Elder Craig C. Christensen, General Authority Seventy, spoke during the Saturday afternoon session of April 2023 general conference about the joy of repentance. The following is a summary of what he said.
Elder Christensen’s talk summary
Joy is more profound and elevating than any pleasure or comfort the world can offer. We were created to have joy, but it isn’t cheap or casually given — rather, joy was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
“If we really understood the value of true, godly joy, we would not hesitate to sacrifice any worldly possession or make any necessary life changes to receive it.”
The idea of repentance as the pathway to joy may seem contradictory, as repentance can sometimes be an uncomfortable or painful process. “It requires admitting that some of our thoughts and actions — even some of our belief — may be wrong.”
But joy follows the repentance process. “Repentance brings joy because it prepares our hearts to receive the influence of the Holy Ghost. To be filled with joy means to be filled with the Holy Ghost. Our joy increases as we work daily to bring the Spirit into our lives.”
There’s also great joy in helping others repent. “Helping others repent is a natural expression of our gratitude toward the Savior; and it is a source of great joy.” The Savior feels joy any time a person repents.
Notable quotes
“If we really understood the value of true, godly joy, we would not hesitate to sacrifice any worldly possession or make any necessary life changes to receive it.”
“Repentance brings joy because it prepares our hearts to receive the influence of the Holy Ghost.”
“Helping others repent is a natural expression of our gratitude toward the Savior; and it is a source of great joy.”
See the full text of Elder Christensen’s talk: ‘There Can Be Nothing So Exquisite and Sweet As Was My Joy’
Who is Elder Craig C. Christensen?
- Elder Christensen was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on Oct. 5, 2002. He served as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy from 2012 to 2018.
- He met his wife, Debbie Jones, a few months before leaving to serve in the Chile Santiago South Mission. They were engaged three weeks after he came home, and married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1978. They have four children.
- He played football at Brigham Young University, where he graduated in accounting.
What has Elder Christensen done recently?
- In 2021, he spoke on the Church News podcast about directing the Church’s Utah Area during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- He spoke in the October 2016 general conference about the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Read more of Elder Christensen’s general conference addresses.
