Conference Talk of the Week

Overview

Elder Thabo Lebethoa begins with a quarrel early in his marriage. He and his wife, whose names together mean "eternal joy," ended up not speaking to each other. He found his way forward when he remembered the Savior's words to the Nephites: contention is not of Him, and His doctrine is that contention "should be done away" (3 Nephi 11:29–30). From that experience he teaches that Jesus Christ is "the light and the life of the world" (3 Nephi 11:11). Christ gives His light through His Spirit, His example, and His words, and whatever problem we face, the answer is always Him. Elder Lebethoa names three ways to receive more of that light: build faith in Jesus Christ through steady daily effort, study the scriptures consistently and sincerely, and repent with the Savior's help.

Three Key Takeaways

• 1Scripture can give direct help with an ordinary conflict. When Elder Lebethoa and his wife stopped speaking after an argument, remembering 3 Nephi 11:29–30 showed him how to resolve it. The Savior's light reaches us through His Spirit (Doctrine and Covenants 6:15), His example (3 Nephi 18:16), and His words (Psalm 119:105).
• 2Faith in Jesus Christ means trusting that He understands our daily struggles because He has experienced our pains and infirmities (Alma 7:11–12). Strong faith takes intentional effort. President Oaks described it as "daily trying, one step at a time, with prayer and scripture study."
• 3There is no single right way to study the scriptures. You can read in order, study by topic, follow a question, or start with a verse that draws you in. What matters most is that you study consistently and sincerely. A man who read the Book of Mormon was prompted by the Spirit to change, so he buried his newly bought coffee in his garden.

Reflection Questions

• Think of a recent conversation that ended in anger or silence. What would it look like to treat that contention as something the Savior wants "done away" (3 Nephi 11:30)?
• Which of your current concerns (self-reliance, school or work demands, inadequacy, fear, doubt, grief, or not knowing what to do with your life) most needs the Savior's light right now?
• Elder Lebethoa says the consistency and sincerity of scripture study matter more than the method. What change to how you study now would make your study more consistent or more sincere?