The Lord counseled Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail to develop two Christlike attributes:
- “Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith.”
- “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.”
Among other blessings, He promised that if Joseph developed these attributes, his confidence would “wax strong in the presence of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:45).
President Russell M. Nelson’s final general conference talk in April 2025 focused on this verse. “Charity and virtue open the way to having confidence before God!” he declared. “Brothers and sisters, we can do this! Our confidence can truly wax strong in the presence of God, right now!” (“Confidence in the Presence of God,” April 2025 general conference).
It might be easy to read the scripture as referring to some future event, such as when we stand before God in the Final Judgment, but President Nelson speaks of confidence in God’s presence as something we can enjoy today:
When I speak of having confidence before God, I am referring to having confidence in approaching God right now! I am referring to praying with confidence that Heavenly Father hears us, that He understands our needs better than we do. I am referring to having confidence that He loves us more than we can comprehend, that He sends angels to be with us and with those we love. I am referring to having confidence that He yearns to help each of us reach our highest potential.
“Confidence in the Presence of God,” April 2025 general conference
How can we develop increased charity and virtue, so that we can have that confidence?
Mormon urges us to “pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love” (Moroni 7:48). President Nelson invites us to pray for greater charity, “especially for those who are difficult to love.” The approach is clear: Pay attention to how you treat other people. When your thoughts, words, or actions fall below the standard of charity described in 1 Corinthians 13 and Moroni 7:45, pray for help to do better. God can help us understand why we behave the way we do, and He can help us view and treat others in a more Christlike way.
“Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. … [It] originates in [our] thoughts and desires” (Preach My Gospel, Chapter 6: “Seek Christlike Attributes”). President Nelson urges us to add virtue to every thought. Positive thoughts will be enhanced, while negative thoughts will withdraw. The key is to intentionally find good things to think about. When you see something “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy,” focus on that. Learn more about it. Dedicate time and energy to positive, uplifting things.
President Nelson added that spending time in the temple also helps us develop these attributes.
Today, I will pray for greater charity and intentionally fill my mind with virtuous thoughts, so that I can have confidence in God’s presence.
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