A recurring theme at the Saturday afternoon session of the October 2026 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was Jesus Christ’s power to lift His children. Speakers taught that the Savior of the world provides peace in times of grief, strength in moments of weakness, guidance through uncertainty and hope for individuals and families seeking His help.

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Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to those whose hearts ache for loved ones who have strayed from the covenant path. He taught that while family members and friends cannot change another person’s heart, Jesus Christ can. Encouraging listeners to trust in the Savior’s love and redeeming power, he testified that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, there is always a way back.

The Apostle urged members to continue loving, praying for and never giving up on those they cherish.

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Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 3, 2026. 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

“By divine design, brothers and sisters, everyone must choose for themselves to follow Jesus Christ,” Elder Rasband said.

He said Christlike love remains a powerful influence in the lives of those who have chosen other paths.

“Love is not stepping back or sanctioning others’ decisions and actions,” Elder Rasband said. “Love is being interested in their lives, their successes, and their challenges. Love is being there with arms outstretched and a cheerful countenance. Love is lifting with faith and hope in our Lord and Savior. Love relies upon the calming influence of the Holy Ghost.”

In the same session, another Apostle taught that followers of Jesus Christ can find peace and joy by keeping an eternal perspective centered on the Savior. Elder Dale G. Renlund shared the experience of one of his heart-transplant patients who survived against overwhelming odds through a second donor heart, only to become frustrated over cold oatmeal on the day before leaving the hospital.

Elder Renlund said people can similarly focus on immediate disappointments and challenges while losing sight of God’s blessings and promised future.

“When our faith is centered on Jesus Christ, He promises spiritual peace no matter our circumstances,” Elder Renlund said. “We can experience joy in our here and now because of Him and through our covenant relationship with Him.”

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Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offers instruction during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 3, 2026.2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles used lessons he learned while flying gliders as a teenager to teach about spiritual lift and sink. He said that while spiritual lift cannot be seen, it can be felt through the influence of the Holy Spirit, which draws people toward Jesus Christ.

Elder Kearon encouraged listeners to recognize the peaceful feelings that accompany the Savior’s influence and to avoid influences that pull them away from Him.

“Your Savior is your lift. He is your ever-rising air,” he said. “There is no limit to how high you can climb with Him.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles conducted the session from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Thousands attended in person, and tens of thousands tuned in live from around the world.

Other speakers during the session were Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes and Elders Christian C. Chigbundu, Patricio M. Giuffra, Jeremiah J. Morgan, Hutch U. Fale, Michael A. Dunn and Matthew J. Eyring of the Seventy.

Newsroom October 2026 General Conference Session Summaries, News and Announcements

President Farnes speaks at a pulpit in the Conference Center
Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 3, 2026. © 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

President Farnes encouraged Latter-day Saints to recognize opportunities to serve and minister to others. He taught that as disciples become more like Jesus Christ, their interactions with others should reflect the Savior’s love, compassion and hope. “When someone encounters us, they should experience something of Jesus Christ — His kindness, His patience, His hope, His love, His compassion,” he said.

Elder Chigbundu taught the importance of building spiritual strength through worship and keeping covenants. He testified that worship in temples and faithfulness to sacred covenants help disciples receive divine direction and guidance.

Elder Christian C. Chigbundu speaks at the conference center pulpit
Elder Christian C. Chigbundu, a General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 3, 2026. © 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

“As we build our spiritual immunity, we develop the strength and courage to withstand the challenges of life,” said Elder Chigbundu.

Speaking about the law of tithing, Elder Giuffra said faithful obedience demonstrates trust in the Lord and invites His blessings. “The law of tithing is a law of faith,” he said. “As we obey it, we demonstrate our trust in the Lord and allow Him to work miracles in our lives, often in ways we do not expect.”

Elder Giuffra, a General Authority Seventy, speaks in the Conference Center
Elder Patricio M. Giuffra, a General Authority Seventy, offers instruction during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 3, 2026. © 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Elder Morgan testified of the power of covenants to bless individuals and families across generations. He encouraged listeners not to lose hope in loved ones who have wandered, teaching that God’s work in a family is often still unfolding. “The infinite power of God is in our covenants. Don’t ever give up. Your story, your family’s story, is not all written. God is the author and the finisher of it,” he said.

Elder Morgan speaks at the conference center pulpit
Elder Jeremiah J. Morgan, a General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 3, 2026. © 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Elder Fale taught about Heavenly Father’s love and the divine identity of His children. He said families often provide important opportunities to learn about God’s love. “It is often through families, despite all their imperfections, that Our Father teaches us about His love,” he said.

Elder Fale speaks at the conference center pulpit
Elder Hutch U. Fale, a General Authority Seventy, offers instruction during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 3, 2026. © 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Elder Dunn compared mortality to an ultramarathon, recalling a race in which he was exhausted and ready to quit long before reaching the finish line. He taught that the Savior does not always remove life’s challenges but provides strength to continue moving forward. “The Redeemer rescues not by shortening our course but by helping us lengthen our stride,” Elder Dunn said.

Elder dunn speaks at conference center pulpit
Elder Michael A. Dunn, a General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 3, 2026. © 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Finally, Elder Eyring testified of the peace and hope available through Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. He said the “Savior’s peace is made manifest through the comforting power of the Holy Ghost.”

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Elder Matthew J. Eyring, a General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 3, 2026. © 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Elder Sandino Roman of the Seventy and Sister J. Anette Dennis of the Relief Society General Presidency offered the prayers. Music was provided by a choir of men and women who reside in Northern Utah under the direction of Jane Fjeldsted with Joseph Peeples and Linda Margetts at the organ.