Topic

Love

Love is a fundamental principle taught in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Both romantic love and charity, or the pure love of Christ, are important aspects of this topic. Throughout the scriptures, Jesus Christ teaches much about how to love as He did. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ believe that showing love to everyone they meet is what God wants them to do.

In the gospel of Luke, the Lord teaches His followers to “love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36).

Regarding romantic love, the prophet Gordon B Hinckley offered advice in his BYU devotional address. “I could wish nothing better for each of you, my dear young friends, than love—the companionship of one dearer than any friend; someone to be deliriously excited over and to be happy with; someone to stir within you the very best that is there; someone to grow more appreciative of, more tender toward, more grateful for, more a part of as one year becomes another and life moves toward eternity. May the Lord answer your prayers with love, the kind that will always express itself in concern not for self but for your beloved companion” (“And the Greatest of These Is Love,” February 1978).

Modern-day prophets have encouraged everyone to develop charity. President Thomas S. Monson reminded church members that “nowhere should the world find a better example of that foundation than in the homes of Latter-day Saints who have made love the heart of their family life” (“As I Have Loved You,” February 2017). Through showing Christlike love, all people will be able to feel God’s presence more fully in their lives.

W. Bradford Wilcox | November 28, 2023

While many search for happiness through financial or career success, being married and having a family increases overall happiness more than other achievements.

forum 2023

Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal, Chaplain, Fellow, & Lecturer in Theology, Pembroke College

Andrew Teal | October 26, 2021

We can build a “beloved community” daily by uniting with other Christians to face change together and invite all to come unto Christ.

forum 2021

Kevin J Worthen | September 7, 2021

President Worthen teaches that having our hearts knit together in love at BYU can be achieved through a focus on eternal principles.

devotional 2021

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf | August 17, 2021

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf imparts hope, strength, and joy by sharing five messages he believes all of God’s children need to hear.

devotional 2021

Lisa Valentine Clark | July 20, 2021

By recounting her late husband's legacy, Lisa Valentine Clark teaches the importance of saying "yes, and . . . " in the creative art of living.

devotional 2021

Steve Smith, Director of BYU Counseling.

Steven A. Smith | June 29, 2021

Steven A. Smith asks us to follow our elder brother's example by being His compassionate hands to relieve suffering in others.

devotional 2021

Scott D. Whiting | December 8, 2020

Scott D. Whiting teaches how to deepen discipleship through obedience, endurance, and service to God and our fellowmen and women.

devotional 2020

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Dale G. Renlund | December 3, 2019

Our ability to experience God’s love directly relates to how dutifully we repent, study the scriptures, and partake of the sacrament.

devotional 2019

Russell M. Nelson—President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Russell M. Nelson | September 17, 2019

The love and laws of God are inseparably connected. God's laws may not be popular in today's world, but they have been given for a reason.

devotional 2019

J.B. Haws | May 7, 2019

Life is not a race. Treating it as so will stunt our spiritual growth. The only comparisons that we need to make are those with our past self.

devotional 2019

Arthur C. Brooks | April 25, 2019

Arthur C. Brooks teaches that the problem in today’s society isn't anger, but contempt. And contempt can only be solved with love.

commencement 2019

Jason S. Carroll | April 2, 2019

Dr. Jason Carroll discusses why we should remember that love is a fruit of good relationships, not the root. He encourages Christlike behavior in dating.

devotional 2019

Kirt R. Saville | August 1, 2017

The more service and love we give, the more we will find returned to us. Kirt Saville shares touching examples of this principle.

devotional 2017

Brent D. Slife | May 16, 2017

The common Cartesian, egoistic theories in psychology fall short when describing the unselfish, gracious, and unexplainable phenomenon of love.

forum 2017

Russell M. Nelson | August 14, 2014

Family life will be your most enduring reward. Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ will be called upon as defenders of marriage and family.

commencement 2014

William B. Lund | August 5, 2014

God is the creator of the universe, but He is also our Father. He knows us, loves us, and desires to help us individually.

devotional 2014

Brent E. Nelson | June 10, 2014

Understanding that God "loveth His children" can help us build a better relationship and recognize His tender mercies in our lives.

devotional 2014

Peggy S. Worthen, wife to the president of Brigham Young University.

