest are over,
The Fruits of Faith and Hope We’ll rise with the just when the Savior doth come.
The fruits of faith and hope are beautiful to Then all that was promised the Saints will be given,
behold. While in Hawaii recently, I met with a And they will be crown’d with the angels of heav’n,
vice premier of the People’s Republic of China And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
who had requested a visit to the Polynesian And Christ and his people will ever be one.
Cultural Center. The vice premier was accom- [“Now Let Us Rejoice,” Hymns, 1985, no. 3]
panied by his wife and by the Chinese ambas-
sador to the USA. More than twenty other This text is a remarkable statement of unity
dignitaries were also in their party. Because in the Lord’s work. Regardless of nationality,
Elder Loren C. Dunn and I were already in the Saints have always understood the word
Hawaii for meetings with Church leaders, we of the Lord, who declared: “I say unto you, be
were asked to go to the Center and extend an one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine”
official welcome to the Chinese delegation on (D&C 38:27).
behalf of the First Presidency and General When stake number two thousand was cre-
Authorities. As these influential visitors toured ated in Mexico last month, President Howard
the center and the adjoining BYU—Hawaii col- W. Hunter said that the “great purposes of the
legiate campus, they were impressed. The vice Lord could not have been achieved with dis-
premier noted the sisterly and brotherly blend- sension or jealousy or selfishness. [The Lord]
ing of some sixty different nationalities and will bless each of us as we cast off pride, pray
 Russell M. Nelson 5

for strength, and contribute to the good of the results when labels are utilized with the intent
whole” (address delivered at the creation of the to demean, such as Jew, Gentile, black, Hispanic,
Mexico Mexico City Contreras Stake, or Mormon.
11 December 1994). Even worse, such terms camouflage our
In stark contrast to that divine objective, true identity as sons and daughters of God.
the real world in which we live is divided by The desire of my heart is that we might rise
diverse languages, culture, and politics. Even above such worldly trends. God wants us to
the privileges of a democracy carry the burden ascend to the highest level of our potential.
of bickering in election campaigns. Contention He employs names that unify and sanctify.
is all about us. Ours is a pessimistic and cynical He gave a new name to Abraham’s grand-
world—one that, to a great extent, has no hope son, Jacob, saying, “Thy name shall be called
in Christ nor in God’s plan for human happi- no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast
ness. Why such global contention and gloom? thou power with God and with men” (Genesis
The reason is plain. If there is no hope in 32:28). In Hebrew, the term Yisra’el means
Christ, there is no recognition of a divine plan “God prevails.” Jacob was given a name to
for the redemption of mankind. Without that match his divine destiny.
knowledge, people mistakenly believe that When we embrace the gospel and are bap-
existence today is followed by extinction tized, we are born again. We take upon our-
tomorrow—that happiness and family associa- selves the sacred name of Jesus Christ (see
tions are only ephemeral. D&C 20:37). We are adopted as his sons and
Such fallacies feed contention. The Book daughters and are known as brothers and sis-
of Mormon bears record of these words from ters. We become members of his family; he is
the first sermon of the Lord to the people of the father of our new life.
ancient America. Jesus said: When we receive patriarchal blessings, we
each receive a declaration of lineage—a name
I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention that links us to our heritage. We understand
is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of how we become joint heirs to promises once
contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to given by the Lord directly to Abraham, Isaac,
contend with anger, one with another. and Jacob (see Galatians 3:29, D&C 86:8–11).
Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the In a prophecy regarding us, Peter utilized
hearts of men with anger, one against another; but uplifting terms. He declared that we “are a
this is my doctrine, that such things should be done chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
away. [3 Nephi 11:29–30] nation, a peculiar people” (l Peter 2:9; emphasis
added). We recognize the adjectives chosen,
The Importance of Names royal, and holy as complimentary. But what
Unfortunately, our modern society is about the term peculiar? Moses also employed
caught up in divisive disputation. Often the term when he said,
unkind nicknames are added to—or even sub-
stituted for—given names. Labels are invented Thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and
to foster feelings of segregation and competi- the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people
tion. For example, athletic teams acquire unto himself, above all the nations that are upon
names to intimidate others, such as Giants, the earth. [Deuteronomy 14:2; emphasis added]
Tigers, Warriors, and so on. Harmless you say?
