In the First Presidency message for September 2016, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared a message about how the gospel and the Church center on the attribute of love.
"Our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, has taught that 'love is the very essence of the gospel.'
"Love is so important that Jesus called it 'the first and great commandment' and said that every other particle of the law and words of the prophets hang upon it.
"Love is the central motive for all we do in the Church. Every program, every meeting, every action we are part of as disciples of Jesus Christ should spring from this attribute—for without charity, 'the pure love of Christ,' we are nothing."
Read the full message at lds.org.
Supplemental Reading: In his April 2014 general conference address, "Love—the Essence of the Gospel," President Thomas S. Monson spoke about how members can strive to develop greater love for others.
"I would hope that we would strive always to be considerate and to be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings and circumstances of those around us. Let us not demean or belittle. Rather, let us be compassionate and encouraging. We must be careful that we do not destroy another person’s confidence through careless words or actions. . . .
"Love is expressed in many recognizable ways: a smile, a wave, a kind comment, a compliment. Other expressions may be more subtle, such as showing interest in another’s activities, teaching a principle with kindness and patience, visiting one who is ill or homebound. These words and actions and many others can communicate love."
Read the full message at lds.org.