Their Love Can Sanctify

Jesus asked a group of scribes and Pharisees (whom He called “blind guides”) which is greater: the gold on the temple or “the temple that sanctifieth the gold.” He added another example of the same principle: When you give something to God, placing it on the altar, “whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?” (Matthew 23:17, 19).

We do many things to show our devotion to God, but we have to remember that each one of those actions represents an invitation for God to bless us, an opening of our hearts to receive His sanctifying power.

To ancient Israel, God repeatedly said, “Sanctify yourselves.” (See for example Leviticus 11:44; Joshua 3:5; 1 Chronicles 15:12.) He meant that they should prepare themselves for sacred experiences by trying to be as holy as possible, eliminating from their lives profane and petty things. But the resurrected Savior clarified to Lehi’s descendants the relationship between our actions and His redemptive power:

Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

3 Nephi 27:20

Similarly, when Adam asked God why baptism is necessary, God made a distinction between the decision to be baptized, which was in Adam’s power, and the refining influence which is a gift of God through the Holy Ghost and by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ:

For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified.

Moses 6:60

Last year, Sister Amy A. Wright reminded parents to distinguish between the impact they can have in their children’s lives and the immeasurably greater influence of God:

When we tell our children we love them, are we also telling them that their Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ love them? Our love may comfort and inspire, but Their love can sanctify, exalt, and heal.

“Thou Art the Christ,” April 2025 general conference

Today, I will remember God’s sanctifying power. I will keep my own religious activities and teaching in perspective, recognizing that our worship activities serve to open our hearts so that He can sanctify us.