Peggy S. Worthen | May 2, 2013

Being a parent can bring joy and sorrow. Sister Worthen discusses how to bring a family together and encourage happiness within a family unit.

devotional 2013

Mark DeMoss | January 24, 2012

Mark DeMoss speaks on life's two big questions and the answers we can get through the Lord, wise friends, and the book of Proverbs.

forum 2012

Cecilia M. Peek | November 9, 2011

The Lord has promised that, even when we feel most lost and alone, even when those closest to us have forgotten us, He is aware of us.

devotional 2011

Russell T. Osguthorpe | March 8, 2011

Brother Osguthorpe speaks on how love can be the greatest source of strength and a powerful motive as we follow the example of Christ and reach out.

devotional 2011

Richard G. Scott | September 12, 2010

Why is marriage important? Elder Scott testifies of the blessings of marriage and temple covenants through interviewing a young couple.

devotional 2010

Richard B. Miller | January 19, 2010

The eternal principles of repentance and forgiveness build strong and happy relationships in marriage. Learn to say "I'm sorry" and to let go of resentment.

devotional 2010

Rollin H. Hotchkiss | December 8, 2009

If you watch for and learn how God loves you, you'll have the opportunity to have experiences like Rollin H. Hotchkiss and gain a similar testimony.

devotional 2009

Timothy B. Smith | February 12, 2008

As we embody a spirit of love, we will find increased happiness and joy in our individual lives. Love can strengthen our families, friendships, and more.

devotional 2008

Cheryl C. Lant | February 14, 2006

While God’s love for us is perfect, our love for Him is constantly being redefined as we learn to love ourselves and others as He does.

devotional 2006

Marleen Williams | May 4, 2004

It is important to build loving relationships, with all the real and complex elements of love, instead of competing with or judging others.

devotional 2004

Joseph B. Wirthlin | February 1, 2004

Two gospel principles act as two guiding lights to help us reach eternal life: love for God and love for our fellow man. These two will guide us home.

devotional 2004

Keith B. McMullin | October 21, 2003

As we increasingly love God and His kingdom and make them our primary focus, we will find that all of the "compartments" of our lives are blessed.

devotional 2003

John W. Welch | September 30, 2003

It is common for people to say that they love with their hearts, but what of their minds? John W. Welch explores what it means to love God with our mind.

devotional 2003

Elaine Walton | July 30, 2002

Christ taught the pure doctrine to "love thy neighbour as thyself." Elaine Walton says that we do this by enhancing our ability to empathize with others.

devotional 2002

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jeffrey R. Holland | February 15, 2000

In all relationships, but especially in romance, charity - including selflessness, kindness, tolerance, and support - is the love that "never faileth."

devotional 2000

Earlene Durrant | February 8, 2000

Love is truly is the most gentle and powerful force in the world. We have been given the key to loving and respecting differences.

devotional 2000

Marilyn S. Bateman | January 11, 2000

Charity is a gift of God that requires a pure heart and a clean conscience. This love of Christ is deep and constant. It changes everything.

devotional 2000

Eugene H. Bramhall | March 16, 1999

"I will tell you that right now there are many here who feel alone, frightened, and inadequate and who need the love and support that one or more of you can and should give."

devotional 1999

Merrill J. Bateman | April 6, 1998

Nothing can be more important to teach our children than love. We must exemplify love in our family relationships and teach them about the love of God.

devotional 1998

H. Reese Hansen | April 8, 1997

Through learning to love others, regardless of whether they're kind to us or popular, we learn obedience to all other commandments.

devotional 1997

C. Terry Warner | January 16, 1996

Being self-centered and self-absorbed is the absolute antithesis of being honest, simple, solid, and true.

devotional 1996

Vaughn J. Featherstone | September 12, 1995

Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone shares touching examples of the love and compassion we need to develop in order to have a heart like God's.

devotional 1995

Russell M. Nelson | January 8, 1995

We yearn for hope not just in this life but for eternity. Our hope is bolstered by understanding faith and charity, the pure love of Christ.

devotional 1995

Marlin K. Jensen | March 28, 1993

With a testimony of the potential of marriage and family happiness, we are capable of loving with the spirit and with understanding.

devotional 1993

Marion D. Hanks | August 7, 1988

To serve and "love thy neighbor" is the essence of joy and will prepare us to meet God. All of us can do something, and most of us more than we are doing.

devotional 1988

Jeffrey R. Holland | January 12, 1988

Jeffrey R. Holland discusses the sanctity of chastity and physical intimacy. The power of souls, symbols, and sacraments is gifted from God.

