Hello, Doer of the word!
Let's dive into the invitations from Elder Neil L. Andersen's April 2026 General Conference address, "Eternal Marriage Is an Eternal Journey."
Invitations
1 - "Because of our Savior's victory over death and sin, we will praise His name forever."
Application Idea: There's a difference between knowing, being grateful for, and praising the Savior. How will you praise Him instead of being tacitly faithful? For some, praise can take various artforms (music, writing, painting, etc.). For others, publicly sharing testimonies of Jesus online or in person, with large crowds or a single person, can be a great method to praise Him. Teaching your family to praise the Lord can deeply impact generations. Find ways to go beyond knowing about the Master and truly praise Him. Bonus tip: search the scriptures to see how those people praised God.
2 - "[K]neeling across the altar, we have a growing realization of the depth of our commitment to God and to each other. The sacred ordinance binds us together with our eternal companion and with God. We solemnly vow to keep the covenants. ..."
Application Idea: If you've been sealed in the temple, how often do you and your spouse return to perform proxy sealings for others? This is one of the most meaningful things you can do together and it deserves a place in your date night rotation.
3 - "Our even greater hope, however, is a desire to refine our very nature, to become more like our Savior, allowing us one day to live with Him. Within our sacred marriage, bound to God and to each other, we find ourselves in a crucible of spiritual development where vital qualities—sacrifice, charity, patience, and being a peacemaker, ... can become a greater part of us."
Application Idea: At General Conference Applied, we're big on taking action on GC invitations and finding ways to apply the best ideas from top personal development thinkers to your spiritual life. If you've read famous books like James Clear's Atomic Habits and applied it to start a fitness routine, but not to improve your gospel study, why not? Follow GCA and subscribe to our newsletter to learn how to do this.
4 - "As we increase our love for the Savior, our love for each other grows. Like our own discipleship, our eternal marriage is not a short-term experiment but a journey, an eternal journey of becoming who God desires us to become."
Application Idea: Take 15 min with your spouse to decide on a few things you'll do together to increase your love for the Savior, and thus each other. It really doesn't work well if one spouse engages in dedicated gospel study and is growing spiritually while the other feels completely overwhelmed and is unsure how or when to make worshipping and studying the Savior a priority. Personal study is important, but don't underestimate the value of companionship learning and prayer. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." If you're in a part-member or similar situation, revisit the April 2026 GC talks by Elders Gilbert and Wakolo.
5 - "In much of the world, confidence in the lasting nature of marriage is eroding. In the gospel of Jesus Christ, we proclaim that 'marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.' We believe in eternal marriage, we teach of eternal marriage, and we seek an eternal marriage."
Application Idea: Study President Oaks' extensive library of talks for good examples of how to unapologetically teach true, but unpopular, doctrine while also being a peacemaker. Make this easy on yourself by subscribing to our newsletter where each email includes a link to our President Oaks Study Schedule.
6 - "We anticipate our marriage with faith and confidence because we conscientiously prepare for the covenants we make in the house of the Lord. In our youth, we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and keep His commandments, including the law of chastity, a law so many in the world have set aside. We take upon us the name of Jesus Christ."
Application Idea: No matter your age, study the For the Strength of Youth guide. Pound for pound, it's one of the richest resources mankind has ever had. That's not hyperbole; it's that good!
7 - "[W]e of course each have weaknesses, and we realize that our lives will require more unselfishness, more repentance, and more forgiveness."
Application Idea: Consider any friction in your marriage (or other important relationships if you're single) and how any selfishness, unrepentant attitudes, or withheld forgiveness on your part are damaging the relationship. Be bold and make the first move to be less selfish, repent, and forgive. Bonus: read Elder Andersen's wonderful book, The Divine Gift of Forgiveness.
8 - "While embracing the happiness and sorrows of life’s experiences, we etch our covenants indelibly upon our souls, and we keep our eyes focused heavenward, toward the glorious destination awaiting us. We know the divine attributes we seek will not all be perfected in this life. Eternal marriage is an eternal journey."
Application Idea: Study President Holland's talk, "Be Ye Therefore Perfect, Eventually."
9 - "We profoundly need the gift of the Holy Ghost in our personal lives and in our marriage."
Application Idea: Do some relationship weeding. What's predictably driving the Holy Ghost away from your personal life and/or marriage? Decide together on some goals to change this. For example, President Oaks taught that parents "can turn their family on if they all turn their technologies off." The same applies to marriage and other relationships. Are you parallel "doom scrolling" right now rather than really being together?
10 - "One of the deceptions of the world is to discount the sacred importance and the actual power of the sealing ordinance. Keep your hope in each other and in Jesus Christ. His promises can see us through the obstacles and distractions."
11 - "There are times in our marriage that require a stellar dose of patience. ... With your hope and faith in Christ, allow the Lord to expand your spiritual gifts of understanding and patience."
Application Idea: Don't believe Satan's lie that you're incapable of change. Treat understanding and patience like the spiritual gifts they are, ask God to help you obtain them, and be ready to praise Him for your new approach to life because it'll come!
12 - "Wait upon the Lord [together with your spouse]."
Take Action
Email us and let us know how you'll take action on one of these invitations and whether we can share your response in our newsletter, podcast, and/or on social media.
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