Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, spoke during the Sunday morning session of October 2022 general conference. She spoke about loving and caring for others like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do. The following is a summary of what she said.
Sister Dennis’s conference talk summary
Many individuals have unseen pain or sorrows and are often judged on their outward appearance, adding to their burdens.
The Savior has invited all to live “His way of love.”
“We are commanded to love others, not to judge them. Let’s lay down that heavy burden; it isn’t ours to carry. Instead, we can pick up the Savior’s yoke of love and compassion.”
The Lord nourishes those who struggle with love and kindness. Followers of Jesus Christ should do likewise.
By obeying Jesus Christ out of love for Him and Heavenly Father, “His love will flow through us and make all that He asks not only possible but eventually much easier and lighter and more joyful than we could ever imagine.”
When God’s children empathize with those who also experience challenges and imperfections, it can help them feel that they are not alone in their struggles. “Everyone needs to feel that they really do belong and are needed in the body of Christ.”
Remember that each person is a child of God who He loves.
“Are there people in your path who you have felt inclined to judge? If so, remember that these are valuable opportunities for us to practice loving as the Savior loves.”
Notable quotes from Sister Dennis’s conference talk
“I believe the Savior is inviting us to live a higher, holier way — His way of love where all can feel they truly belong and are needed.”
“We are commanded to love others, not to judge them.”
“Everyone needs to feel that they really do belong and are needed in the body of Christ.”
See the full text of Sister Dennis’s talk: ‘His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light’
Who is Sister Dennis?
- Sister J. Anette Dennis was sustained as first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency during April 2022 general conference and began her service on Aug. 1.
- Sister Dennis met her husband, Brother Jorge Dennis, while on a cultural trip to Hermosillo, Mexico, with the BYU Spanish department. They were married in September 1980 and are the parents of four children.
- She served with her husband as he presided over the Ecuador Guayaquil West Mission from 2013 to 2016. Toward the end of their service, on April 16, 2016, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Ecuador, which killed almost 700 people and injured about 16,600 others.
What has Sister Dennis done recently?
- How Sister Dennis learned to trust that the Lord ‘will meet you where you are’
- Sister Dennis and Sister Browning teach women in Puerto Rico about the power of covenants
Want to see more from Sister Dennis? Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