devotional 1988

Theodore M. Burton | June 3, 1986

Divorce is, sadly, all too common. Elder Burton's speech focuses on the great love story of Adam and Eve and how to keep your marriage strong.

devotional 1986

Robert B. Harbertson | June 2, 1985

Family relationships are precious. We should tell our families we love them, help them feel safe, and emulate scriptural examples.

devotional 1985

F. Enzio Busche | May 28, 1985

As we choose to follow the Savior, and have no confidence in the contrary messages of the world, we will understand our great potential in His eternal plan.

devotional 1985

Jeffrey R. Holland - Mormon Apostle - and Patricia T. Holland

Jeffrey R. and Patricia T. Holland | January 15, 1985

Jeffrey and Patricia Holland share the lessons they have learned in their marriage, with great counsel for developing healthy relationships.

devotional 1985

Barbara B. Smith | February 14, 1984

Love of all kinds is life and is meant to be eternal. As we seek to create loving relationships, we will change the world forever.

devotional 1984

Ruth E. Brasher | July 12, 1983

As we work toward our eternal goal, which is that we may become like our Heavenly Father, the key in our quest for perfection is Christlike love.

devotional 1983

Hartman Rector Jr. | May 3, 1983

Hartman Rector Jr. teaches that in order to serve effectively, we need to learn to love others selflessly and unconditionally, as He loves us.

devotional 1983

Patricia T. Holland | February 19, 1983

In her BYU Women's Conference address, Patricia T. Holland teaches that peace comes as we love each other without judgment, comparison, or pettiness.

devotional 1983

Bruce C. Hafen | September 28, 1982

Romantic love is pure, sacred, and central to the gospel. It is because of, not in spite of, that fact that we must treat it carefully.

devotional 1982

H. Hal Visick | July 13, 1982

Sacrifice is the source of love. To truly love someone else or the Lord, we must be willing to sacrifice and pay whatever price is necessary.

devotional 1982

Marion D. Hanks | March 29, 1981

With Southeast Asian refugees as beautiful examples, Elder Hanks shares what it means to truly love our neighbor by feeding the body, mind, and soul.

devotional 1981

Henry B. Eyring—second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Henry B. Eyring | December 16, 1980

This Christmas, remember the best gifts are given when the giver feels for the receiver, gives freely, and counts the sacrifice as a bargain.

devotional 1980

David B. Haight | December 7, 1980

The fruits of a Christlike life are loving, serving, and giving. May we all strive to better emulate Him this Christmas season.

devotional 1980

Bernard Brockbank | June 3, 1979

The way to the kingdom of God is to love God first. We must love and serve Him above money, appetites, and other temporary priorities.

devotional 1979

President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gordon B. Hinckley | February 14, 1978

Love is not just an investment; it is an adventure. It is not an idyllic dream; it happens. President Hinckley reminds us of the sacred nature of love.

devotional 1978

Robert D. Hales | November 9, 1976

Celestial marriage is one of God's greatest blessings; however, it requires humility and diligence to prepare for and create a happy, eternal family.

devotional 1976

Russell M. Nelson | May 14, 1974

Russell M. Nelson shares some of his greatest life lessons about the body, the spirit, the power of love, and the dependability of divine law.

devotional 1974

Vaughn J. Featherstone | February 3, 1974

You have immense worth, and the Lord is laying up a marvelous treasure for you. Have patience, and you may find acres of diamonds right in your front yard.

devotional 1974

Boyd K. Packer | November 3, 1963

In your search for love, do not be distracted by temptation or the fleeting need to be admired. Seek the pure, eternal love God has in store for you.

devotional 1963

John Longden | March 6, 1963

Paul teaches us that the ingredients of charity, or Christlike love, are such qualities as patience, meekness, gratitude, and humility.

devotional 1963

Hugh B. Brown | December 9, 1959

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Take the time to get to know the Savior, your Redeemer and Friend, and to emulate his love and example.

devotional 1959

David O. McKay - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

David O. McKay | October 11, 1955

President David O. McKay provides five ideals for a happy and enduring marriage during a Brigham Young University devotional address.

devotional 1955

Elray L. Christiansen | February 4, 1953

Indescribable blessings come from eternal marriage. This speaker reminds young adults that temple marriage is an essential part of their journey to God.

devotional 1953