I gladly give this book a 5-star rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Powerful, Insightful, and Uplifting Guide to the Beatitudes
Ganel-Lyn Condie’s Words of Jesus: Loving & Understanding the Beatitudes is a short but deeply impactful book that brings new clarity and meaning to some of Christ’s most important teachings. In just 77 pages, Ganel-Lyn masterfully teaches the Beatitudes in a way that is both simple and profound, helping readers develop a greater desire to understand and live these principles in their daily lives. It’s a work born of revelation, grounded in testimony, and rich with purpose.
The premise behind the book caught my attention immediately: What if I could only keep one chapter of scripture? Which would I choose? Ganel-Lyn’s answer—the Beatitudes as delivered in both the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon at the Temple. These verses are short, yes, but they hold tons of meaning. And this book draws out those depths in ways that are both spiritually profound and surprisingly simple.
Right off the bat, and I mean, in the introduction of Words of Jesus, Ganel-Lyn makes one of the most insightful observations I have ever read. Christ taught the Beatitudes at the Sermon on the Mount and again when he visited the Nephites on the American continent after his resurrection. And now, here is her insight, and I quote: “Is it possible that Jesus’s mortal and Nephite ministries signal to all of us exactly what He will teach us when He ministers to us during the Second Coming?”
That statement alone made Words of Jesus worth it, even if I didn’t read another word. Oh happy day, there’s more. Now Ganel-Lyn is going to teach and give us her insight into the Beatitudes.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is helping us understand the Beatitudes are taught in both the New Testament and Book of Mormon. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, I love these little proofs of our scriptures supporting one another. If one is true, so must the other. For the purpose of her book, Genel-Lyn explains she is using 3rd Nephi in the Book of Mormon as our basis for study, and she has chosen this, in part, because the Book of Mormon account has two additional Beatitudes than the New Testament account.
My favorite part of Words of Jesus was early on in Chapter 1: Blessed Are They Who Give Heed
Hands down, my favorite part was in the very beginning. In Chapter 1 was the example of Karen who heeded the prophet’s counsel to be in the temple. A woman, not yet holding a temple recommend, found a beautiful way to be in the temple. I won’t spoil it for you (unless you can peek close at the image above and read part of the passage) as you should experience reading the example yourself, but I promise, there is a simple and beautiful way for those who are still on the path of preparing to make covenants with the Lord to be in the temple before they have obtained their recommend.
I especially loved this chapter as my youngest son, a recent high school graduate, is preparing to go to the temple for the first time.
Ganel-Lyn’s storytelling ability shines as she relates the Beatitudes to the real-life experiences of people she knows. I think this levels up a book when the author does this. Using real-life events makes the teachings of Christ feel incredibly personal and applicable. Her words are not just insightful, they are inspiring. They gently urge readers to apply Christ’s teachings in their own lives. I love how she gives examples of people she knows and loves who have done just that.
I especially loved the format of the book. Each chapter walked through a different Beatitude, helping me see not just what the Savior said, but what He meant. It really helped to deepen my understanding. Each chapter is concise, yet packed with wisdom. In addition, the inclusion of journaling prompts encourages readers to reflect deeply on their spiritual journey. These questions are ones we could ask ourselves regularly to measure our progress in becoming more Christlike. This book is perfect for personal scripture study or family devotionals. It could also be used as a Family Home Evening lesson resource or a companion to certain Come Follow Me lessons.
Condie’s message is clear: If we truly want to be Christian, we must strive to be like Christ. She encourages readers to “sit with the Savior” through scripture study and to accept His invitations to grow spiritually. The book is filled with excellent examples, references, and heartfelt stories that make the Beatitudes not just something to study, but something to live.
Ganel-Lyn doesn’t just quote the scriptures, she invites me into them. Her reflections are gentle and clear, full of real-life stories and insights that resonate deeply. — Emmaline
One of Words of Jesus’s greatest strengths is its ability to connect scripture to modern life. Ganel-Lyn writes as a fellow disciple who knows what it’s like to wrestle with fear, failure, and frustration. She gently reminds us that the Savior’s way is not only attainable, it’s the only way that leads to peace. Her use of journal prompts at the end of each chapter invites me reflection and a chance to apply what I’ve learned. I find myself lingering on certain questions, even jotting thoughts in my notebook to revisit later. As an avid journal writer, I love this.
On a personal note, I had the privilege of knowing Ganel-Lyn Condie during a brief time in 2017. For a few months, before we moved to Texas, I lived in her ward in Utah. I was blessed to attend a Family Home Evening at her home and had a one-on-one conversation with her that left a profound impact on me. She is not only a gifted writer and speaker but a woman who truly knows, loves, and lives her faith.
This book is short, but it doesn’t feel rushed. Instead, it feels like a still, sacred pause in the chaos of life. — Emmaline
Words of Jesus doesn’t just explain the Beatitudes. It helps me live them. I closed the book with a renewed desire to walk a little closer with the Savior. To let His words shape me. And to see others through the lens of His love.
This is more than a good book. It’s a quiet, powerful call to become more like Jesus. And I’m so grateful I answered it.
This book is one I will return to again and again. I highly recommend it for everyone, whether for personal study, as a family resource, or as a meaningful gift for Christmas, birthdays, college-bound students, ministering friends, and more. A must-read for LDS families and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Christ’s teachings.
My Rating: 5-Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Title: Words of Jesus: Loving & Understanding the Beatitudes
Author: Ganel-Lyn Condie
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Publication Date: August 13, 2024
Publisher Page Count (includes front and back matter): 77
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-4621-4721-2
eBook ISBN: 978-1-4621-4833-2
Words of Jesus Book Description:
When the Savior spoke to His disciples in the Holy Land and in the Americas, He delivered some of His most powerful teachings. One of the things He taught we call the Beatitudes. In those few verses, preserved for us in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, Jesus teaches us how to treat others and live as He did, becoming righteous disciples as we approach the difficulties of life with humility, obedience, and love.
The Words of Understanding and Loving the Beatitudes explains in beautiful simplicity how each of us can live the Savior’s famous sermon. It includes both scriptural accounts and modern examples that will guide you in your daily life as you do your best to become like Him and follow in His footsteps.
About Ganel-Lyn Condie:
Ganel-Lyn Condie is a popular motivational speaker known for inspiring others with her unique honesty, authenticity, and spirit. She is dedicated to her family, faith, and inspiring others.
Ganel-Lyn loves teaching others through speaking and writing. She has experienced healing from a major chronic illness and is the mother to two miracle children.
After the heartbreaking suicide of her 40-year-old sister, Ganel-Lyn is constantly working toward suicide prevention.
Ganel-Lyn lives with an open heart and feels passionate about sharing principles that will empower others to live life with more joy.
She is a regular television and radio guest and hosts the popular shows REAL TALK CFM and THE MIDDLE. Ganel-Lyn’s books and talks have now encouraged thousands of people all over the world.
She loves growing older with her cute husband Rob and aims to keep learning and loving.
If I read and review more books by Ganel-Lyn Condie, you will find them here!
English