In his April 2026 General Conference address, “Come Home,” Clark G. Gilbert teaches that no matter how far we may feel from God, the Savior is actively and personally inviting us to return.
But that invitation raises an important question: If Christ is calling us back, what is our role in actually coming home?
To those who are struggling to come home, know that it is your Savior who’s the one calling you back.
Common Criticism: “If God wants me back, He’ll just bring me back.”
Some may believe that if returning to God truly matters, it will happen naturally or automatically—that change will come without much personal effort.
Fallacy at Work: Passive Redemption
This belief assumes that spiritual change happens to us rather than with us.
It overlooks a central gospel truth: God invites, but we must choose.
Doctrine: Christ Calls, We Respond
Elder Gilbert teaches that the Savior is the one calling us back—but He does not force our return.
The pattern of the gospel is clear:
- Christ invites
- We act
- He receives
Scripture reinforces this partnership:
- “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63)
- “Return unto me, and I will return unto you” (Malachi 3:7)
The Savior’s role is constant love and invitation.
Our role is to decide to move toward Him.
Elder Gilbert’s Correction
Elder Gilbert emphasizes that coming home is not passive.
It requires:
- A decision
- A turning of the heart
- A willingness to act
Even small steps matter, but they must be chosen.
Solution
The Savior is already calling. The question is whether we will respond.
Living Apologetics: Choosing to Come Home
It’s possible to feel the pull toward God and still hesitate.
- Waiting until we feel more ready
- Waiting until we feel more worthy
- Waiting until circumstances are better
Elder Gilbert’s message is clear: The invitation is now. The decision is ours. Coming home doesn’t require a perfect plan. It requires a willing step.
That step might be:
- Offering a sincere prayer
- Returning to church
- Letting go of something that creates distance
- Simply deciding: I want to come back
The Savior is already reaching toward us. But we must choose to move toward Him.
Practical Apologetic Use
If someone says: “If God wants me back, it’ll just happen.”
You can respond: “Elder Gilbert teaches that Christ is already calling us—but we still have to choose to respond. Coming home starts with a decision.”
Ways to Apply Today
1️⃣ Make a conscious decision today to move closer to Christ, even in a small way.
2️⃣ Act immediately on a prompting that invites you to reconnect with God.
3️⃣ Stop waiting for the “right moment” and take one step now.
Keep This Talk With You
Elder Gilbert reminds us that coming home is not about waiting—it is about choosing.
The Savior’s invitation is constant.
He calls in moments of strength.
He calls in moments of struggle.
He calls even when we feel far away.
But He does not force the journey.
He invites it.
This week:
- Recognize the call. Notice how the Savior is inviting you closer.
- Make a decision. Choose to respond, even in a small way.
- Take a step. Act on that decision without delay.
As we do, something powerful begins to happen. Distance begins to close, hearts begin to soften, and direction becomes clearer.
We realize that coming home is not something we wait for; it is something we choose.
What step will I choose today to respond to the Savior’s invitation and come closer to Him?
The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.
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