(1/19/01)
"Jesus always sought the welfare of the individual; and individuals, grouped and laboring for the mutual welfare of the whole in conformity with the principles of the gospel, constitute the kingdom of God. Many of the choicest truths of the gospel were given in conversations with individuals when Jesus was on the earth. It was while Jesus talked with Nicodemus that he gave us the message relative to baptism and of being 'born again.' From the conversation with the woman of Samaria, we have disclosed the truth that they who worship God must worship him 'in spirit and in truth.' From Jesus' conversation with Mary and Martha, we hear the divine declaration, 'I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:...' (John 11:25.)

"Jesus' regard for the personality was supreme!

"To the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the worth of the individual has special meaning. Quorums, auxiliaries, wards, stakes, even the Church itself, are all organized to further the welfare of man. All are but a means to an end, and that end is the happiness and eternal value of every child of God." - David O. McKay, "Conference Report," October 1962, First Day--Morning Meeting, p.7-8