Doctrine and Covenants 93:40

Verse 40

But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.

Research

All High confidence Verified

- **Essential Conversations** — Joy D. Jones (April 2021) · Reference
  In contrast, the Savior would have us help children “put [their] trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good.” To do so, we can assist children in recognizing when they are feeling the Spirit and in discerning what actions cause the Spirit to leave.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/13jones?lang=eng&id=p23#p23

- **Repentance and Conversion** — Russell M. Nelson (April 2007) · Reference
  With the Restoration of the gospel, our Savior has again stressed this doctrine.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/04/repentance-and-conversion?lang=eng&id=p9#p9

- **Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls** — Gary E. Stevenson (April 2026) · Reference
  The second is the universal charge to strengthen and nurture the rising generation, to bring up children “in light and truth.”
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/23stevenson?lang=eng&id=p_wtwry#p_wtwry

- **Prophets of God** — Andrea Muñoz Spannaus (October 2025) · Reference
  Parents, in this world where there are many voices and sometimes much darkness, God Himself has commanded us to raise our children in light and truth.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/46spannaus?lang=eng&id=p_uPs1h#p_uPs1h

- **Let Doing Good Be Our Normal** — Rafael E. Pino (October 2022) · Alludes to
  Personal and family study of the scriptures.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/15pino?lang=eng&id=p13#p13

- **The Power of Spiritual Momentum** — Russell M. Nelson (April 2022) · Reference
  How important is repentance?
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/47nelson?lang=eng&id=p20#p20

- **How Can I Understand?** — Ulisses Soares (April 2019) · Reference
  God’s prophets have consistently instructed that we need to raise our families “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” and “in light and truth.” President Nelson recently said, “In this day of rampant immorality and addictive pornography, parents have a sacred responsibility to teach their children the importance of God [and Jesus Christ] in their lives.”
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/11soares?lang=eng&id=p13#p13

- **Opening Remarks** — Russell M. Nelson (October 2018) · Reference
  This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/opening-remarks?lang=eng&id=p11#p11

- **A Sin-Resistant Generation** — Joy D. Jones (April 2017) · Reference
  How to “bring up [our] children in light and truth” may be a challenging question since it is individualized for each family and each child, but Heavenly Father has given universal guidelines that will help us.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/a-sin-resistant-generation?lang=eng&id=p12#p12

- **The Voice of Warning** — D. Todd Christofferson (April 2017) · Quote
  > “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”
  Surely love would compel parents to warn their closest “neighbors”—their own children.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/the-voice-of-warning?lang=eng&id=p18#p18

- **The Moral Force of Women** — D. Todd Christofferson (October 2013) · Reference
  And do not be afraid to apply that influence without fear or apology.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/the-moral-force-of-women?lang=eng&id=p21#p21

- **Mothers Teaching Children in the Home** — L. Tom Perry (April 2010) · Alludes to
  Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-teaching-children-in-the-home?lang=eng&id=p13#p13

- **More Diligent and Concerned at Home** — David A. Bednar (October 2009) · Alludes to
  In 1833 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that contained a strong rebuke to several leading brethren of the Church to set their families in order (see D&C 93:40–50).
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/10/more-diligent-and-concerned-at-home?lang=eng&id=p3#p3

- **An Easiness and Willingness to Believe** — Michael T. Ringwood (October 2009) · Alludes to
  An examination of our lives will reveal periods when we found it easier to believe the word of God.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/10/an-easiness-and-willingness-to-believe?lang=eng&id=p15#p15

- **Salvation and Exaltation** — Russell M. Nelson (April 2008) · Reference
  In our day the Lord has added, “Bring up your children in light and truth.” The Church is to assist and not to replace parents in their responsibilities to teach their children.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/04/salvation-and-exaltation?lang=eng&id=p25#p25

- **Did I Tell You … ?** — Susan W. Tanner (April 2003) · Alludes to
  Look to the example of your grandparents’ homes.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/04/did-i-tell-you?lang=eng&id=p6#p6

- **Called of God** — L. Tom Perry (October 2002) · Reference
  Now these principles taught to us in the organization of a quorum apply not only to a quorum, but the same principles apply to the priesthood leadership in the home.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/10/called-of-god?lang=eng&id=p18#p18

