Saturday afternoon session: Simple, basic principles offer glorious solutions
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Church members should return to the "old and sacred" values found in the plain and simple principles of Christ's gospel, said Elder Francisco J. Vias of the Seventy.
"It is precisely because these principles are plain and simple that many times they are not considered when there are challenges to face that affect the family," Elder Vias said. "At times we have the tendency to think that the more serious the problem, the bigger and more complex the solution should be."
Such thinking may prompt people to seek help from people or institutions outside the home, "when in reality, the most effective solution will come by applying the glorious principles of the gospel in our homes in the small actions and duties of everyday life."
Elder Vias quoted from "The Family — A Proclamation to the World," saying marriage and family are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work and wholesome recreational activities.
"These principles, once applied, will act as a light that will illuminate each member of the family and, in a progressive way, will lead us to integrate other related values and principles, which will strengthen family relationships."
Families who apply such principles will witness the powerful impact they can have each day in the home. "Injuries caused by the friction of living together will heal. Offenses will be forgiven. Pride and selfishness will be replaced by humility, compassion and love," Elder Vias said.
The family is at the center of attacks from evil forces, he added.
Principles such as faith and repentance lead to ordinances such as baptism, confirmation and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
"The person who obtains meekness and lowliness of heart and who enjoys the company of the Holy Ghost will have no desire to offend or hurt others, nor will he feel affected by any offenses received from others," Elder Vias said. "He will treat spouse and children with love and respect, and will have good relationships with everyone he associates with."
