Elder Bednar teaches that “enduring to the end” is not just about persevering through difficulty, but about experiencing a lifelong spiritual transformation through Jesus Christ.

Enduring to the end = being filled with and ultimately “possessed” by the pure love of Christ.

Rather than simply “holding on,” enduring is described as a joyful, ongoing process of becoming more like the Saviour, marked by increasing love, selflessness, and spiritual change. 

Key Quotes:

‘We are to become new creatures in Christ.’ (Paragraph 7)

‘Spiritual gifts are prerequisites for and essential to our coming unto the Savior, being blessed with His attributes, and ultimately becoming more like Him.’ (Paragraph 9)

‘We can possess charity, but ultimately charity should possess us.’ (Paragraph 13)

‘For disciples of the Savior, charity encompasses both what we do and what we can become as this spiritual gift ultimately possesses us.’ (Paragraph 15)

‘We do not merely perform benevolent deeds; rather, our state of being is changed and becomes increasingly Christlike.’ (Paragraph 20)

‘Enduring to the end is not merely a relentless determination to grit our teeth, hold on to the limits of our physical strength and mental capacity, and push through the challenges and adversities of mortal life; it is so much more than that.’ (Paragraph 29)

‘Enduring to the end is the joyous quest of a lifetime—a pressing forward with faith in Jesus Christ in a gradual process of trusting in and receiving help from our Savior to become more like Him.’ (Paragraph 30)

‘As our love for Him grows ever stronger and deeper, we can be blessed to receive spiritual perspective, the Lord’s empowering grace, and exceedingly great and indescribable joy.’ (Paragraph 30)

‘The scriptural phrase “endure to the end” is a repeated reminder of the mighty spiritual change in our hearts that should be ongoing throughout our lives; it also is His promise of what we may become if we truly are possessed of the pure love of Christ.’ (Paragraph 32)

Questions to discuss or ponder:

How is enduring to the end different to ‘persevering tenaciously’? (Paragraph 2)

What spiritual gifts have you identified in yourself? (Paragraph 9)

How can we develop the pure love of Christ? (Paragraph 11)

What does Elder Bednar mean when he says that charity should possess us? (Paragraphs 13-14, 20)

What does it men to turn outward rather than inward? (Paragraph 19)

What blessings have you seen in your life because of doctrine, covenants and ordinances? (Paragraph 22)

What is the significance of the fact that we were in the beginning with the Father? (Paragraphs 23-24)

Does paragraph 30 reframe your view of enduring to the end? If so, how?

What do you think it means to endure ‘valiantly’? (Paragraph 33) What does it look like?

Invitations and application:

‘The Savior’s restored gospel invites us to be spiritually transformed—not merely to improve our behavior.’ (Paragraph 6)

‘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.’ (Paragraph 6)

‘As we live as He invites us to live and with His help, our nature and character over time increasingly become more like His.’ (Paragraph 19)

‘The scriptural phrase “come unto me” is the Savior’s introductory invitation to learn and act in His doctrine and begin a process of spiritual rebirth.’ (Paragraph 31)

1. Seek the mighty change of heart continually

2. Pray for and cultivate charity

3. Allow charity to “possess” you

4. Endure through transformation, not just survival

5. Receive “grace for grace”

6. Press forward with faith and joy

Enduring to the end is about becoming like Jesus Christ – and that is joyful!

Additional thought:

Elder Gene R. Cook of the Seventy taught:

“All men may have the gift of love, but charity is bestowed only upon those who are true followers of Christ.”

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