President Oaks on opposition

 President Oaks explains why we must face Satan’s opposition and the trials of life.

"Essential to God’s great plan for the mortal growth of His children was for them to experience “opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11). Just as our physical muscles cannot be developed or maintained without straining against the law of gravity, so mortal growth requires us to strain against Satan’s temptations and other mortal opposition. Most important for spiritual growth is the requirement to choose between good and evil. Those who choose good would progress toward their eternal destiny. Those who choose evil—as all would do in the various temptations of mortality—would need saving help, which a loving God designed to provide."

101st birthday

 

Russell M. Nelson

@NelsonRussellM

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8h

Brothers and sisters, I feel truly humbled to be celebrating my 101st birthday with my children so close—whether in person or forever in my heart. Even though those pictured are all adults with children, grandchildren, and even a great grandchild of their own, I still feel the tenderness I felt for them when they were small enough to rock in my arms. From then to now, I’ve done my best to teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. The glad tidings I have taught them are the same lessons I have often shared with you. God is our Father. We are His children. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. This is His Church, which is reflected in the name He gave it. It is only through Jesus Christ’s Atonement that we can repent of our sins and return to God’s presence. We will find joy in life as we “think celestial” and follow the covenant path that begins with baptism and leads us to The House of The Lord. God speaks to us when we make the effort to hear Him. The world needs peacemakers, so please be kind. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for expressing gratitude. Thank you for your prayers. You inspire me to strive to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ.

Time magazine article

 

https://time.com/7315003/russell-nelson-dignity-respect/

Sep 5, 2025 9:00 PM CET

Russell M. Nelson: We All Deserve Dignity and Respect

by Russell M. Nelson

Living to 101 is a privilege I never anticipated. I grew up during the Great Depression as the world emerged from the First World War. Over a century, I have witnessed extraordinary breakthroughs in medicine and communication—from the telegram to Instagram—and I have seen wars and peace. The world has changed dramatically. Yet what I have learned is that some truths do not change. These enduring truths are what anchor us in turbulent times.

As a heart surgeon for four decades and an Apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for four more, I have spent my life studying both the physical and the spiritual heart. Early in my career, during the pioneering days of open-heart surgery, conventional wisdom held that the heart should never be touched, or it would stop. That belief proved false. In the research lab, my colleagues and I discovered that, when treated according to natural laws, the heart could be stopped, repaired, and revived. By carefully balancing sodium and potassium in the blood, we could pause the heart long enough to mend it—and then see it spring back to life when that balance was restored. I still remember a professor asking me years later, “But what if it doesn’t work?” My answer was simple: It always works. This is one example—despite longstanding beliefs—of an irrefutable truth.

Later, as a faith leader, I came to understand that the human spirit flourishes when nourished by divine truth as well. On the occasion of my 101st birthday, I wish to share two such truths—lessons that I believe contribute to lasting happiness and peace.

First:  Each of us has inherent worth and dignity. I believe we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. But no matter your religion or spirituality, recognizing the underlying truth beneath this belief that we all deserve dignity is liberating—it brings emotional, mental, and spiritual equilibrium—and the more you embrace it, the more your anxiety and fear about the future will decrease. 

Life can be terrifying, and I have watched many—especially young people—struggle with anxiety about whether they belong or have value. But a heart that knows it is loved and remains focused on its purpose beats with steadiness, confidence, and hope no matter what is happening—or not happening—in life.

Second: Love your neighbor and treat them with compassion and respect. A century of experience has taught me this with certainty: anger never persuades, hostility never heals, and contention never leads to lasting solutions. Too much of today’s public discourse, especially online, fosters enmity instead of empathy. 

Imagine how different our world could be if more of us were peacemakers—building bridges of understanding rather than walls of prejudice—especially with those who may see the world differently than we do. I have seen bitter divisions soften when neighbors chose to listen to one another with respect rather than suspicion. Even small acts—like reaching out across lines of faith, culture, or politics—can open doors to healing. There is power in affording others the human dignity that all of God’s children deserve.  

This work begins at home. At a time when loneliness and isolation are rising around the world, families—though never perfect—remain one of life’s strongest sources of stability and meaning. My own experience has taught me that fidelity, forgiveness, and faithfulness within families yield deep, enduring peace. Strong families help us extend kindness outward, reinforcing communities and societies as well.

Today is my dear friend’s 101st birthday

 

Dallin H. Oaks

@OaksDallinH

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2m

It has been my distinct privilege to sit with President Russell M. Nelson in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for more than 41 years. During this time, I have learned and observed much from him about following Jesus Christ, receiving personal revelation, and expressing genuine love to God’s children. Today is my dear friend’s 101st birthday, and I continue to learn from him as he encourages each of us to learn of and follow God’s plan for His children. How grateful I am for the things he has taught me. #PresidentNelson101

President Nelson 101

 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

@Ch_JesusChrist

·

23h

As President Russell M. Nelson, the oldest living leader of a global church, approaches his 101st birthday on September 9, we invite you to join us in reflecting on his teachings of Jesus Christ. Over the next eight days, please learn with us as we focus on Russell M. Nelson: 101—a series of important lessons from a beloved prophet. Each message offers insights into following the Savior with greater faith, love, and devotion. We hope you will join in the conversation and share these inspired teachings. #PresidentNelson101