All Who Have Endured Valiantly

In his April 2026 General Conference address, “All Who Have Endured Valiantly,” David A. Bednar teaches that enduring to the end is much more than simply surviving life’s challenges. Through the Savior’s grace, it is the lifelong process of becoming a new creature in Christ.

Many people hear the phrase “endure to the end” and picture determination, grit, or simply hanging on through difficult circumstances. But the Savior invites us to something much greater: a complete transformation of heart.

As we align our character, desires, actions, and what we truly love more closely with God’s will, the Savior can bring about a comprehensive and complete change in us.

Common Criticism: “Christianity is mostly about following rules and trying harder.”

Many assume discipleship is measured by how well we keep commandments or how much determination we can muster. From this perspective, enduring to the end simply means faithfully checking boxes until mortality is over.

Fallacy at Work: Behavior Without Transformation

This view reduces the gospel to outward performance.

It assumes:

• Obedience alone changes us.
• Spiritual growth depends primarily on personal effort.
• Enduring means surviving rather than becoming.

Doctrine: Enduring Is About Becoming Like Christ

Elder Bednar teaches that the restored gospel is designed to change our very nature.

Through the Savior’s Atonement, sacred covenants, ordinances, and the companionship of the Holy Ghost, disciples gradually become “new creatures in Christ.”

That transformation reaches its highest expression through the gift of charity.

At a higher and even holier level, charity is the very essence of the ‘end’ toward which we are enduring—becoming new creatures in Christ.

The goal of enduring is not simply finishing the race.

It is becoming more like the Savior.

Solution

When we understand enduring as transformation rather than mere perseverance, discipleship becomes less about trying harder and more about allowing Jesus Christ to change who we are.

Living Apologetics: Becoming, Not Just Doing

The gospel certainly asks us to do many good things.

But Elder Bednar reminds us that God’s ultimate purpose is not simply better behavior. It is a changed heart.

As we receive the Savior’s grace:

• Patience replaces frustration.
• Forgiveness becomes more natural.
• Charity grows where judgment once existed.
• Our desires gradually become more aligned with God’s.

This change rarely happens overnight. It happens one faithful choice, one covenant, and one act of discipleship at a time. Over time, we discover that Christ is not simply helping us act differently. He is helping us become different.

Practical Apologetic Use

If someone says: “Religion is just about trying harder.”

You might respond: “Elder Bednar teaches that the gospel isn’t primarily about trying harder. It’s about allowing Jesus Christ to transform our hearts until we become more like Him.”

Ways to Apply Today

1️⃣ Look for one opportunity to respond with Christlike charity instead of your natural reaction.

2️⃣ Reflect on one way the Savior has changed your heart over the past year.

3️⃣ Pray specifically for the gift of charity as you seek to become more like Jesus Christ.

Keep This Talk With You

Elder Bednar reminds us that enduring to the end is not measured by how long we hold on. It is measured by who we are becoming through Jesus Christ.

As we faithfully follow Him, the change He works within us becomes evident over time.

“As we live as He invites us to live and with His help, our nature and character over time increasingly become more like His.”

This week:

• Trust His grace. Christ can change far more than your circumstances.
• Seek transformation. Focus on who you are becoming, not just what you are doing.
• Choose charity. Let the pure love of Christ shape your daily interactions.

As we do, enduring to the end becomes more than perseverance. It becomes a joyful process of discipleship. Little by little, covenant by covenant, the Savior changes our hearts until we become more like Him.

How is Jesus Christ inviting me to become more like Him—not just in what I do, but in who I am?

 

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.