I do not accept the fact that conditions that prevent people from attaining their eternal destiny were born into them without any ability to control. That is contrary to the Plan of Salvation, and it is contrary to the justice and mercy of God. It's contrary to the whole teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which expresses the truth that by or through the power and mercy of Jesus Christ we will have the strength to do all things. That includes resisting temptation. That includes dealing with things that we're born with, including disfigurements, or mental or physical incapacities.
Dallin H. OaksHomosexual feelings are controllable. Perhaps there is an inclination or susceptibility to such feelings that is a reality for some and not a reality for others. But out of such susceptibilities come feelings, and feelings are controllable. If we cater to the feelings, they increase the power of the temptation. If we yield to the temptation, we have committed sinful behavior. That pattern is the same for a person that covets someone else's property and has a strong temptation to steal. It's the same for a person that develops a taste for alcohol.
Dallin H. OaksWe have the agency to choose which characteristics will define us; those choices are not thrust upon us.
Dallin H. OaksService is an imperative for those who worship Jesus Christ and a covenant obligation of those who belong to his Church.
Dallin H. OaksWe feel great compassion for parents whose love and protective instincts for their challenged children have moved them to some positions that are adversary to the Church. I hope the Lord will be merciful to parents whose love for their children has caused them to get into such traps.
Dallin H. OaksHealing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a โhealingโ cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are โhealedโ by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us.
Dallin H. Oaks