Well, perhaps not overly important. But that is
only the beginning. More serious separation
6 Brigham Young University 1994–95 Speeches

I looked up the term peculiar in a modern live was foreseen even before Christ was born,
dictionary. It is currently defined as “unusual” when a prophet said:
or “eccentric,” “strange,” “odd ,” “standing
apart from others,” “exclusive,” or “unique” Our father hath not spoken of our seed alone, but
(The American Heritage Dictionary of the English also of all the house of Israel, pointing to the
Language [New York: Houghton Mifflin Co., covenant which should be fulfilled in the latter
1980]). But the term peculiar as used in the days; which covenant the Lord made to our father
scriptures means something quite different. Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term from of the earth be blessed. [1 Nephi 15:18; emphasis
which peculiar was translated is cgullah, which added]
means “valued property,” or “treasure.”
In the New Testament, the Greek term These are those latter days. We are the ones
from which peculiar was translated is peripoiesis, foredetermined and foreordained to fulfill that
which means “possession,” or “an obtaining.” promise (see Alma 13:3). We are the seed of
(Forms of the Greek suffix poiesis are seen in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We are, in fact, the
words currently in use in the English language. hope of Israel. We are God’s treasure, reserved
For example, doctors and druggists use a book for our particular place and time.
known as a “pharmacopoeia,” which refers to No wonder China’s vice premier noted
possession or obtaining of pharmaceutical what he did. Our faithful Latter-day Saints are
agents. The term used for the making of blood filled with hope and motivated by love of the
in the body is known as hematopoiesis. Lord Jesus Christ. With that hope, we assidu-
Students of the English language refer to ono- ously avoid labels that could be interpreted as
matopoeia, a word made to sound like its refer- derogatory. When the Nephites were truly
ent, such as buzz, crack, or twang.) righteous, their previous patterns of polariza-
With that understanding from the Greek, tion vanished.
we can see that the scriptural term peculiar does
not mean “strange” or “odd” at all. It signifies There was no contention in the land, because of
“valued treasure,” “made,” or “selected by the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the
God.” Peculiar is used in only seven verses of people. . . .
the Bible. In the Old Testament it is used five There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither
times (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 14:2, 26:18; were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but
Psalms 135:4; Ecclesiastes 2:8). In each instance, they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs
it has been translated from the Hebrew term to the kingdom of God.
that means “valued treasure.” And how blessed were they! [4 Nephi 1:15,
In the New Testament, peculiar is used two 17–18]
times (Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9). In each instance it
has been translated from a Greek term that sig- Unfortunately, the sequel to that story is
nifies “possession” or “those selected by God not a happy one. This pleasant circumstance
as his own people.” Thus, for us to be identi- persisted until “a small part of the people . . .
fied by servants of the Lord as his peculiar peo- had revolted. . . and taken upon them the
ple is a compliment of the highest order. name of Lamanites” (4 Nephi 1:20), reviving
When we know who we are and what God old prejudices and teaching their children
expects of us, we are filled with hope and again to hate, “even as the Lamanites were
made aware of our significant role in his great taught to hate the children of Nephi from the
plan of happiness. The day in which we now
 Russell M. Nelson 7

beginning” (4 Nephi 1:39). And so the polariz- have loved you, that ye also love one another”
ing process began all over again. (John 13:34). Right! The level of love cited in
I hope that we may learn this important this verse is that of agape: with highest respect.
lesson and delete such segregating names Quoting Paul: “Be kindly affectioned one to
from our personal vocabularies. Paul taught another with brotherly love” (Romans 12:10). If
that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is you said phileo, the second level, you were cor-
neither bond nor free, there is neither male rect. The Greek term from which this was
nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” translated is philadelphia.
