Our home can have a significant impact on our wellbeing. It can be a place of healing, peace, nourishment, and hopefully, become our sanctuary — a place of refuge and safety. When our home is created this way, we can receive blessings and develop increased motivation and strength. President Russell M. Nelson said, “We hope and pray that each member’s home will become a true sanctuary of faith where the Spirit of the Lord may dwell.”
Here are three ways you can start turning your home into a sanctuary.1. Incorporate the gospel into your life daily
When we have a place that allows us to focus on the gospel, we will have a place to receive insights and understand our purpose better. It can also allow us to see ourselves as
God sees us
: someone who is deserving of happiness, opportunity, and success. Elder Rafael E. Pino, of the Seventy, taught, “The eternal perspective of the gospel leads us to understand the place that we occupy in God’s plan.”
As we learn about the principles of the gospel and apply them in our lives, our blessings become clearer. Soon we will gain even more blessings — so much so “that there shall not be room enough to receive [them].”
The home can become a special place to learn more about the Savior and His gospel. There, we can learn more as we study the scriptures and teachings of prophets and apostles, ponder the lessons we learn, and pray for continued revelation.2. Fortify your family
Having a strong family unit can create an environment conducive to learning about the gospel and the Savior. One way we can strengthen our families is by having family home evenings each week, so that each member can learn and grow from one another.
President Nelson counseled, “[Remodel your] home into a sanctuary of faith.”
We can begin remodeling our home by inviting the Holy Ghost into our lives and using the tools of the gospel. This can include trusting our Savior during trials, remembering Him and His atoning sacrifice, and actively developing our relationship with him.Another useful resource is the
Come, Follow Me — For Individuals and Families manual
. Studying the weekly lessons can bring more insights on how to keep your home a sanctuary.
Having a home built into a sanctuary of faith allows us to receive constant spiritual nourishment. This can help us throughout our whole lives, whether by strengthening our talents and families or aiding us in overcoming our everyday challenges. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught, “When peace and harmony abound, the Holy Spirit will ever be present. The storms of the evil one can be stopped at the very entrance of our homes.”
3. Invite a spirit of learning
We will experience an increase in our ability to learn when our home is a place of peace and full of the Savior’s gospel. This can help us learn both spiritually and academically. Elder David A. Bednar said, “Our homes are the ultimate setting for learning, living, and becoming.”
A home that invites the Spirit allows us to have a designated place where we can concentrate, experience less worldly stress, and be productive.We can gain comfort and peace knowing that our Savior will constantly be by our side, especially at home. Elder Jeffery R. Holland taught, “Home is, or can be, an echo of heaven — a reminder of the eternal goal we came here to pursue.”
As our home becomes a sanctuary, we can glimpse a piece of heaven.
Article published on March 8, 2021