- **A Voice of Gladness for Our Children** — Coleen K. Menlove (October 2002) · Reference
  The Lord directed parents to “bring up [their] children in light and truth.” He also instructed us to teach our children “to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord,” and “to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ … , and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost.” We help tune their ears, minds, and hearts to recognize “a voice of gladness” and desire to be worthy to obtain eternal joy when we teach the truths of the gospel.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/10/a-voice-of-gladness-for-our-children?lang=eng&id=p11#p11

- **Children** — Boyd K. Packer (April 2002) · Quote
  > “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”
  The Lord said, “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth” (D&C 93:40).
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/04/children?lang=eng&id=p31#p31

- **“Set in Order Thy House”** — Russell M. Nelson (October 2001) · Reference
  “And now a commandment I give unto you [that] you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2001/10/set-in-order-thy-house?lang=eng&id=p27#p27

- **Couple Missionaries: A Time to Serve** — Robert D. Hales (April 2001) · Alludes to
  “And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house” (D&C 93:40, 43).
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2001/04/couple-missionaries-a-time-to-serve?lang=eng&id=p5#p5

- **“Lead, Kindly Light”** — Virginia U. Jensen (October 2000) · Alludes to
  Joshua’s simple but profound faith had been nurtured by his parents, who taught him that he had a Heavenly Father who knew where he was at all times.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2000/10/lead-kindly-light?lang=eng&id=p3#p3

- **Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty** — Robert D. Hales (April 1999) · Quote
  > “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”
  Brothers and sisters, as parents let us heed the admonition, even the rebuke, given by the Lord to Joseph Smith and the leaders of the Church in 1833 to “set in order [our] own house” (D&C 93:43).
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1999/04/strengthening-families-our-sacred-duty?lang=eng&id=p56#p56

- **Responsibilities of Shepherds** — James E. Faust (April 1995) · Quote
  > “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”
  I should like to speak for a few minutes about the constitutional duties of the Lord’s shepherds.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/04/responsibilities-of-shepherds?lang=eng&id=p11#p11

- **Being a Righteous Husband and Father** — Howard W. Hunter (October 1994) · Alludes to
  Honor your wife’s unique and divinely appointed role as a mother in Israel and her special capacity to bear and nurture children.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1994/10/being-a-righteous-husband-and-father?lang=eng&id=p15#p15

- **The Father and the Family** — Boyd K. Packer (April 1994) · Quote
  > “commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”
  The Lord has “commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1994/04/the-father-and-the-family?lang=eng&id=p39#p39

- **“Therefore I Was Taught”** — L. Tom Perry (April 1994) · Alludes to
  “And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house” (D&C 93:40, 42–43).
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1994/04/therefore-i-was-taught?lang=eng&id=p18#p18

- **Take Time for Your Children** — Ben B. Banks (October 1993) · Quote
  > “But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”
  “This may not be encouraging advice to those with problem teenagers, but to those just starting on the adventure of parenthood, it may serve as a reminder that love and training cannot be postponed” (Jon M.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1993/10/take-time-for-your-children?lang=eng&id=p23#p23

- **The Greatest Challenge in the World—Good Parenting** — James E. Faust (October 1990) · Alludes to
  The Lord has directed, “Bring up your children in light and truth” (D&C 93:40).
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1990/10/the-greatest-challenge-in-the-world-good-parenting?lang=eng&id=p4#p4

- **“Born of Goodly Parents”** — L. Tom Perry (April 1985) · Quote
  > “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”
  The Lord has declared in the Doctrine and Covenants, “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.” (D&C 93:40.)
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1985/04/born-of-goodly-parents?lang=eng&id=p41#p41

- **Counsel to the Saints** — Ezra Taft Benson (April 1984) · Alludes to
  Teach your children.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1984/04/counsel-to-the-saints?lang=eng&id=p53#p53

- **The Practice of Truth** — J. Richard Clarke (April 1984) · Quote
  > “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”
  The love for truth and the practice of truth are best learned in the home.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1984/04/the-practice-of-truth?lang=eng&id=p24#p24

- **Friend or Foe** — Charles Didier (October 1983) · Quote
  > “But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”
  We find the same challenge with teaching our children to build an eternal association of friendship and love.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1983/10/friend-or-foe?lang=eng&id=p34#p34

- **Agency and Control** — Boyd K. Packer (April 1983) · Quote
  > I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”
  “The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1983/04/agency-and-control?lang=eng&id=p13#p13

