noteswayward ( + + )

President Howard W. Hunter: “Our first parents knew the pain and suffering of seeing some of their children reject the teachings of eternal life. Centuries later Jacob came to know the jealousy and unkind feelings of his older sons toward Joseph. The prophet Alma prayed at length to the Lord regarding the rebellious attitude of his son and no doubt was overwhelmed with concern and worry about the dissension and wickedness his son was causing among those who were within the Church. Our Father in Heaven has also lost many of His spirit children to the world; He knows the feelings of your heart. Don’t give up hope for a child who has strayed. Many who have appeared to be completely lost have returned. We must be prayerful and, if possible, let our children know of our love and concern”. Ensign, November 1983.

Elder Orson F. Whitney: “You parents of the willful and wayward — don’t give them up, don’t cast them off. They are not utterly lost. The Shepherd will find His sheep. They were His before they were yours — long before He entrusted them to your care; you cannot begin to love them as He loves them. They have but strayed in ignorance from the Path of Right, and God is merciful to ignorance. Only the fullness of knowledge brings the fullness of accountability. Our Heavenly Father is far more merciful, infinitely more charitable, than even the best of His servants, and the Everlasting gospel is mightier in power to save than our narrow finite minds can comprehend.”   April, 1929.