80+ LDS Quotes By Thomas S. Monson

Of all the tests we face, none hurts more than the death of a loved one. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ all are delivered from death, and all will rise in the Resurrection. And by the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all may gain peace in this life washed clean from the sorrows of sin and have hope of a glorious resurrection with the just…At this Easter season we give our sure witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of all mankind. Because of His atoning sacrifice, He stands as our Advocate and Savior. Though He was crucified, He rose triumphant from the tomb to our everlasting blessing and benefit.

Thomas S. Monson | First Presidency Easter Message [Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf], LDS Church News, March 31, 2013

Topics: Atonement, Death, Easter, Love, Resurrection

“Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.”

Thomas S. Monson | "Finding Joy in the Journey," Conference October 2008

Topics: Charity, Love, Service

“I can’t stress too strongly that decisions determine destiny. You can’t make eternal decisions without eternal consequences.

“May I provide a simple formula by which you can measure the choices which confront you. It’s easy to remember, sometimes difficult to apply: You can’t be right by doing wrong; you can’t be wrong by doing right. Your personal conscience always warns you as a friend before it punishes you as a judge.”

Thomas S. Monson | "Decisions Determine Destiny"

Topics: Conscience, Decisions

“Please do not pray – I plead with you – for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle.”

Thomas S. Monson | BYU Commencement, April 25, 1991; Church News, May 4, 1991

Topics: Miracles, Prayer

“Prayer is the passport to spiritual power.”

Thomas S. Monson | Ensign, November 1990, p. 47

Topics: Prayer

“Faith precedes the miracle. It has ever been so and shall ever be. It was not raining when Noah was commanded to build an ark. There was no visible ram in the thicket when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Two heavenly personages were not yet seen when Joseph knelt and prayed. First came the test of faith–and then the miracle. Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Cast out doubt. Cultivate faith.”

Thomas S. Monson | The Call to Serve

Topics: Doubt, Faith

“It has been said by one, years ago, that history turns on small hinges, and so do people’s lives. Our lives will depend upon the decisions which we make—for decisions determine destiny.”

Thomas S. Monson | "Decisions Determine Destiny"

Topics: Agency, Decisions

“Life is full of difficulties. Some are minor and others are major. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.”

Thomas S. Monson

Topics: Patience, Trials

“The honest payment of tithing provides a person the inner strength and commitment to comply with the other commandments.”

Thomas S. Monson | Ensign, November 1996

Topics: Tithing

“[Your chosen field] should be one which will challenge your intellect and which will make maximum utilization of your talents and your capabilities. Finally, it should be a field that will supply sufficient remuneration to provide adequately for your companion and your children. Now that’s a big order. But I bear testimony that these criteria are very important in choosing your life’s work.”

Thomas S. Monson

Topics: Career, Education, Work

“Stay completely away from pornography. Do not allow yourself to view it, ever. It has been proven to be an addiction which is more than difficult to overcome.”

Thomas S. Monson | Priesthood Power, Conference April 2011

Topics: Addiction, Pornography

“Perhaps the renowned author Charles Dickens best described our day when he spoke of a period over two centuries ago. His classic A Tale of Two Cities begins: ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us.’

“This is your world. The future is in your hands. The outcome is up to you. The way to exaltation is not a freeway featuring unlimited vision, unrestricted speeds, and untested skills. Rather, it is known by many forks and turnings, sharp curves, and controlled speeds. Your driving skill will be put to the test. Are you ready? You are driving. You haven’t passed this way before. Fortunately, the Master Highway Builder, even our Heavenly Father, has provided a road map showing the route to follow. He has placed markers along the way to guide you to your destination.”

Thomas S. Monson | "Decisions Determine Destiny"

Topics: Decisions

“Who can count the vast throngs of the lonely, the aged, the helpless- those who feel abandoned by the caravan of life as it moves relentlessly onward and then disappears beyond the sight of those who ponder, who wonder, and who sometimes question as they are left alone with their thoughts. Patience can be a helpful companion during such stressful times.”

Thomas S. Monson | Patience- A Heavenly Virtue, October 1995 General Conference

Topics: Patience, Trials

“A patriarchal blessing is a revelation to the recipient, even a white line down the middle of the road, to protect, inspire, and motivate activity and righteousness. A patriarchal blessing literally contains chapters from your book of eternal possibilities. I say eternal, for just as life is eternal, so is a patriarchal blessing. What may not come to fulfillment in this life may occur in the next. We do not govern God’s timetable. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Thomas S. Monson | Your Patriarchal Blessing:A Liahona of Light

Topics: Patriarchal Blessings, Personal Revelation, Righteousness

“In the game of life a second effort is often required. The happy life is not ushered in at any age to the sound of drums and trumpets. It grows upon us year by year, little by little, until at last we realize that we have it. It is achieved in individuals not by flights to the moon or Mars, but by a body of work done so well that we can lift our heads with assurance and look the world in the eye. Of this be sure: You do not find the happy life . . . you make it.”

