Life

In today’s world, there’s a lot of noise about what it means to “be a man.” Too often, the world’s version of masculinity is loud, shallow, and self-centered—measured by how much money you make, how tough you act, or how little emotion you show.

That version misses the mark.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson once said, “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.” That simple truth also points to the deeper meaning of what it is to be a man of God—not the world.

Masculinity Is Responsibility

Godly men don’t run from responsibility. They embrace it. Real masculinity is shown through commitment—to family, to principle, to faith.

A man of God leads not with ego, but with example. He presides in love, provides without complaint, and protects what matters most—not just the home, but the hearts inside it.

More Than a Paycheck

The world teaches that being a provider is just about money. But providing also means being emotionally and spiritually present. It means offering wisdom, showing up, and creating a safe space for your family to grow in truth.

Protection, likewise, isn’t about brute force—it’s about spiritual stewardship. A real man protects his family’s values, their future, and their peace.

Strength Isn’t Harshness

The world often confuses masculinity with aggression or dominance. But the Savior—the greatest example of manhood—was humble, gentle, and kind.

Being a man means standing strong in your convictions but doing so with mercy and grace. It means having the courage to discipline with love and the strength to show vulnerability when your children need comfort.

Men Are Meant to Build

Godly men are builders. We build homes, faith, and futures. We don’t shrink from challenges or tear others down. We help carry burdens. We show up when it’s inconvenient. We seek the Lord in how we lead our families.

The Choice Is Clear

The world says:

“Assert your dominance. Don’t show weakness. Chase power.”

The Lord says:

“Serve humbly. Love deeply. Lead righteously.”

We don’t need more worldly men. We need more godly ones.

That’s the man I strive to be—not just for my wife and children, but for my Savior.

I have written out my talk from Church last last week to be a full post here on my blog.

Brothers and Sisters,

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak today about one of the most powerful gifts our Savior, Jesus Christ, has given us—the ability to forgive. Forgiveness, both of others and of ourselves, is central to the Atonement of Jesus Christ and is essential for our peace and happiness.

I would like to begin by sharing a little bit about my family.

I have a son, Joseph, who is a smart and normally quiet kid. He loves playing the drums and computer games. Then there’s Abigail, who is outgoing and energetic. She loves making friends and playing games. My wife, Sarah, and I met in high school. She plays the piano, sings beautifully, and teaches fourth grade. Sarah has a strong testimony of the gospel, and she helps me become a better person. Her kindness, maturity, and love have been a blessing in my life.

As for myself, I have had a variety of life experiences—some wonderful, some difficult. I’ve been an abused child in foster care, a missionary, a soldier, a car washer, a school librarian, and I currently work in IT. In the Church, I have served in many capacities, including Young Men’s President, Elders Quorum President, Service Men’s Group Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and now as a finance clerk.

Through my experiences, I have learned that life brings both joy and hardship. People will hurt us, sometimes intentionally, sometimes unknowingly. The world teaches us that holding onto anger and resentment is justified, but the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches a higher law—the law of forgiveness.

Forgiving Others

President Russell M. Nelson has said:

“Forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a continuous process that requires patience, compassion, and understanding. It is not always easy to forgive those who have hurt you. You can receive strength from Jesus Christ.”

We all experience pain caused by others. Whether it is a harsh word, a betrayal, or a deep personal wound, the Savior has taught us how to respond. In Matthew 5:44, Christ said:

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”

President Nelson also warned us that, while forgiveness is difficult, holding onto grudges is harmful:

“There is nothing easy about forgiving those who have disappointed us, hurt us, cheated us, or spread false rumors about us. However, not forgiving others is poison for us. Grudges weigh us down. Angry disagreements separate us. Animosity and hatred can divide families.”

Jesus Christ suffered for all of us, not just so that we can repent, but also so that we can find healing. Through His Atonement, He can take away our burdens, including the pain we feel from others’ actions.

I have seen firsthand the power of letting go of anger. When we hold onto resentment, it only harms us. But when we turn to Christ, He helps us release that burden. As we choose to forgive, we invite peace and healing into our lives.

Forgiving Ourselves

Sometimes, the hardest person to forgive is ourselves.

The Lord has reassured us in Doctrine and Covenants 19:16:

“For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.”

This does not mean we are free to do whatever we want without consequences. Rather, it means that once we have repented, we should move forward in faith and not dwell on past mistakes.

Modern science even supports the importance of self-forgiveness. Dr. Andrea Brandt, a licensed therapist, wrote:

“Acknowledge that not everyone is self-aware or empathetic enough to admit they’ve done something wrong. Appreciate that you’re the kind of person who can recognize your faults and mistakes and say, ‘I did this; I am responsible.’ You’ve done something wrong, yes, but at your core, you are a good person.”

Dwelling on past mistakes only leads to misery. The adversary wants us to feel unworthy, to believe that we are beyond God’s love. But this is a lie. The scriptures teach us:

“But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.” (Moroni 6:8)

God does not hold grudges against His children. He does not want us to remain burdened by guilt. He desires that we repent, forgive ourselves, and move forward with faith in Christ. When God forgives, it is as though the sin never happened.

Jesus Christ: The Source of Forgiveness

Ultimately, forgiveness—whether of others or of ourselves—is possible because of Jesus Christ. He has already paid the price for all sin, pain, and suffering. He stands ready to help us heal.

President Nelson testified:

“Jesus Christ is risen. He loves you. And because of Him, you can experience the joy and miracle of forgiveness.”

Brothers and sisters, I know that through Jesus Christ, we can be freed from the chains of resentment, guilt, and pain. I have felt His love in my own life, and I testify that He is always there, ready to lift us. I encourage each of us to examine our hearts. Is there someone we need to forgive? Do we need to forgive ourselves?

Let us turn to the Savior. He will guide us. He will heal us. And through Him, we will find peace.

I bear my testimony that Jesus Christ lives. He loves us. His Atonement is real. Through Him, we can receive forgiveness and extend it to others.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.