Area Leadership Message
Jesus Christ: Friend Who Never Fails
Jesus Christ is the friend who is always by our side and never fails us.
From the time I can remember, a painting of Jesus Christ hangs in my parents’ room, bearing the phrase “Friend who never fails.” Although I knew the gospel at age 16, this expression has been present all my life, reminding me that I am never alone. Knowing that Jesus Christ is our eternal friend and that He never fails us is a beautiful comfort.
During my service in the Church, I have seen the Savior become a special friend to all who choose to be baptized and make covenants with Him. Because of His teachings and example, many have succeeded in changing and growing spiritually. Our Heavenly Father sacrificed His Son out of love for each of us, allowing us, through His Atonement, to return to His presence. In the New Testament, we read:
“Greater love hath no man than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”
I love this scripture, for the Savior calls us His friends and teaches us that the greatest love is to give life in service to others. Throughout our mortal journey, we are blessed as we surround ourselves with people who accompany us on the covenant path. I reflect on the good friends I have known because of the gospel—my leaders and ministering brothers and sisters, who have shown their love for me and my family, helping me to be a better person.
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that every new member needs “a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing by the good word of God.” The previous version of the For the Strength of Youth handbook highlighted the importance of friends: “Everyone needs good and true friends. They will be a great strength and blessing to you. They will influence how you think and act and even help determine the person you will become.”
As you strive to live the gospel, you encourage your friends to do the same. “Be a good friend. Show genuine in interest in others; smile and let them know you care about them.” In our youth, friends play a vital role. I remember participating in a youth conference at my stake and meeting great friends. A young woman I did not know exemplified the Savior’s love through her actions, and the Light of Christ shone in her. As I saw her, I said to myself, “I want to be like her.” Years later, I shared these thoughts with her in a conversation, after which she revealed that she also wanted to be like me. Today, we are very good friends and support each other in good times and bad.
President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, taught: “All of us will be tested. And all of us need true friends to love us, to listen to us, to show us the way, and to testify of truth.” In the Book of Mormon, we find an example of the enduring friendship between Nephi and Zoram. Lehi said: “Behold, thou art the servant of Laban; nevertheless, thou hast been brought out of the land of Jerusalem, and I know that thou art a true friend unto my son, Nephi, forever.” Each of us can be the faithful friend someone needs. Heavenly Father invites us to love one another, and one way to do so is by offering sincere friendship.
Through ministering, I have learned to know, love, listen to, and comfort my sisters, and they have also given me their support. As we minister to others, we show the Savior’s love and become friends who help others move forward on the covenant path. One sister shared how, through her ministering, she helped one of her sisters prepare to be sealed to her deceased husband. That’s a true friend—someone who cares not only about temporal welfare but also about the spiritual.
On a visit to Primary in one ward, I saw a young girl helping another girl from another country who didn’t speak Spanish to feel loved and welcome. She invited her to sit next to her and smiled at her.
On another occasion, I watched as a Young Women class president helped a girl who had just moved from Primary to the Young Women organization to feel loved. She accompanied her to class for the first time, offered a warm welcome, and showed her genuine friendship. Regardless of age, each of us can demonstrate the Savior’s love through service and love for others through sincere friendship.
May we be the good friends the Savior expects us to be, and that in our journey through mortality, we will support and help others as Jesus Christ would. He is the friend who is always by our side and who never fails us.