Thomas S. Monson | “Faces and Attitudes,” New Era, September 1977

Topics: Happiness, Work

“I have read—and I believe—the testimonies of those who experienced the grief of Christ’s crucifixion and the joy of His Resurrection. I have read—and I believe—the testimonies of those in the New World who were visited by the same risen Lord. I believe the testimony of one who, in this dispensation, spoke with the Father and the Son in a grove now called sacred and who gave his life, sealing that testimony with his blood.”

Thomas S. Monson | “He Is Risen!”

Topics: Easter, Joseph Smith, Restoration, Resurrection, Testimony

“… Because sexual intimacy is so sacred, the Lord requires self-control and purity before marriage, as well as full fidelity after marriage. In dating, treat your date with respect, and expect your date to show that same respect for you.”

Thomas S. Monson | “That We May Touch Heaven,” Ensign, Nov. 1990, 45, 47.

Topics: Chastity, Dating & Courtship, Marriage

“We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.”

Thomas S. Monson | "An Attitude of Gratitude"

Topics: Attitude, Gratitude & Thanksgiving

“When God speaks and we obey, we will always be right.”

Thomas S. Monson | The Blessings of Obedience

Topics: Obedience, Personal Revelation

“To be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan. No one can make us angry. It is our choice.”

Thomas S. Monson | "School Thy Feelings, O My Brother"

Topics: Anger

“The Lord will shape the back to bear the burdens placed upon it.”

Thomas S. Monson

Topics: Trials

“Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but also as a determination to live decently. A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.”

Thomas S. Monson | The Call for Courage

Topics: Courage

“Faith precedes the miracle. It has ever been so and shall ever be. It was not raining when Noah was commanded to build an ark. There was no visible ram in the thicket when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Two heavenly personages were not yet seen when Joseph knelt and prayed. First came the test of faith – and then the miracle. Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Cast out doubt. Cultivate faith.”

Thomas S. Monson | “The Call to Serve,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, pp. 48-49

Topics: Doubt, Faith, Miracles

“I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not.”

Thomas S. Monson | "Finding Joy in the Journey"

Topics: Decisions, Discipleship

“We are responsible for the home we build. We must build wisely, for eternity is not a short voyage. There will be calm and wind, sunlight and shadows, joy and sorrow. But if we really try, our home can be a bit of heaven here on earth.”

Thomas S. Monson

Topics: Family, Heaven

“In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating the Christmas season. I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to him or to others at this precious season of the year?

“May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to him and to his Son the gift of obedience. …In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to love and give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. Today there are hearts to gladden, kind words to say, deeds to be done and souls to be saved.”

Thomas S. Monson | "Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit"

Topics: Christmas, Obedience, Sacrifice

And when we find him, will we be prepared as were the wise men of old to provide gifts from our many treasures? They presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These are not the gifts Jesus asks of us. From the treasure of our hearts Jesus asks that we give of ourselves.

Thomas S. Monson | The Search for Jesus

Topics: Christmas

“Beyond our study of spiritual matters, secular learning is also essential. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. Statistics reveal that at some time, because of the illness or death of a husband or because of economic necessity, you may find yourself in the role of financial provider. Some of you already occupy that role. I urge you to pursue your education—if you are not already doing so or have not done so—that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such.

“Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life.”

Thomas S. Monson | “Three Goals to Guide You”

Topics: Education, Mothers & Motherhood, Secularism (Worldliness), Women

“A popular song includes the words, ‘There are angels among us.’ These angels are quite frequently the precious little ones God, our Father, has entrusted to our earthly care. To them may we teach prayer, inspire faith, live truth, and honor God. Then we shall have heavenly homes and forever families.”

Thomas S. Monson

Topics: Family, Parenting

“It is not enough to want to make the effort and to say we’ll make the effort. We must actually make the effort. It’s in the doing, not just the thinking, that we accomplish our goals.”

Thomas S. Monson | A Royal Priesthood

Topics: Goals

“Perhaps the surest test of an individual’s integrity is his refusal to do or say anything that would damage his self-respect.”

Thomas S. Monson

Topics: Character, Integrity

“I hope that you are not afraid of tough classes. I never did have a ‘cinch’ class. … You simply have to apply yourself. I hope that you want to be so well equipped that you can compete in this competitive world. I hope that you will learn to take responsibility for your decisions, whether they be in your courses of study which you elect to take, or whether they be in the direction of the academic attainments which you strive to achieve.

