Expressions of Gratitude

Another pattern that I noticed in the more recent general conference addresses of President Nelson is that he has often expressed his gratitude and love for the members of the Church at the beginning of his talks.  For example, in this most recent general conference he said, “I am very grateful for each man who bears the holy priesthood. You are the hope of our Redeemer.”  He also thanked members in these words in another talk: “My beloved brethren, thank you for your devotion to the Lord and His holy work. It is truly a joy to be with you. As a new First Presidency, we thank you for your prayers and for your sustaining efforts. We are grateful for your lives and for your service to the Lord.”  He does not hesitate to express his love and appreciation for others. 

               Here are some other instances in which he has opened his remarks by expressing gratitude to the general membership of the Church:

·        April 2016: “As I travel the world, I marvel at the strength and sheer goodness of the men and boys of this Church. There is simply no way to number the hearts you’ve healed and the lives you’ve lifted. Thank you!”

·        October 2014: “My dear brothers and sisters, we thank you for your faith and devotion.”

·        April 2014: “Dear brothers and sisters, we express our deepest feelings of love and gratitude for you. We are grateful for our assignments among you.”

·        April 2013: “Dear brothers and sisters, I add my voice to that of President Thomas S. Monson and others in praising those who have responded to a prophet’s call for more worthy missionaries.”

·        April 2012: “Dear brothers and sisters, we thank you for your sustaining support and your devotion. We express our gratitude and love to each of you.”

·        April 2011: “My beloved brethren and sisters, thank you for your sustaining influence, not only by your uplifted hand but also by your uplifting service at home, in the Church, and in your communities. We love to be with you and see you among your families and friends. Wherever you live, we observe your efforts to make this world a better place. We sustain you! We love you! As you pray for us, so we pray for you!”

·        October 2010: “I would like to invite all full-time missionaries to stand. Wherever you are, elders and mission presidencies, please stand. We are grateful for each one of you! We thank you! We love you!”

·        October 2009: “My beloved brethren and sisters, I am very grateful for each of you.”

·        October 2008: “My beloved brethren and sisters, I am deeply grateful for each of you. Together we feel a profound sense of gratitude for the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

·        October 2007: “We extend heartfelt feelings of gratitude to each of you, brothers and sisters. Throughout the world, your examples of service and compassion are receiving a great deal of attention.”

·        October 2006: “My beloved brothers and sisters, thank you for your faith, your devotion, and your love.”

·        April 2006: “My beloved brethren and sisters, thank you for your love of the Lord and His gospel. Wherever you live, your righteous lives provide good examples in these days of decaying morals and disintegrating marriages.”              

·        October 2005: “My beloved brothers and sisters, I extend love and greetings to each of you. From the Brethren, I express gratitude for your goodness, for your many generous acts of kindness, for your prayers and sustaining influence in our lives…. As we all go forward together in His sacred work, the Brethren realize the importance of your thoughtful consideration, so lovingly offered and gratefully received. We love you and pray for you, as you pray for us.”

This continual expression of gratitude and love to the general membership of the Church reminds me of the words of Paul throughout his epistles.  For example, to the Thessalonians he wrote, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers” (1 Thessalonians 1:2).  He began his second epistle to them this way: “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth” (2 Thessalonians 1:2).  To the  Corinthians he said, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers” (1 Corinthians 1:5).  To the Saints at Philippi Paul wrote, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5).  Paul similarly expressed his gratitude to the Colossians at the beginning of their epistle: “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you” (Colossians 1:3).  Paul was always full of gratitude to the Saints as he wrote and encouraged them.  He and President Nelson both have shown their deep gratitude and love, repeated again and again in small statements of love.