- **Moral Values and Rewards** — Royden G. Derrick (April 1981) · Quote
  > “But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”
  The Lord said, “But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.” (D&C 93:40.)
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1981/04/moral-values-and-rewards?lang=eng&id=p12#p12

- **Therefore I Was Taught** — A. Theodore Tuttle (October 1979) · Quote
  > light and truth. I have commanded you to bring up your children in
  “The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1979/10/therefore-i-was-taught?lang=eng&id=p10#p10

- **The Heritage of Royal Families** — Royden G. Derrick (April 1979) · Quote
  > “But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”
  A royal family is a family whose members are honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, temperate, patient, charitable, humble, diligent, well read, and law-abiding.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1979/04/the-heritage-of-royal-families?lang=eng&id=p29#p29

- **“Behold Your Little Ones”** — Gordon B. Hinckley (October 1978) · Quote
  > “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”
  And those babies, I should like to add, will become forces for good or ill, depending in large measure on how they are reared.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1978/10/behold-your-little-ones?lang=eng&id=p7#p7

- **Joseph the Seer** — Gordon B. Hinckley (April 1977) · Alludes to
  Even the welfare program, which some are prone to regard as of rather recent origin, is founded and operated strictly upon principles enunciated by Joseph Smith in the early years of the Church.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1977/04/joseph-the-seer?lang=eng&id=p11#p11

- **Justice and Mercy** — James A. Cullimore (April 1974) · Alludes to
  “My servant Newel K.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1974/04/justice-and-mercy?lang=eng&id=p7#p7

- **The Things That Matter Most** — A. Theodore Tuttle (October 1971) · Quote
  > “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”
  The Lord has said: “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.” (D&C 93:40.)
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1971/10/the-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng&id=p34#p34

Essential Conversations

Joy D. Jones April 2021 Saturday Morning Session

In contrast, the Savior would have us help children “put [their] trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good.” To do so, we can assist children in recognizing when they are feeling the Spirit and in discerning what actions cause the Spirit to leave.

Reference Verified
Repentance and Conversion

Russell M. Nelson April 2007 Sunday Afternoon Session

With the Restoration of the gospel, our Savior has again stressed this doctrine.

Reference Verified
Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls

Gary E. Stevenson April 2026 Saturday Afternoon Session

The second is the universal charge to strengthen and nurture the rising generation, to bring up children “in light and truth.”

Reference Verified
Prophets of God

Andrea Muñoz Spannaus October 2025 Sunday Morning Session

Parents, in this world where there are many voices and sometimes much darkness, God Himself has commanded us to raise our children in light and truth.

Reference Verified
Let Doing Good Be Our Normal

Rafael E. Pino October 2022 Saturday Morning Session

Personal and family study of the scriptures.

Alludes to High confidence
The Power of Spiritual Momentum

Russell M. Nelson April 2022 Sunday Morning Session

How important is repentance?

Reference Verified
How Can I Understand?

Ulisses Soares April 2019 Saturday Morning Session

God’s prophets have consistently instructed that we need to raise our families “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” and “in light and truth.” President Nelson recently said, “In this day of rampant immorality and addictive pornography, parents have a sacred responsibility to teach their children the importance of God [and Jesus Christ] in their lives.”

Reference Verified
Opening Remarks

Russell M. Nelson October 2018 Saturday Morning Session

This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church.

Reference Verified
A Sin-Resistant Generation

Joy D. Jones April 2017 Sunday Morning Session

How to “bring up [our] children in light and truth” may be a challenging question since it is individualized for each family and each child, but Heavenly Father has given universal guidelines that will help us.

Reference Verified
The Voice of Warning

D. Todd Christofferson April 2017 Sunday Afternoon Session

“I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”

Quote Verified
The Moral Force of Women

D. Todd Christofferson October 2013 Saturday Afternoon Session

And do not be afraid to apply that influence without fear or apology.

Reference Verified
Mothers Teaching Children in the Home

L. Tom Perry April 2010 Saturday Afternoon Session

Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family.

Alludes to High confidence
More Diligent and Concerned at Home

David A. Bednar October 2009 Saturday Morning Session

In 1833 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that contained a strong rebuke to several leading brethren of the Church to set their families in order (see D&C 93:40–50).

Alludes to High confidence
An Easiness and Willingness to Believe

Michael T. Ringwood October 2009 Sunday Afternoon Session

An examination of our lives will reveal periods when we found it easier to believe the word of God.

