Relief Society · Elders Quorum · 25 minutes
Elder Gerrit W. Gong · Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles · Saturday Morning Session
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Temple service, including ordinances we perform for family members, invites the Savior's Atonement to soften our hearts, so we can forgive, heal, and strengthen our relationships on both sides of the veil.
Skip the temple dedication numbers, the section on big and small temples, and the temple clothing counsel so the class has time to talk about forgiveness and healing through temple service.
Before Sunday
Sunday: Elder Gong on the temple and healing
On Sunday we will discuss Elder Gerrit W. Gong's October 2026 talk, "Come to the Lord in His Holy House." He teaches that temple service brings the Savior's Atonement to mind and softens hearts on both sides of the veil, even toward family members we once found hard to love. If you have time, read the talk on the Gospel Library app. Ponder this: whose name, living or dead, comes to mind when you think about needing to forgive?
Pick one opening
Elder Gong began his talk with a joke: "Why did the temple workers cross the road? To help the people on the other side." At the end he gave a deeper answer. Before we read it, think about this: when has serving someone else, in the temple or anywhere else, changed how you felt about that person?
Elder Gong began his talk with a joke: "Why did the temple workers cross the road? To help the people on the other side." At the end he gave a deeper answer. Before we read it, think about this: when has serving someone else, in the temple or anywhere else, changed how you felt about that person?
Elder Gong shared what members have said after doing temple work for family members they once had hard relationships with: "My heart softened." "I could forgive." "I was freed." "Anger and bitterness left." "I felt peace for the first time." Some people even came to want to be sealed to those family members. Today we will talk about why the temple can bring that kind of change.
Elder Gong told about his parents, who each joined the Church as the only members in their families. Today, through family history and temple work, many generations of the Gong and Char families are connected. He invited each of us, whatever generation we are in the Church, to be a strong link in our eternal family chain.
Teach this first
Elder Gong teaches that agency, faith, repentance, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ make change and forgiveness possible. Temple service brings the Savior's Atonement to mind, so when we perform ordinances for family members, even ones we had hard relationships with, Christ can help us mend, forgive, and move forward. He asks us not to put off the peace and freedom the Savior wants us to have now.
Elder Gong taught that temple service "evokes our Savior's Atonement. It softens hearts on both sides of the veil."
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If time remains
Elder Gong explains that ordinances and covenants become binding in time and eternity when the Holy Spirit of Promise confirms that they were performed properly and have been kept. Because God honors our agency, the covenants that bind us are the ones we choose, desire, and keep in faith.
Ask the class
Counsel together
Last 3–5 minutes
This week, pray about one family member, living or deceased, toward whom you want a softer heart, and take one step toward them: plan a temple visit, look up their name in FamilySearch, or reach out in kindness.
Elder Gong taught that temple ordinances can bring forgiveness, healing, and peace, and unite loved ones here and on the other side of the veil.
Your witness: Think of a time the temple, or the Savior's help through it, softened your heart or brought you peace about a relationship. Share it briefly, and tell what you know about Jesus Christ's power to heal families.