Cherishing Life

Demonstrate Love and Support

Elder Andersen shares a powerful story of a young woman who, despite facing unexpected pregnancy, received overwhelming love and support from her ward family. This love helped her navigate her challenges and feel the Savior's guidance in her life.

I have received so much love and support from our ward family. It has been overwhelming.

A ward such as mine is the family everyone needs, especially a young woman in my position.

• The importance of a supportive community in helping individuals make righteous choices.
• The role of love and kindness in ministering to those in need.

• Reflect on a time when you felt supported by your church community. How did it impact your life?
• Consider a situation where you were able to offer support to someone in need. What did you learn from that experience?
• Think about how your understanding of love and support has been influenced by the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Strengthen Righteous Choices

The talk addresses the complex emotions and decisions faced by those with unplanned pregnancies and emphasizes the importance of making choices that align with God's commandments, supported by the love and guidance of others.

Forgiveness can come through the miracle of His atoning grace as you turn to Him with a humble and repentant heart.

We cherish and preserve life; and we choose the continuation of life once conceived.

• The Church's teachings on the sanctity of life and the importance of righteous choices.
• The healing power of repentance and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

• Have you ever faced a difficult choice where you needed to rely on your faith? What was the outcome?
• How have you seen the Atonement of Jesus Christ heal and guide someone you know?
• Consider how you can support others in making righteous choices.

Understand the Doctrine of Mortal Life

Elder Andersen explains the Church's stance on abortion, rooted in the belief in the sanctity of life and the eternal nature of individual identity. He outlines the circumstances where exceptions may be considered.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in the sanctity of human life.

Nurturing and protecting life that is yet unborn is not a political position. It is a moral law confirmed by the Lord through His prophets.

• The Church's consistent teachings on the sanctity of life.
• Understanding the moral implications and divine guidance regarding abortion.

• Reflect on how understanding the doctrine of life has influenced your views on moral issues.
• Think about a time when you had to defend your beliefs about life. What helped you stand firm?
• Consider how you can teach others about the sanctity of life in a compassionate and understanding way.

Speak Openly with Compassion

The talk encourages open and honest discussions about the sanctity of life, chastity, and the care of the unborn, especially with the youth, to strengthen their understanding and testimonies.

The youth of the Church are hungry for things of the Spirit; they are eager to learn the gospel, and they want it straight, undiluted.

• The importance of discussing moral and spiritual topics openly with the youth.
• Encouraging faith-based conversations in families and church meetings.

• Share an experience when an open discussion about gospel principles strengthened your faith.
• How can you create an environment where the youth feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics?
• Consider ways to incorporate gospel teachings into everyday conversations with family and friends.

Exhibit Faith and Courage

Elder Andersen shares stories of individuals who, despite facing difficult circumstances, demonstrated unwavering faith and courage, trusting in God's plan and finding strength through Jesus Christ.

Undaunted faith and remarkable courage are hallmarks of disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Savior healed my heart and gave me a sense of peace and excitement about our baby girl.

• Examples of faith and courage in facing life's challenges.
• The role of divine guidance and trust in God's plan during trials.

• Reflect on a time when your faith helped you overcome a trial. How did it strengthen you?
• Think about someone you know who exemplifies faith and courage. What can you learn from their example?
• Consider how you can develop greater trust in God's plan for your life.