Talk Preparation Guide for "The Triumph of Hope"

In his powerful address "The Triumph of Hope," Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explores the profound gift of hope that is centered in Jesus Christ and the restored gospel. He emphasizes that hope is not merely a wish or desire but a confident expectation of the promised blessings of righteousness. Elder Andersen shares personal stories and scriptural insights to illustrate how hope can illuminate our lives, especially during times of trial, and how it is nurtured through faith, the Holy Ghost, and sacred temple covenants.

Topics

Cultivate Hope for Eternal Life

Elder Andersen explains that our hope for eternal life is assured through the grace of Christ and our choices. This hope allows us to look beyond mortal struggles to the blessings and promises of eternity.

Our hope of eternal life is assured through the grace of Christ and our own choices.

As we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, we see beyond our struggles to the blessings and promises of eternity.

Key Points:

Hope for eternal life is a central tenet of the gospel.
Our choices, combined with Christ's grace, lead us to eternal joy.
Faith in Jesus Christ helps us triumph over mortal challenges.

Experiences:

Reflect on a time when your hope in eternal life helped you through a difficult situation.
Share a personal story about how your faith in Jesus Christ has brought you peace.
Consider how your understanding of eternal life influences your daily decisions.

Recognize Hope as a Divine Gift

Hope is a divine gift from God that has been bestowed upon the faithful since the beginning of time. It is through the Holy Ghost that believers today continue to receive the light of hope.

Since the beginning, our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son have eagerly blessed the righteous with the precious gift of hope.

The Savior sends us a Comforter, the Holy Ghost, a companion bringing faith, hope, and peace "not as the world giveth."

Key Points:

Hope is a gift from God that enlightens and uplifts.
The Holy Ghost plays a crucial role in imparting hope.
Hope allows us to trust the Lord during tribulations.

Experiences:

Describe a moment when you felt the Holy Ghost bringing you hope.
Share how you have seen hope as a gift in your life or the lives of others.
Think about a time when you chose to trust the Lord despite difficulties.

Learn from Examples of Hope

Elder Andersen shares Moroni's example of hope in Christ during tribulation, illustrating that hope is a living gift that grows with faith in Jesus Christ.

Hope is a living gift, a gift that grows as we increase our faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for.

Key Points:

Moroni's experience teaches us about maintaining hope during trials.
Hope and faith are interconnected and grow together.
Living a faithful life builds the "evidence blocks" of hope.

Experiences:

Recall a time when you found hope in the teachings of the scriptures.
Share a personal experience where faith and hope worked together in your life.
Reflect on how you build your faith and hope through daily practices.

Find Hope in the Temple

The temples are houses of hope where the Spirit of God confirms our faith and the promises of eternal life. Temple covenants strengthen our hope in a time of increasing wickedness.

There is no pain, no sickness, no injustice, no suffering, nothing that can darken our hope as we believe and hold tightly to our covenants with God in the house of the Lord.

Key Points:

Temples are a source of divine hope and light.
Temple ordinances confirm the promises of eternal blessings.
Covenants made in the temple fortify hope against worldly challenges.

Experiences:

Describe your feelings when you attend the temple.
Share how temple covenants have been a source of hope for you.
Reflect on a time when you felt the Spirit of hope in the temple.

Contrast Hope with Despair

Elder Andersen contrasts the despair of those who discard hope in Christ with the peace and joy experienced by those who hold onto hope, even in tragedy.

We shed tears of sorrow as we see the sadness and despair in those who have no hope in Christ.

The Lord does not leave us comfortless. … I look forward to a joyful reunion.

Key Points:

Discarding hope in Christ leads to despair and confusion.
Hope in Christ provides peace and strength during tragedies.
The Lord promises comfort and eventual joy to the faithful.

Experiences:

Think of a time when hope in Christ brought you peace during a difficult period.
Share an experience where you witnessed the power of hope in someone else's life.
Reflect on how you maintain hope when faced with personal trials.