Alludes to High confidence
Salvation and Exaltation

Russell M. Nelson April 2008 Saturday Morning Session

In our day the Lord has added, “Bring up your children in light and truth.” The Church is to assist and not to replace parents in their responsibilities to teach their children.

Reference Verified
Did I Tell You … ?

Susan W. Tanner April 2003 Sunday Morning Session

Look to the example of your grandparents’ homes.

Alludes to High confidence
Called of God

L. Tom Perry October 2002 Saturday Morning Session

Now these principles taught to us in the organization of a quorum apply not only to a quorum, but the same principles apply to the priesthood leadership in the home.

Reference Verified
A Voice of Gladness for Our Children

Coleen K. Menlove October 2002 Saturday Morning Session

The Lord directed parents to “bring up [their] children in light and truth.” He also instructed us to teach our children “to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord,” and “to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ … , and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost.” We help tune their ears, minds, and hearts to recognize “a voice of gladness” and desire to be worthy to obtain eternal joy when we teach the truths of the gospel.

Reference Verified
Children

Boyd K. Packer April 2002 Saturday Morning Session

“I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”

Quote High confidence
“Set in Order Thy House”

Russell M. Nelson October 2001 Sunday Morning Session

“And now a commandment I give unto you [that] you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.

Reference Verified
Couple Missionaries: A Time to Serve

Robert D. Hales April 2001 Saturday Afternoon Session

“And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house” (D&C 93:40, 43).

Alludes to High confidence
“Lead, Kindly Light”

Virginia U. Jensen October 2000 Sunday Morning Session

Joshua’s simple but profound faith had been nurtured by his parents, who taught him that he had a Heavenly Father who knew where he was at all times.

Alludes to High confidence
Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty

Robert D. Hales April 1999 Saturday Afternoon Session

“I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”

Quote High confidence
Responsibilities of Shepherds

James E. Faust April 1995 Priesthood Session

“I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”

Quote Verified
Being a Righteous Husband and Father

Howard W. Hunter October 1994 Priesthood Session

Honor your wife’s unique and divinely appointed role as a mother in Israel and her special capacity to bear and nurture children.

Alludes to High confidence
The Father and the Family

Boyd K. Packer April 1994 Saturday Morning Session

“commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”

Quote Verified
“Therefore I Was Taught”

L. Tom Perry April 1994 Saturday Afternoon Session

“And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house” (D&C 93:40, 42–43).

Alludes to High confidence
Take Time for Your Children

Ben B. Banks October 1993 Saturday Afternoon Session

“But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”

Quote High confidence
The Greatest Challenge in the World—Good Parenting

James E. Faust October 1990 Saturday Afternoon Session

The Lord has directed, “Bring up your children in light and truth” (D&C 93:40).

Alludes to High confidence
“Born of Goodly Parents”

L. Tom Perry April 1985 Saturday Afternoon Session

“I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”

Quote High confidence
Counsel to the Saints

Ezra Taft Benson April 1984 Saturday Morning Session

Teach your children.

Alludes to High confidence
The Practice of Truth

J. Richard Clarke April 1984 Sunday Morning Session

“I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”

Quote High confidence
Friend or Foe

Charles Didier October 1983 Saturday Afternoon Session

“But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”

Quote High confidence
Agency and Control

Boyd K. Packer April 1983 Sunday Afternoon Session

I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”

Quote High confidence
Moral Values and Rewards

Royden G. Derrick April 1981 Sunday Afternoon Session

“But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”

Quote High confidence
Therefore I Was Taught

A. Theodore Tuttle October 1979 Saturday Afternoon Session

light and truth. I have commanded you to bring up your children in

Quote High confidence
The Heritage of Royal Families

Royden G. Derrick April 1979 Saturday Afternoon Session

“But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”

Quote High confidence
“Behold Your Little Ones”

Gordon B. Hinckley October 1978 Saturday Afternoon Session

“I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth”

Quote High confidence
Joseph the Seer

Gordon B. Hinckley April 1977 Sunday Afternoon Session

Even the welfare program, which some are prone to regard as of rather recent origin, is founded and operated strictly upon principles enunciated by Joseph Smith in the early years of the Church.

Alludes to High confidence
Justice and Mercy

James A. Cullimore April 1974 Friday Afternoon Session

“My servant Newel K.

Alludes to High confidence
The Things That Matter Most

A. Theodore Tuttle October 1971 Saturday Afternoon Session

“I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.”

Quote High confidence