Relief Society · Elders Quorum · 25 minutes
Elder Quentin L. Cook · Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles · Sunday Morning Session
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Elder Cook teaches that integrity and virtue lead to real happiness, and that daily repentance is part of integrity, so we can have the Holy Ghost with us.
Skip the Declaration of Independence section and the social media and peacemaker material. Keep the class on integrity, virtue, and daily repentance.
Before Sunday
Sunday: Elder Cook on integrity and happiness
This Sunday we will discuss Elder Quentin L. Cook's October 2026 talk "Integrity and Virtue Lead to Happiness." He quotes President Spencer W. Kimball, who described integrity as the willingness and ability to live by our beliefs and commitments. Please read or listen to the talk on the Gospel Library app if you can. Ponder this: where in your life is it hardest to live by what you believe?
Pick one opening
Elder Cook quotes President Kimball, who said integrity is "the willingness and ability to live by our beliefs and commitments." Think of someone you trust completely. What do they do that makes you trust them? Take a few answers, then ask: how is that kind of person also usually a happy person?
Elder Cook quotes President Kimball, who said integrity is "the willingness and ability to live by our beliefs and commitments." Think of someone you trust completely. What do they do that makes you trust them? Take a few answers, then ask: how is that kind of person also usually a happy person?
As a young missionary in Scotland, David O. McKay passed a building with words carved in stone above the door: "Whate'er thou art, act well thy part." The message stayed with him all his life. He decided that whatever responsibility he had, he would do his very best. Elder Cook says this message shaped him too, when President McKay was the prophet during Elder Cook's youth.
As a young missionary in England, Elder Cook taught a man who had served on a battleship in World War II. When he learned about repentance, he was overcome. He said it felt like stepping off the ship and feeling the ground of his island home under his feet, and he fell to his knees in gratitude. Before his baptism he prayed to help others feel the same joy, especially his family.
Teach this first
Elder Cook teaches that in the Father's plan, integrity, virtue, and happiness belong together. Integrity means living by what we believe and being honest with God, ourselves, and others. Because a virtuous life lines us up with God's will, it brings real happiness and the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Integrity also means admitting our faults to the Lord and repenting every day, so we can come to Him honestly.
Elder Cook taught that "the ultimate reward of integrity and virtue is the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost."
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If time remains
Elder Cook warns that coarse, crude language online and in person is not just bad manners, because it can harm others and lead them away from the Savior. The Lord asks us to be a peaceable people and to think on things that are lovely and of good report (Philippians 4:8).
Ask the class
Counsel together
Last 3–5 minutes
This week, pick one place where your actions and beliefs do not quite match, take it to the Lord in prayer with honest repentance, and set aside some time each day for scripture study.
Elder Cook teaches that when we do what is right, the Holy Ghost can dwell with us and guide us in all we do, and that time each day with the scriptures and spiritual renewal will bring deep blessings.
Your witness: Think of a time when choosing integrity, or repenting honestly, brought you peace or the Spirit's guidance. Share it briefly, and say what you know about the Savior's power to help us become whole.