Russell M. Nelson shares advice ahead of 101st Birthday

Related video: A look at the 100th birthday celebration of LDS President Russell M. Nelson

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is turning 101 next week. Ahead of it, he is encouraging his religious followers and the entire world to contribute to happiness and peace.

President Russel M. Nelson is celebrating his 101st birthday on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Ahead of his birthday celebrations, he gave two pieces of advice in a Time op-ed. The first was that “each of us has inherent worth and dignity”.

The second piece of advice was for people, regardless of religious belief, to “love your neighbor and treat them with compassion and respect.”

Nelson said that advice “sustained [him] through loss and triumph, uncertainty, peace, war, and healing,” and added, “If we embrace these eternal truths — honoring our own worth, treating others with dignity, and nurturing our families — our lives, and our world, will be steadier and more joyful.”

He also encouraged individuals to be “peacemakers”.

In addition to Nelson’s birthday advice, several other leaders have previously shared comments on his influence and provided similar ideas.

Robert P. George, a Princeton University professor, said, “The foundational principle of all sound morality is that of the profound inherent and equal dignity of each and every member of the human family.”

Birthday preparations

To mark his birthday this year, Church officials are inviting all to use the hashtag #PresidentNelson101 to share lessons learned from President Nelson and how his teachings have impacted their lives. There are over 100 posts on Instagram, over a 1000 on Facebook and many more on X

Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church said he has served alongside President Nelson for over 40 years. “During this time, I have learned and observed much from him about following Jesus Christ, receiving personal revelation, and expressing genuine love to God’s children,” Oaks said through a post on social media.

There are no public celebrations planned at this time.

He is the first-ever LDS Church president to reach over a 100 years old.