LDS general conference: Stand fast, love others

President Henry B. Eyring, of the church's First Presidency, said church members can help avoid the conflicts that beset the world by unifying, even though the worldwide church incorporates different cultures, backgrounds and languages.

"There is always more that the children of God have in common than differences," President Eyring said. "And even the differences can be seen as an opportunity. God will help you see their differences not as a source of irritation but as a contribution. In a moment, the Lord can help you see and value what the other person contributes which you lack."

Challenges faced the pioneers in the 1800s, and challenges face the church today, though they are different.

"Instead of angry mobs, we face those who constantly try to defame. Instead of extreme exposure and hardship, we face alcohol and drug abuse, pornography, all kinds of filth and sleaze, greed, dishonesty and spiritual apathy," Elder Ballard said. "The Lord isn't asking us to load up a handcart; he's asking us to fortify our faith. He isn't asking us to walk across a continent; he's asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbors."

Through all the hardships, which are part of life's journey, said Bishop Keith B. McMullin, a counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, Heavenly Father's children need his help.

"An important source of this help comes through man's service to his fellow man," Bishop McMullin said. "To provide for others in the Lord's way, we strive to care for ourselves and sacrifice to help those in need. The poor labor for what they receive and seek the betterment of others as well."

Sunday afternoon, President Boyd K. Packer, president of the Quorum of the Twelve, hearkened back to the perilous times faced by early members of the church and the brutality and wickedness that befell them when the governor of Missouri issued an extermination order against the Mormons.

Back then, the church was a comparatively small band of members.

"Today, the sun never sets on congregations of the Latter-day Saints," President Packer said. "Whatever tests lie ahead and they will be many, we must remain faithful and true."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, of the Quorum of the Twelve, urged members to qualify for and stay faithful in temple marriage, whose principles are under attack by the adversary. He declared that "marriage between a man and a woman is sacred—it is ordained of God," and warned that "some marital options are cheap; some are costly; and some are cunningly crafted by the adversary. Beware of his options; they always breed misery."

Just because a marriage starts with two imperfect people, happiness is not unattainable, he said.