While matters of the heart cannot be forced, yet hearts can be prepared to gain a deep and abiding testimony, said Elder H. Burke Peterson.

In the Sunday afternoon session, Elder Peterson of the Seventy encouraged members to nurture relationships in their homes and among friends where testimonies can take root and grow."When children and teenagers are loved because of who they are and not how they behave, only then can we begin to help make much-needed changes in behavior," said Elder Peterson. "For example, a teenager who is accepted is more likely to choose wholesome friends."

He suggested four guidelines to foster unconditional love.

First, he noted, "look for the good in each person and mention it in a consistent way.

"It is amazing how hearts can be softened, testimonies implanted, and relationships improved when we begin to give a daily portion of heart-felt appreciation.

"When marriage partners practice looking beyond the faults and failings of each other and peer into the deeper recesses of the heart, then we find a marvelous strengthening of marriage relationships," he said.

Second, "create an atmosphere where judging is held in reserve until anger has subsided, until the hurt has dissipated, until all sides of an issue have been explored.

"Criticism is a destroyer of self-worth and esteem. It's demeaning and cutting."

He related comments of a wife who had felt cutting criticism from her husband. She said, "How can a woman feel she'll ever become what our Heavenly Father expects of her when no matter how hard she tries she never pleases her husband?"

Elder Peterson commented, "It is heartbreaking how criticism can wound and diminish self-esteem.

"In relationships where there is forgetting and forgiving, joy and trust are nurtured."

Third, "remember that listening is a part of showing love. If your home is a home where children are listened to, even when what they say doesn't seem to be important, or you don't feel you have time, then you are preparing hearts.

"Remember you can listen to understand, not necessarily to agree. Oftimes we do our best teaching when we listen."

Fourth, continued Elder Peterson, love is spoken in prayer. "If in your home children hear their parents pray for each other daily, then your home is a faith-building home. In it, hearts can be changed and those who live there may become the children of Christ."