(Galatians 3:28; see also Colossians 3:11). I looked up all references to love in the
Our Savior invites us “to come unto him New Testament, both in English and in Greek.
and partake of his goodness; and he denieth I found that every reference that adjures us to
none that come unto him, black and white, love one another employs only the higher agape
bond and free, male and female; . . . all are or phileo forms. Not a single reference utilized
alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33). Scripture the third level, eros. One exception should be
declares that God “made the world and all noted: “Beware of the scribes, which love to go
things therein,” “And hath made of one blood in long clothing, and love salutations in the
all nations of men for to dwell on all the face marketplaces” (Mark 12:38; emphasis added).
of the earth” (Acts 17:24, 26). In this instance, the word love was translated
from the Greek term thelo, meaning “desire”
Greek Terms for Love or “delight.”
The New Testament contains many refer- This little exercise confirms what we
ences to the Lord’s commandments that already know, that the Lord wants our love for
human beings love one another. Those verses each other to be most noble, reserving the inti-
become even more meaningful if considered in mate expression of physical love exclusively
the New Testament’s original Greek language. for husband and wife (for examples, see
It is a very rich language, having three differ- Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7, D&C
ent words for love, in contrast to the one avail- 42:22, Moses 3:24, Abraham 5:18). I’ll translate
able to us in the English language. The three that conclusion into simple terms. If you are
Greek words for love apply at different levels tempted toward sexual behavior that is either
of emotion. The term employed for the highest errant or aberrant, hang an imaginary sign on
level of love is agape, to describe the kind of the subject that says, “Please do not touch!”
love we feel for the Lord or for other highly And, since deeds are preceded by thoughts,
esteemed individuals. It is a term of great think not of now; think of eternal life!
respect and adoration.
The second level of love is expressed by Selection of a Marriage Partner
the term phileo, to describe affection felt for a At the beginning of my message, I sug-
beloved associate or friend. It, too, is a term gested (with a smile) that some of you might
of great respect, but perhaps less formal. be hoping to find a prospect for marriage, per-
The third level of love is depicted by the haps in the not-too-distant future. May I offer
term eros, to describe physical desire and inti- a word of counsel, in addition to the quotation
macy. from President McKay about keeping your
As I quote a couple of scriptures, see if eyes wide open. The commandment to love
you can identify the appropriate Greek term. our neighbors without discrimination is certain
Quoting the Lord: “A new commandment I (see Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19, 22:39; Mark
give unto you, That ye love one another; as I 12:31; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14;
8 Brigham Young University 1994–95 Speeches

James 2:8; D&C 59:6). But it must not be misun- which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God”
derstood. It applies generally. Selection of a (D&C 14:7). In addition, President Joseph F.
marriage partner, on the other hand, involves Smith said:
specific and not general criteria. After all, you
can only be married to one individual. The great truth enunciated by the Savior seems
The probabilities of a successful marriage very generally to be lost sight of in this generation,
are known to be much greater if both the hus- that it will profit a man nothing tho’ he should gain
band and wife are united in their religion, lan- the whole world if he lose his own soul.
guage, culture, and ethnic background. Thus, The standard of success as declared by the word
in choosing your eternal companion, please be of God, is the salvation of the soul. The greatest gift
wise. It’s better not to fly in the face of constant of God is eternal life. [Juvenile Instructor 39, 15
head winds. Occasional squalls provide chal- September 1904, pp. 561–62]
lenge enough.
Once those marriage vows are taken, you An understanding of that objective should
will want to be absolutely faithful to the Lord help us approach the future with faith instead
and to your companion, to whom you have of fear (see D&C 6:36), with a more excellent
promised complete fidelity. This year, Sister hope in place of despair. With education, your
Nelson and I will celebrate our fiftieth wed- niche in life will be assured. Interests in your
ding anniversary. We realize that the number family, the Church, and your vocation can be
of additional years together in mortality is properly balanced. God sent each of us here to
steadily diminishing. How grateful we are be happy and successful (see 2 Nephi 2:25,
that we have been faithful to each other in Jacob 2:18–19).
spite of numerous periods of separation Meanwhile, he also needs us. We are to
imposed by wartime and professional duties. “seek not the things of this world but seek . . .
