Read the full talk here: “As a Little Child” – President Jeffrey R. Holland
In his address titled “As a Little Child,” President Jeffrey R. Holland, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, delivered during the Saturday morning session of the April 2025 General Conference, emphasized the virtues inherent in children and the profound lessons adults can learn from them.
He highlighted the Savior’s admonition to become as little children to inherit the kingdom of heaven, underscoring attributes such as humility, faith, and purity.
President Holland began by illustrating the innate purity and sincerity found in children’s prayers, noting that their genuine expressions seem to invite the very presence of heaven. He recounted personal experiences and observations where children’s simple yet profound faith served as a testament to their closeness with the divine.
He referenced the Savior’s teachings in Matthew 18:2–4, where Jesus places a child before His disciples, stating that those who humble themselves as a child are greatest in the kingdom of heaven. President Holland elaborated on this scripture, emphasizing that childlike humility and openness are essential for spiritual growth and discipleship.newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.orgnewsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org
In President Holland’s talk, he humorously recounted a story from 25 years ago involving his then-three-year-old grandson and five-year-old granddaughter. One evening, the little boy bit his older sister on the arm. Their father, trying to teach a lesson on forgiveness, told his daughter that her brother probably didn’t even know what a bite felt like.
That explanation seemed to satisfy her—for about a minute.
Then, from the children’s bedroom came a loud cry. The granddaughter calmly called out:
“He does now.”
President Holland used this story to illustrate that while we don’t encourage childish behaviors like biting, there is still something valuable in a child’s unfiltered honesty and simplicity. The story sets a light-hearted tone, highlighting the difference between being childish and becoming childlike—a key theme of his message.
President Holland also addressed the responsibility of adults to nurture and protect children, both physically and spiritually. He called upon parents and leaders to emulate the Savior’s love and concern for the young, ensuring that they are guided righteously and taught the principles of the gospel.
President Holland closed by urging all members to cultivate childlike attributes in their own lives, fostering a closer relationship with Heavenly Father and a deeper commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
3 Quotes:
“Is there anything sweeter, more pure, more humble than a child at prayer? It is as if heaven is in the room. God and Christ are so real, but for others the experience can become more superficial.”
“Children really do love Him, and that love can carry over into their other relationships in the playground of life.”
“I testify that they are images of the kingdom of God flourishing on earth in all of its strength and beauty.”
10 Questions:
In what ways can I cultivate childlike humility in my daily interactions?
How can I strengthen my faith to mirror the pure trust exhibited by children?
Am I creating an environment where children feel valued, loved, and protected?
Do I approach my Heavenly Father in prayer with the sincerity and openness of a child?
How can I better emulate the Savior’s love for children in my personal and professional life?
Are there areas in my life where pride is hindering my spiritual growth, and how can adopting childlike humility help?
In what ways can I learn from the examples set by children in my community or family?
How can I ensure that I am not only teaching but also demonstrating gospel principles to the younger generation?
Do I recognize and nurture the divine potential within each child I interact with?
How can embracing childlike qualities enhance my relationship with God and others?
For the full address, please refer to the Saturday Morning Session of the April 2025 General Conference.
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Guest Author
J Washburn
