Following is an excerpt from a talk on faith given by President Howard W. Hunter during October general conference 1983, titled "Parents' Concern for Children."

General Authorities have the privilege of meeting and getting acquainted with members of the Church all over the world who have consistently lived good lives and raised their families in the influence of the gospel. . . .

However, there are many in the Church and in the world who are living with feelings of guilt and unworthiness because of some of their sons and daughters have wandered or stayed from the fold. . . .

At the outset we understand that conscientious parents try their best, yet nearly all have made mistakes. . . . Surely our Heavenly Father knows, when He entrusts His spirit children into the care of young and inexperienced parents, that there will be mistakes and errors in judgment. . . .

One must conclude that — with the multitude of influences and the innumerable decisions, each with so many alternatives to consider and evaluate — even though parents strive to choose wisely, an unwise choice will sometimes be made. . . . On the other hand, parents usually do the right thing or make the right decision under the circumstances, yet boys and girls often have negative responses to right or correct decisions.

If a parent has made what could be considered an error — or, on the other hand, has never made a mistake, but still the lamb has wandered from the fold — in either case there are several thoughts I would like to share with you.

First, such a father or mother is not alone. Our first parents knew the pain and suffering of seeing some of their children reject the teachings of eternal life (Moses 5:27). . . .

Second, we should remember that errors of judgment are generally less serious than errors of intent.

Third, even if there was a mistake made with full knowledge and understanding, there is the principle of repentance for release and comfort. . . .

Fourth, don't give up hope for a boy or a girl who has strayed. . . .

Fifth, remember that ours was not the only influence that contributed to the actions of our children, whether those actions were good or bad.

Sixth, know that our Heavenly Father will recognize the love, the sacrifice, the worry and the concern, even though our great effort has been unsuccessful. . . .

Seventh, whatever the sorrow, whatever the concern, whatever the pain and anguish, look for a way to turn it to beneficial use — perhaps in helping others to avoid the same problems, or perhaps by developing a greater insight into the feelings of others who are struggling in a similar way.

The eighth and final point of reminder is that everyone is different. . . . We must not assume that the Lord will judge the success of one in precisely the same way as another.

Let us not misunderstand. The responsibilities of parenthood are of the greatest importance. . . . All parents should understand that the Lord will not hold guiltless those who neglect these responsibilities. . . .

My concern today is that there are parents who may be pronouncing harsh judgements upon themselves and may be allowing these feelings to destroy their lives, when in fact they have done their best and should continue in faith.