livinggeneralconference

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

The Message

Elder Rasband spoke to those who ache for someone they love who has made choices they wish were different. He reminded us that everyone has agency. We cannot change another person’s heart, and our efforts to preach, argue, lecture, demand, or cajole may sometimes push that person farther away.

Instead, Elder Rasband invites us to turn our worry over to Jesus Christ and love as He loves. Love does not mean approving every choice. It means remaining interested, kind, patient, forgiving, prayerful, and present. We can trust the Savior with what we cannot control and make sure those we love always know where love can be found.

Start the Conversation

Read the summary of the message and the Try This at Home ideas with your family. Then say: “Let’s choose one way we can make sure the people we love actually feel our love this week.”

Try This at Home

Ask Before You Try To Fix
When someone tells you about a problem, resist immediately giving advice. Try asking: “Do you want my ideas, or would you just like me to listen?”

Be Interested in Their Life
Ask someone about something that matters to them for example their work, school, hobby, friends, plans, or interests. Listen without steering the conversation toward something you wish they would change.

Let One Thing Go
Notice one small criticism, correction, or complaint you are tempted to make this week. Ask yourself: “Is this more important than the person?” If it isn’t, let it go.

Make Home a Place Where Love Can Be Found
The prodigal son knew where he could return and be loved. Ask: “What can we do in our family so everyone knows they can always come home to love?” Choose one small thing.

Pray Instead of Push
Think of someone whose choices worry you. Rather than deciding what they need to do, pray for them and then ask Heavenly Father to help you know how to love them.

Find It in the Scriptures
Read Luke 15:20, which Elder Rasband used in telling the story of the prodigal son. Notice what the father did when he saw his son still “a great way off.” Ask: What does this teach us about loving someone whose choices have disappointed us?

Choose Your Own
Choose another part of Elder Rasband’s message your family would like to live together this week.

Ask: “What Would Love Do Right Now?”

When you’re worried, frustrated, or disappointed with someone you love, notice the urge to fix them. Before responding, ask:

“What would love do right now?”

Sometimes love may speak honestly.
Sometimes it may listen.
Sometimes it may set a boundary.
Sometimes it may forgive.
Sometimes it may pray.
Sometimes it may simply stay close.

The question doesn’t tell you what the answer must be. It gives you a moment to choose your response instead of letting fear choose it for you.

Check Back In

At the end of the week, talk as a family about what you noticed. Was there a moment when you wanted to fix, correct, or persuade someone? What happened when you chose connection instead? Was listening difficult? Did letting something go change an interaction? Did someone show that kind of love to you? What did you learn about loving someone while still respecting their agency? Did your experience help you understand Elder Rasband’s invitation to “Love Like Jesus”?

No grading. No guilt. Just notice what happened.