GEMS-Family: Within the Clasp of a Father’s Arms

Within the Clasp of a Father’s Arms

“I believe this wise counsel from President Joseph F. Smith:

“‘Brethren, . . . If you will keep your [children] close to your heart, within the clasp of your arms; if you will make them . . . feel that you love them . . . and keep them near to you, they will not go very far from you, and they will not commit any very great sin. But it is when you turn them out of the home, turn them out of your affection . . . that [is what] drives them from you. . . .

” ‘Fathers, if you wish your children to be taught in the principles of the gospel, if you wish them to love the truth and understand it, if you wish them to be obedient to and united with you, love them! and prove . . . that you do love them by your every word and act to[ward] them.’ (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed., Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1966, pp. 282, 316.)”

Topics: fatherhood, teaching, affection, love

( Jeffrey R. Holland, “Within the Clasp of Your Arms,” Ensign, May 1983, 38)