Standing for Truth

Elder Neil L. Andersen: Let’s begin with standing for truth. As you know in listening to President Oaks through the years, he is unafraid to speak the truth with love. I admire his courage. He is always kind and thoughtful in his speech, but he is direct in helping us know what is right.

Watch our first one-minute clip from President Oaks and then our discussion with some of our young adults who are here with us.

President Dallin H. Oaks (2024): Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice. It is a continuous commitment and way of life that should guide us at all times and in all places. His teachings and his example define the path for every disciple of Jesus Christ.

President Dallin H. Oaks (2022): We live in perilous times, when evil is being called good, and good is being called evil. We must stand fast against the values and practices that draw us away from the Lord’s teachings and our covenants, privileges, and obligations. We can do this with love.

President Dallin H. Oaks (2023): We can still love others and find common ground without compromising the truths we know.

Elder Neil L. Andersen: Can you believe this beautiful place? And we’re going to speak about standing for truth.

I have here with me four wonderful young adults from here in the Washington D.C. area. We have Zach, Sameeta; we have Joy; and we have Ethan. And we’re going to talk a little bit about what we just saw with the teachings of President Oaks.

What came to your mind when we listened to his words? Anyone want to start us out?

Ethan: It’s kind of a conscious choice to say, “I’m going to be a disciple of Christ. I’m going to choose Christ even when it’s difficult, or even when my situations or what I feel like is inhibiting me. I know that He can overcome that and help me.”

Zach: For me, it can be a lot harder to choose Christ when no one is watching. And I have to determine for myself, how am I going to fill the time or choose to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in that moment?

Elder Neil L. Andersen: We have with us today Chris, Olivia; we have Lindsey, and we have Kelson. And we’re anxious to hear your thoughts about what you’ve just heard from President Oaks. Lindsey, what came into your mind when you heard these words?

Lindsey: I know that standing for truth is something that, in this world, can be hard, but you know you’re not alone. You have the Spirit, and I would say that if you ask for the Spirit to be with you in these maybe delicate situations, then He’ll be able to guide you and give you the words that you need to share because you aren’t alone; you’re part of the greatest cause on earth, which is to be a disciple of Christ and to represent Him.

Chris: I think something that’s implicit in the phrase “stand for truth” is the fact that there’s some kind of adversity, and that’s what makes standing for truth difficult at times. But I think something that’s helped me is to remember the two great commandments: one to love God, which we show by following the commandments, but then also to love our neighbors. And I think the best way to stand for truth is to create an environment that invites the Spirit to testify of what you’re talking about. And the best way to invite the Spirit is by showing love.

Elder Neil L. Andersen: Before speaking of our second topic, could we have another expression of love from somewhere across the world?

Young Adults from Mozambique: We are in Munhahva, Mozambique. We love you, President Oaks.

Young Adults from BYU: We love you, President Oaks. We’re so grateful for your lifelong example of faith. We love you, President Oaks.

Young Adults from Spain: Hi, President and Sister Oaks! We are from Madrid, Spain. Thank you for your teachings. We love you! Kisses!