“Return unto Me … That I May Heal You” By Elder S. Mark Palmer Of the Presidency of the Seventy There is rejoicing in heaven over those who return. It is not too late for you to come back.

Study Guide for “Return unto Me … That I May Heal You” // Elder S. Mark Palmer // April 2025 General Conference

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Read or watch the full talk here


In his April 2025 General Conference address, “Return unto Me … That I May Heal You,” Elder S. Mark Palmer of the Presidency of the Seventy extends a deeply compassionate invitation to all who have stepped away from the Church to return—no matter how long they have been gone or what caused them to leave. Through stories, doctrine, and encouragement, he offers hope and healing through Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.

The Willow Tree Parable

Elder Palmer begins by recounting a personal story about a large willow tree that fell during a fierce storm. With its roots exposed and trunk on the ground, it seemed beyond saving. Ready to cut it up for firewood, Elder Palmer was stopped by a neighbor who believed in the tree’s potential for recovery. Though skeptical, Elder Palmer followed his neighbor’s advice to prop up the tree, trim its branches, and nourish it.

To his amazement, signs of life began to return. Twelve years later, the tree now stands strong, vibrant, and beautiful—firmly rooted and thriving. This transformation, he shares, mirrors what can happen in the lives of those who return to the gospel of Jesus Christ, even when it seems all is lost.

Hope for the Spiritually Weary

Just as the willow’s roots clung to life, many individuals maintain a small connection to the gospel, even in spiritual struggle. Elder Palmer says he meets Saints worldwide whose testimonies once flourished but now feel weakened. And yet, he is inspired by countless stories of those who return—those who “responded to spiritual promptings and loving invitations” rather than being discarded like “worthless firewood.”

In Korea, a returning member shared how brothers and sisters in the Church accepted him, despite his weakness and doubts. He noted how even his less-active friends encouraged one another to come back. “Maybe they are all longing for faith,” the man concluded.

Elder Palmer issues a loving invitation to all who feel this longing: come back. He promises that returning and worshipping with the Saints will strengthen faith.

Stories of Redemption and Love

The talk continues with real-life accounts of those who left and found their way back.

A former missionary from Africa left the Church after taking offense at a teaching that conflicted with his cultural traditions. Fifteen years later, he wrote a Church leader, acknowledging the heavy price he had paid for walking away. Yet he expressed deep gratitude for finding his way back and being forgiven.

Another poignant story comes from a woman in the United States who was gone from the Church for many years. Though she made thousands of small choices to walk away, her parents made one large decision: to love her unconditionally. They did not condemn her or make her feel unwelcome; rather, they continually reached out in love. Her journey back was complicated, but one thing was simple: the feeling of being home again.

These stories show that healing is possible. They are reminders that while the road back may be hard, it is filled with grace and love—especially when family and Church members follow Christ’s example.

An Invitation of Love, Not Judgment

Elder Palmer emphasizes that his message is not a condemnation, but an invitation—filled with love. It is directed to those who once felt the Spirit, who now wonder if there is a way back. It is for those barely holding on or considering stepping away.

Quoting Jesus Christ’s invitation from 3 Nephi 9:13“Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?”—Elder Palmer assures listeners that Christ’s arms of mercy are open, not folded. He promises that those who return will find healing and joy.

Lessons from the Willow Tree

Reflecting again on the fallen willow, Elder Palmer outlines profound lessons for those returning:

  • The journey back is not easy – Like the tree stripped of branches, returning may leave one feeling vulnerable and exposed.

  • It takes time – The tree took years to regain its beauty and strength; so too will faith and testimony grow gradually.

  • Care and nourishment are essential – Weekly sacrament, temple worship, and daily gospel living help spiritual roots deepen.

  • Stay sensitive to the Spirit – Testimony grows as we listen and respond to the Holy Ghost.

  • Don’t take offense – Returning members may face awkward or unkind comments, but patience and focus on Christ help.

Above all, Elder Palmer emphasizes that Christ knows our divine potential, just as his neighbor saw the potential in the fallen tree. The Lord will never give up on us.

Final Testimony

Elder Palmer ends with a testimony that there is “rejoicing in heaven over those who return.” He affirms that we are needed and loved by Jesus Christ, who blesses the repentant with peace and joy. His concluding words ring with power and compassion:

“It is not too late for you to come back. With all the love in our hearts, we welcome you home.”


Click here to read or watch the full talk

June 8 2025 EQ lesson by John Dye


10 Questions

  1. What are the “roots” of my faith, and are they still connected to the gospel?

  2. Have I ever felt like the fallen willow tree—uprooted or lost? How did I respond?

  3. What small spiritual impressions have I ignored that I now recognize as invitations to return?

  4. Have I taken offense at something in Church culture or doctrine? How can I seek healing through Christ?

  5. Who in my life has extended Christlike love, even when I felt unworthy of it?

  6. How can I extend love to someone who has stepped away from the Church?

  7. What do I truly long for spiritually, and what is holding me back from pursuing it?

  8. Am I willing to endure the discomfort and vulnerability of spiritual growth?

  9. What does the Lord see in me that I may have forgotten or failed to believe?

  10. How does the promise “that I may heal you” apply to my current spiritual journey?

 

 

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