3 Ways to Use Words as the Savior Would

Help others feel the light and love of Jesus Christ by using words that are encouraging, calming, and forgiving

Artwork depicting Jesus Christ testifying of His atoning sacrifice while showing a woman among a crowd the wounds in his hands.

Use words to encourage

BYU Pathway student outside surrounded by greenery smiles proudly after receiving encouraging words from the Pathway missionaries. — Millicent Chiposi — Gweru, Zimbabwe

Words of encouragement can inspire others to keep moving forward. Millicent Chiposi, a BYU-Pathway Worldwide student said, “The service missionaries would encourage me to never give up and to always involve the Savior in my studies.” Their words helped Millicent to continue her schooling.

As you speak words of encouragement to your family, fellow students, and missionaries, they, too, will feel more uplifted and empowered.

Use words to calm

Artwork depicting the Savior calming the storm as He and the Apostles were on a boat in the middle of the sea. — Jesus Christ brings calm.

Jesus Christ also used His words to create a sense of peace and calm. One night, while on a ship with His disciples, there arose a great storm. After the disciples asked for help, Jesus “rebuked the wind” and “there was a great calm.”

People in your life may feel as though they have a storm about them when facing difficult challenges.

Carolina looks proudly at her PathwayConnect certificate she earned after completing the program. — Carolina de Souza — Hortolândia, Brazil

After returning home from her mission, BYU-Pathway student Carolina de Souza battled anxiety and depression. Carolina enrolled in BYU-Pathway, and the words she heard from students, mentors, and missionaries while in the program, “gave me the opportunity to see a light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

In your life, seek to calm the “storms” others may face by using words of hope and peace.

Use words to forgive

After disobeying God’s wishes and letting Martin Harris take the first 116 translated pages of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, lost his gift of translation for a time. However, after sincere repentance, the Lord forgave him and Joseph was able to resume translation of the Book of Mormon.

Strive to forgive those you interact with. Your words of forgiveness will help others continue to grow.

Feast upon the words of Christ

Jesus Christ stands, reaching his arm out and inviting all to come unto Him. — Jesus Christ shares His love through action and word.

The Savior was the best example of using words to bless and strengthen others. President Russel M. Nelson said, “If you will study [the Lord’s] words, your ability to be more like Him will increase.”

Strive to speak more like the Savior by reading the words of Christ and speaking words of encouragement, peace, hope, and forgiveness. As you do, you will help others to feel the love and light of Christ, both in their studies and their personal lives.

Want to learn more about Jesus Christ and His example? Consider the spiritually based education offered at BYU-Pathway Worldwide .

Article published on March 23, 2026