A covenant is a binding agreement between God and an individual or a group of people. God sets the conditions; we promise to obey Him, and He promises to bless us in return.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that God has made covenants with His children since the beginning and continues to make covenants with us now. For example, when an individual is baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they covenant to keep God’s commandments and always remember Jesus Christ. In return, God promises that they can be forgiven of their sins and have the companionship of the Holy Ghost. We make further covenants with God in the temple through sacred ordinances, or ceremonies.
Making and keeping covenants is essential to returning to God’s presence and living with Him in the next life. When we take the sacrament each week in Sunday meetings, we renew the covenants we previously made and recommit to be true to them.
This collection of addresses highlights the importance of keeping the covenants we make. As we make covenant-keeping a central effort in our lives, we allow God to transform us into more Christlike people. We receive strength in our challenges, find greater hope for the future, and experience increased love, peace, comfort, and joy. We invite you to read, watch, or listen to these speeches to learn more about covenants and their relevance to your life.
Undoubtedly the most loving relationship we can have is the covenant relationship God has unfolded through His prophets. This beautiful and sacred relationship offers us immense blessings.
As you stay true to your covenants, keep your foundation in Christ, and serve in ways big and small, your light will shine brighter and brighter in a world that needs illumination.
There is something transformative that happens when we are invited to keep our commitments and give up something we really like for the opportunity to be part of something greater.