The November issue of Liahona (conference edition) has a conference talk titled “The Triumph of Hope.” I especially enjoyed this talk and have shared it with family members. The article imparts some very significant lessons on hope in Jesus Christ, portraying it as a living, divine gift that grows through our faith, especially during challenging times. Elder Neal Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talks about true hope as not merely being wishful thinking but how it is centred on the promises of Jesus Christ and the blessings of eternal life. Hope provides us with strength amid trials, drawing on the example of Moroni, who, though isolated and threatened, retained faith in eternal promises.
We learn that hope is intimately connected with faith and charity, forming a vital trio that shapes our spiritual journey. Elder Anderson’s talk reflects that as we strive to live righteously and honour our covenants, hope deepens, allowing us to see beyond temporal struggles to eternal rewards. Temples are depicted as houses of hope, where one feels the assurance of the resurrection and life beyond death.
The narrative also illustrates contrasting scenarios of hope and despair. It compares a couple who abandoned their faith and faced tragedy without hope to a family who, despite the tragic death of their son, experienced deep peace and joy because of their faith in the Saviour. This illustrates that even in life’s darkest moments, hope rooted in Christ can bring peace and strength.
Study Questions
- How does the article define “hope” differently from general, everyday uses of the word?
- What role does faith in Jesus Christ play in nurturing a “living hope”?
- How does the article illustrate the connection between hope, faith, and charity?
- In what ways does the temple serve as a symbol of hope in this article?
- How does the story of Moroni’s hope in the face of isolation and danger relate to our own trials?
- Reflect on the two contrasting family stories presented. What does each story teach about the consequences of having or discarding hope?
- How does the promise of eternal life shape one’s perspective on current challenges and sufferings?
- How can we “build the substance” of hope, as suggested in the article, through our daily practices and decisions?
- What does the phrase “a perfect brightness of hope” mean to you, and how can we maintain this brightness amidst adversity?
- How does the concept of “hope” as presented align with or enhance your understanding of Jesus Christ’s role as a source of peace and resilience?
