Ward Conference Sacrament Meeting Program

Good morning, brothers and sisters.
I feel honored to speak today as we gather for Ward Conference. The theme of “companions” makes me think not only of missionary companions, but also friends, neighbors, and everyone who walks beside us on our journey through life.

When I hear the word “companion,” I think of someone who is with you—someone who helps, encourages, and lifts you up. Companionship is a gift from God. In the scriptures, Jesus sent His disciples out “two by two.” He knew we would need one another to strengthen our faith and to serve with love.

One of the greatest examples of companionship in my own life has been in my friendships. I’ve learned that when I’m struggling, a true companion doesn’t just cheer me up—they stand beside me. They listen. They show up when I need them. I think of times when I’ve been anxious at school, or worried about something at home, and a friend noticed and checked in on me. Those moments mean a lot. It’s in those small, simple acts that I’ve felt the love of Christ—often delivered through someone else.

I’ve also learned a lot from watching missionary companions. Sometimes, companionships aren’t easy. We might have differences or see things in new ways. But that’s how we grow. As we learn to work together, to forgive, and to support one another, we come closer to Christ. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “We become better as we help others become better.” In other words, serving and growing together is what companionship is all about.

This isn’t just for missionaries. We all need companions in our lives—at church, at school, at home, in our neighborhoods. We are stronger together. When we serve, when we listen, when we simply show up for someone else, we are being like the Savior.

The Savior is the perfect example of a true companion. He promised, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18) Jesus walks with us through every joy and every trial. He loves us perfectly and invites us to love each other as He does.

I hope we can all try to be better companions—not just with our closest friends, but with everyone in our community. Sometimes that means reaching out to someone who’s new or sitting with someone who’s alone. Sometimes it means being willing to listen, to forgive, or to serve even when it’s inconvenient. Every act of love and service helps build a stronger ward family and brings us closer to Christ.

I’m grateful for the companions I’ve had in my life—family, friends, teachers, and leaders—who have helped me to grow. I hope I can do the same for others.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters.
Today as we gather for Ward Conference, I’m grateful for the chance to reflect on what it truly means to be part of a community—how our relationships with neighbors, friends, and peers can become powerful ways to share Christlike love.

When I think about community, I’m reminded that none of us is meant to go through life alone. We are all surrounded by people—at church, at home, at work, in our neighborhoods—who, whether we realize it or not, are our companions on this journey. The Savior commanded, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39) That word “neighbor” includes so many people: our literal next-door neighbors, our classmates, coworkers, those we serve with, and even strangers who cross our path.

Sometimes, loving our neighbors is easy. Other times, it requires effort, patience, and sometimes even forgiveness. But as we serve one another and seek to lift those around us, we create something greater than ourselves—a true community, united in love.

Let me share a brief story. In our neighborhood, a few months ago, one family experienced a crisis and needed help. Without anyone being asked, neighbors began to show up—dropping off meals, watching children, helping with yardwork, and simply listening. No one kept score or waited to be recognized. I saw firsthand how small, simple acts—done with real love—make a huge difference. The family expressed later that, through that hard time, they felt the love of God not just through prayers, but through the hands and hearts of friends and neighbors.

I’m reminded of President Gordon B. Hinckley’s words: “The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best medicine for despair is service. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired.” When we serve, even in small ways, our love for each other grows, and so does our ability to feel God’s love for us.

Being a good neighbor or peer isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes it’s just listening, offering a smile, inviting someone to join you, or simply being willing to say hello. Our community becomes stronger with every act of kindness and every effort to include and reach out.

Our children learn from our example. When they see us serve, include, and love our neighbors, they learn how to do the same. This is how we build a ward family, a true community of Saints—by loving, serving, and lifting each other as the Savior did.

The world can be a challenging and lonely place, but as we live the second great commandment, we help make our church, our neighborhoods, and even our workplaces places of warmth, safety, and belonging.

Let’s look for opportunities—big or small—to love in action. Let’s see each other not as strangers, but as fellow travelers, companions, and friends.

I am grateful to be a part of this ward family and for the love I have felt from so many of you. I know that as we work together, serve together, and love together, we will draw closer to each other and to the Savior Himself.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.