Someone once asked my sweetheart how she first to build up the kingdom of God, and to
managed with ten children as well as a hus- establish his righteousness” (JST Matthew
band with a demanding surgical practice, 6:38). He decreed that “no one can assist in
major responsibilities in the Church, and little this work except he shall be humble and full
time to help. Her reply was unforgettable. of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being
“When I married him ,” she said, “I didn’t temperate in all things” (D&C 12:8).
expect much, so I was rarely disappointed.” I Such an individual is President Howard W.
pay tribute to her. All that I hold dear in life Hunter. About two years ago he stood at this
has come to me because of my love for her pulpit where I now stand. Suddenly he was
and for the Lord. accosted by an assailant brandishing a brief-
case said to contain a bomb. President Hunter
Hope of Eternal Life exhibited great courage. He didn’t give an inch.
Happiness comes when scriptures are used After the threat was over and peace was
in shaping our lives. They speak of the “bright- restored to the scene, President Hunter deliv-
ness of hope” (2 Nephi 31:20) for which we ered his message. It was entitled “An Anchor
yearn. But if our hopes were narrowly confined to the Souls of Men”—a theme similar to mine
only to moments in mortality, we should surely tonight. I would like to quote from his message
be disappointed. Our ultimate hope must be because it is especially relevant. President
anchored to the atonement of the Lord. He Hunter said:
said, “If you keep my commandments and
endure to the end you shall have eternal life,
 Russell M. Nelson 9

It is incumbent upon us to rejoice a little more and love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall
despair a little less, to give thanks for what we have press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ,
and for the magnitude of God’s blessings to us. . . . and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father:
For Latter-day Saints this is a time of great hope Ye shall have eternal life. [2 Nephi 31:20; see also
and excitement—one of the greatest eras . . . of all 2 Nephi 32:3]
dispensations. We need to have faith and hope, two
of the greatest fundamental virtues of any disciple- Your hope is your “Redeemer, the Holy
ship of Christ. We must continue to exercise confi- One of Israel—the God of the whole earth”
dence in God. . . . He will bless us as a people. . . . (3 Nephi 22:5). His hope is in you. You are liter-
He will bless us as individuals. . . . ally the “Hope of Israel, Zion’s army, Children
I promise you tonight in the name of the Lord of the promised day” (Hymns, 1985, no. 259).
whose servant I am that God will always protect If the apostle Paul were with us tonight, he
and care for his people. . . . With the gospel of Jesus might choose to bless you as once he did the
Christ you have every hope and promise and reas- Romans: “Now the God of hope fill you with
surance. The Lord has power over his Saints and all joy and peace in believing, that ye may
will always prepare places of peace, defense, and abound in hope, through the power of the
safety for his people. When we have faith in God Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13).
we can hope for a better world—for us personally As it is my privilege to bear that same apos-
and for all mankind. . . . tolic authority, I invoke a blessing upon you,
Disciples of Christ in every generation are that you may feast upon the words of Christ
invited, indeed commanded, to be filled with a per- and apply his teachings in your lives; that suc-
fect brightness of hope. [BYU 1992–93 Devotional cess may attend your righteous endeavors; that
and Fireside Speeches (Provo: Brigham Young health, happiness, and a more excellent hope
University, 1993), pp. 70–71] may be yours; that you may endure to the end
and enjoy eternal life. I so bless you, consistent
President Hunter’s counsel is timeless. with the will of the Lord for each of you. I tes-
Tonight, to the youth of the Church, I tify that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and
would like to quote a scripture by way of that his church has been restored in these latter
summary and promise: days, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in

Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a