My Jesus

All my life, I have used phrases such as “My Mom,” “My Dad,” “My Grandpa,” “My Grandma,” “My Son,” “My Daughter,” “My Brother,” “My Sister,” “My Wife,” you get the idea. We have this sense of “My” whenever we have a meaningful relationship.

This meaningful relationship is unique. While I share a mother and father with my siblings, “My Parents” means something different to me than when my sister says “My Parents.” The uniqueness of the relationship is important as it defines a distinct connection between two people.

We can have that “My” relationship with Jesus. In “I Glory in My Jesus“, Elder Aaron T. Hall states: “That short phrase, ‘I glory in my Jesus,’ beautifully captures Nephi’s loving relationship with the Son of God.”

How do we get a relationship with Jesus that we can say, “My Jesus?” For me, I think it has to do with two invitations He has extended to us. The first is “Come, Follow Me,” and the second is “Walk with Me.” These two invitations open the door to creating a personal relationship with Jesus.

The first invitation asks us to find, learn of, and follow Him. All relationships start with the first two of these. We “find” each other, whether by birth, friends in school, or colleagues at work. Then we learn about each other. We don’t necessarily “follow” each other, unless you count social media, but we do things together and strengthen the bonds of the relationship.

The second invitation lets us know that He is beside us. When we have a personal relationship with someone, we walk with them. We don’t walk behind them or in front of them. The relationship is one of togetherness. Walking together gives us a sense of security, comfort, and peace.

I love the picture in this post of Jesus looking over the city of Jerusalem. I’m always reminded of the scripture in Luke 13:34 (emphasis added) where Jesus says, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” He is telling His people that He wants to have a relationship with us. He wants to walk with us and have us follow Him. He mourns when we decide not to have a relationship with Him.

Sometimes, our relationship with Jesus needs a renewal. One of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon is Second Nephi, Chapter 4. I remember reading it in college during a time of doubt and soul-seeking. Verses 16-35 especially touched me, as I could relate to Nephi.

“O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.” I was a depressed young man, caught in the grips of addiction. I was searching for a way out, to end the feeling of hopelessness and despair.

Then I read the end of verse 19 and into 20, “nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support.” Trust in God and recognizing His support lifted me up. In that moment, I understood that God hadn’t given up on me; that Jesus was my Savior; and that I was loved. This renewed my relationship with Jesus and allowed me to call Him “My Jesus.”

I could then exclaim as Nephi did, “Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.”

I have not been perfect after this experience, but I have always remembered it when temptation and trial have come. The relationship I have with Jesus has become an anchor to my soul (see Ether 12:4).

All good relationships require work and strengthening. My relationship with Jesus is no exception. Just because the renewal of that relationship was established so many years ago doesn’t mean it can be left alone.

How do I strengthen that relationship?

Recently, I did a personal spiritual checkup. In that checkup, I reviewed how I was keeping the Sacrament promise to “always remember Him.” I found myself lacking in a few areas.

The first of these was prayer. I’ve never been one to pray consistently. I realize that prayer is a way to strengthen my relationship with Jesus. My wife has been my inspiration here. Every morning upon waking, and every night before lying down, she spends time on her knees praying. I’ve decided to try it. I’m finding that it’s helping me focus during the day and sleep better at night. I’ve also noticed an increased sensitivity to the Holy Ghost.

Another area where I’m strengthening my relationship with Jesus is by studying “Come, Follow Me.” This year’s focus is on the Old Testament, not an easy study. As in years past, I have a “study journal” copy of the Old Testament in which I can write my feelings as I read and ponder. I am looking for Him in the verses and chapters, and seeing the relationship He has with His people. This gives me ideas on how I can strengthen my relationship with Him.

One last example of where I’m strengthening my relationship with Jesus is by understanding the various names He goes by. In the April 2026 General Conference, Elder Clark G. Gilbert referenced Jesus as the “Repairer.” He paired this name with Redeemer, which made me pause and ponder. What does it mean that Jesus is a “Repairer?”

Someone who repairs fixes something that is broken. I look back on my life and see my broken times and how Jesus has repaired me. I gave thanks to God in that moment for sending Jesus as a Repairer.

I believe everyone can have a relationship with Jesus. I also believe that everyone can call Him “My Jesus.” Just as we say “My Dad,” and it is a personal, unique relationship identifier, we can say “My Jesus,” and have a similar relationship experience. Find “Your Jesus,” create/renew/strengthen your relationship with Him. He is there. We then can say with Nephi, “I glory in my Jesus.”