Hello, Doer of the word! Let's dive into the invitations from Elder Neil L. Andersen's October 2025 General Conference address, "The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ."
Invitations
"Turning from sin, turning toward God, and strengthening your faith in Jesus Christ are a beautiful beginning. Humbly submitting your will to God includes acknowledging serious sins to your bishop or branch president, but your full forgiveness comes from the Savior. Forgiveness is a divine gift offered through the grace of Jesus Christ."
Application Idea: Read Elder Andersen's book, The Divine Gift of Forgiveness
"A desire to truly return to God is accompanied by the determination to be completely honest with your Heavenly Father, with yourself, with those who were harmed, and with your priesthood leader."
Application Idea: Study "Integrity" in Preach My Gospel ch. 6
You'll desire to fix what you've broken, but since some things are irreparable, "fervently pray that the Lord, through His grace, will help heal those who have been hurt in consequence of your actions. The effects of serious sin on others are often painfully difficult to overcome." Follow "the example of the sons of Mosiah, who were 'zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had done.' Speak with those you respect about what you might not be seeing.... [A]s as you humbly counsel with the Lord, you may find there is more you can do."
Application Idea: Follow Elder Andersen's steps:
a. Pray for the Lord to heal those you've hurt
b. Do all you can to make amends
c. Humbly ask God and those you respect (including local church leaders) if there's something more you should do
"As you seek the Lord’s forgiveness, be patient ... as [He] gives you His blessing and approval by degrees."
Application Idea: Study "prospering by degrees" in the Book of Mormon, President Christofferson's talk "Look to God and Live" and General Conference Applied's S6 E12 Podcast & Newsletter discussion on it.
"I give you my absolute assurance, the Savior knows you and loves you. Reach out to Him. He is your comfort and strength; He will send His angels to bear you up. ... As you continue to place your trust in Him, your clouds of darkness and anguished sobbing in the night will be transformed into cascading tears of joy and peace. ... 'Your sorrow shall be turned into joy. … And your joy no [one] taketh from you.' That moment will come. I testify that it will come."
Application Idea: Listen to or read Saints Vol. 1, Part 3 "Cast into the Deep" (or at least ch. 33 "O God, Where Art Thou?")
"President Dallin H. Oaks has taught: 'Because of His atoning experience in mortality, our Savior is able to comfort, heal, and strengthen all men and women everywhere, but I believe He does so only for those who seek Him and ask for His help. The Apostle James taught, ‘Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up’ (James 4:10). We qualify for that blessing when we believe in Him and pray for His help.'"
Application Idea: Try fasting not on a Fast Sunday. Put in an honest effort. In deciding how long to go and how often/where you'll pray during your fast, remember that this principle is tied to the law of sacrifice with it's requirements and special blessings.
"As we believe in Him, follow Him, and trust Him, He will lift us from our sorrows and our sins. Then, beyond this mortal life, in our Father’s house, we will live with Him forever and ever."
Application Idea: Go to the temple this week. Make a reservation now, while you're thinking about it.
Additional Resources
Download a copy of these invitations: Google Sheets | PDF. If you use these resources as a handout in Church, use the PDF (it prints prettier) and please invite the members of your ward to subscribe to the General Conference Applied newsletter and podcast!
General Conference Applied S6 E15. Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube. This short podcast episode is an audio / video version of this newsletter.
General Conference Applied S6 E16. Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube.
Take Action
Clay's Application: Read Elder Andersen's book, The Divine Gift of Forgiveness
Mitch's Application: "Speak with those you respect about what you might not be seeing.... [A]s you humbly counsel with the Lord, you may find there is more you can do." In my weekly prayers, ask Heavenly Father what more I can do for these individuals. And then take action.
Your Application: Reply to this email and tell us 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.
Thanks for joining us in becoming a "Doer of the word!" Please help others do the same by sharing this newsletter with them.