“My young brothers and sisters, don’t take counsel of your fears. Don’t say to yourselves, ‘I’m not wise enough, or I can’t apply myself sufficiently well to study this difficult subject or in this difficult field, so I shall choose the easier way.’ I plead with you to tax your talent, and our Heavenly Father will make you equal to those decisions.”

Thomas S. Monson

Topics: Education, Work

“Patriarchs are humble men. They are students of the scriptures. They stand before God as the means whereby the blessings of heaven can flow from that eternal source to the recipient on whose head rests the hands of the patriarch. He may not be a man of letters, a possessor of worldly wealth, or a holder of distinguished office. He, however, must be blessed with priesthood power and personal purity. To reach to heaven for divine guidance and inspiration, a patriarch is to be a man of love, a man of compassion, a man of judgment, a man of God.”

Thomas S. Monson | Your Patriarchal Blessing:A Liahona of Light

Topics: Example, Patriarchal Blessings

“Obedience is a hallmark of prophets; it has provided strength and knowledge to them throughout the ages. It is essential for us to realize that we, as well, are entitled to this source of strength and knowledge. It is readily available to each of us today as we obey God’s commandments.”

Thomas S. Monson | Obedience Brings Blessings

Topics: Commandments, Obedience, Prophets

“There are rules and laws to help ensure our physical safety. Likewise, the Lord has provided guidelines and commandments to help ensure our spiritual safety so that we might successfully navigate this often-treacherous mortal existence and return eventually to our Heavenly Father.”

Thomas S. Monson | Obedience Brings Blessings

Topics: Commandments, Obedience

“My dear associates in the work of the Lord, I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives.”

Thomas S. Monson | "The Power of the Book of Mormon," Conference April 2017

Topics: Book of Mormon, Doubt, Personal Revelation

“The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord’s commandments.”

Thomas S. Monson | Obedience Brings Blessings

Topics: Commandments, Knowledge, Obedience, Personal Revelation

“A physician revealed to me the large number of children who are brought to the emergency rooms of local hospitals in your city and mine. In many cases guilty parents provide fanciful accounts of the child falling from his high chair or stumbling over a toy and striking his head. Altogether too frequently it is discovered that the parent was the abuser and the innocent child the victim. Shame on the perpetrators of such vile deeds. God will hold such strictly accountable for their actions.”

Thomas S. Monson | “A Little Child Shall Lead Them”

Topics: Abuse

“Dress in such a way as to bring out the best in yourself and those around you. Avoid extremes in clothing and appearance, including tattoos and piercings.”

Thomas S. Monson

Topics: Modesty

“He measures the abundant life by the capacity “to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility.”

Thomas S. Monson | To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson

Topics: Humility, Potential

“A thought has gone through my mind as I’ve prepared for this [talk]. I’ve expressed it this way: Remember the past; learn from it. Contemplate the future; prepare for it. Live in the present; serve in it. Therein is the mighty strength of the Relief Society of this Church.”

Thomas S. Monson | The Mighty Strength of the Relief Society

Topics: Relief Society

“Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.”

Thomas S. Monson | The Gifts of Christmas, First Presidency Message, December 2003

Topics: Charity, Love, Service

“Everyone needs good friends. Your circle of friends will greatly influence your thinking and behavior, just as you will theirs. When you share common values with your friends, you can strengthen and encourage each other.”

Thomas S. Monson | “Preparation Brings Blessings,” Ensign, May 2010, p. 65

Topics: Friendship, Peer Pressure, Unity

“Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one’s coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve. Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.’”

Thomas S. Monson | Living the Abundant Life.

Topics: Courage, Goals

Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down; it is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others.

Thomas S. Monson | ‘Judge not,’ President Monson counsels women

Topics: Charity, Love, Missionary Work & Preparation, Patience

“Your Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there.”

Thomas S. Monson

Topics: Grace, Love, Nature of God

“So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment. … We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.”

Thomas S. Monson | “Living the Abundant Life,” Ensign, Jan. 2012, 4.

Topics: Attitude, Happiness, Inspirational Quotes

“Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings.”

Thomas S. Monson | “The Holy Temple—a Beacon to the World,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2011, 91–92.

Topics: Eternal Life, Family, Marriage, Sacrifice, Temples

“What are the three most important decisions? First, what will be my faith? Second, whom shall I marry? Third, what will be my life’s work?”

Thomas S. Monson | "Decisions Determine Destiny"

Topics: Agency, Career, Decisions, Faith, Marriage

“Our task is to become our best selves. One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final.”

Thomas S. Monson | "The Will Within"

Topics: Failure, Hope, Inspirational Quotes, Motivational Quotes, Perfection, Trials