Draw Near to Christ: President Eyring's Counsel at April 2025 General Conference
Key Insights
Invitation to Closeness:: The core message revolves around the Savior's invitation in D&C 88:63 to "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you."
Methods for Drawing Near:: President Eyring highlighted specific actions: always remembering Christ, diligent scripture study, heartfelt prayer, keeping covenants (like partaking of the sacrament), and serving others.
Friendship Analogy:: He compared building a relationship with Christ to nurturing a close friendship – consistent communication (prayer), mutual effort (service), and treasuring guidance strengthen the bond.
Power of Covenants:: Faithfully keeping covenants, like baptismal promises, invites the Lord's power and support, lightening burdens and fostering spiritual growth.
Ministering's Role:: Serving others in Christ's name is a key way to feel His love and draw closer to Him.
Why this matters:: In times of trial or spiritual distance, actively seeking Christ through these practices provides assurance of His love, guidance, and support, leading to greater peace and eventual joy in His presence.
In-Depth Analysis
President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered a poignant message during the Saturday morning session of the April 2025 general conference. His address centered on the vital importance of accepting the Savior's invitation found in Doctrine and Covenants 88:63: "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
Recalling a personal experience from his youth during a sacrament meeting over 75 years ago, President Eyring described feeling profound light, warmth, and the Savior's closeness through simple obedience and partaking of the sacrament covenants. This experience illustrated the core principle that consistent effort in spiritual practices fosters nearness to Jesus Christ.
He likened the relationship with Christ to maintaining a close friendship. Just as communication and mutual support strengthen bonds between friends, regular prayer, scripture study, listening to the Holy Ghost, and serving others strengthen our connection with the Savior. Conversely, neglecting these practices can weaken the bond.
President Eyring emphasized that keeping covenants, such as those made at baptism (Mosiah 18:8-9), brings the Lord's power and support, making burdens lighter and helping individuals become more like Christ. He specifically highlighted scripture study, referencing the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24) whose hearts burned within them as Christ opened the scriptures.
For those concerned about loved ones who have drifted from the gospel path, President Eyring offered counsel: depend on the Lord, serve Him faithfully, and He will draw closer to those loved ones. He assured listeners that as they minister and bind up the wounds of others, they will feel the Lord's love and power sustaining them, ultimately drawing nearer to Him.
FAQs
What was the main message of President Eyring's talk?
President Eyring focused on the Savior's invitation, found in Doctrine and Covenants 88:63, to "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you," emphasizing practical ways to strengthen one's relationship with Jesus Christ.
What specific actions did President Eyring suggest?
He counselled listeners to draw closer to Christ through diligent scripture study, heartfelt prayer, partaking of the sacrament, keeping covenants, and ministering to others.
Who is President Henry B. Eyring?
He is the Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having served as a general authority since 1985.
Key Takeaways
Act on the Invitation:: Consciously make efforts daily to remember the Savior.
Deepen Spiritual Habits:: Dedicate consistent time to meaningful scripture study and heartfelt prayer.
Engage in Service:: Look for opportunities to minister to and serve others, recognizing it as service to Christ.
Value Covenants:: Reflect on baptismal and temple covenants and strive to live up to them.
Seek Revelation:: Listen for guidance from the Holy Ghost, which often comes during efforts to draw near to God.
Discussion
Do you find specific practices more helpful in drawing closer to the Savior? Share your thoughts below!
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Sources & References
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