Family Home Evening

Turning the Hearts of the Children: Doctrine and Covenants 2:2

Now keep in mind this: that when the full measure of Elijah's mission is understood, that the hearts of the children will be turned to the fathers, and the fathers to the children. It applies just as much on this side of the veil as it does on the other side of the veil. If we neglect our families here in having family home night and we fail in our responsibilities here, how could we feel that we are doing our full duty in turning the hearts of our children to their fathers.

How would heaven be if we lost some of those we love through our own neglect? The blessings in heaven won't be ours until we have done everything we can to save those whom the Lord has sent through our lineage. So, the hearts of your fathers and mothers must be turned to your children right now, if you have the true spirit of Elijah, and not think that it applies merely to those who are beyond the veil. Let your hearts be turned to your children, and teach your children; but you must do it when they are young enough to be properly schooled. If you are neglecting your family home evening, you are neglecting the beginning of the mission of Elijah just as certainly as if you were neglecting your genealogy research work. 
(Harold B. Lee, Priesthood Genealogy Seminar, 1973.)



We have often and fittingly used this exhortation to bolster our efforts in genealogical and temple work, but another dimension of its application could be the family home evening. President Harold B. Lee said, "I would have you consider seriously whether or not that binding with your family will be secure if you have waited until you have passed beyond the veil before your hearts then yearn for your children whom you have neglected to help along the way. It is time for us to think of turning the hearts of parents to children now while living, that there might be a bond between parents and children that will last beyond death. It is a very real principle, and we should consider it. (Ensign, February 1971, p. 11.) [Neal A. Maxwell, That My Family Should Partake (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974), p. 111.]

The word turn here should be translated bind, or seal (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 330).