The Savior’s Abiding Compassion

An overarching theme I saw this last conference was discipleship – in particular, traits of a disciple of Christ. And one of those characteristics is compassion.

This was one of those talks that really just pierced my heart. Reading the words of Elder Soares was humbling as he described so well who I want to be, but also where I need work.

Compassion, he said, was a fundamental characteristic of those who are striving for sanctification. Sanctification is the process of being purified. Which is the whole point of mortality, right? To prove ourselves – to show that we can let ourselves be created into something better.

One way that we get there is through showing others compassion.

The last three years have been difficult ones for our family and for me personally. I have felt like I have been in a constant act of trying to be refined and it has left me tired and defeated many times. And it has made me sometimes resentful that I have felt so alone. Alone in a lot of different ways – but loneliness has definitely been a common feeling for me the last couple years.

I had a gentle reminder from this talk and from a friend that has re-entered my life the last year, that I can be an instrument in the Lord’s hands and act compassionately to those around me. – regardless of what is going on in my life. Satan loves to make us feel alone and abandoned. And we can’t control the actions of those around us, but we can be a friend to others. I’ve prayed for a friend for a long time instead of going and being a friend to others. I can be proactive and look at the needs of others. I have definitely been guilty of tunnel vision the last couple years. I have been so overwhelmed with my own cares and worries and that of my family, that it has been hard to see anything else. But the world is full of people hurting and being refined in their own unique ways. And I need to see beyond myself and try and be the vessel to lighten the cares and worries of others.

A word that really struck me that Elder Soares used was intentional. Compassion I think can become a very natural thing, but as with most things, it starts with great intention. As we pray to have our eyes and hearts open to other’s needs, we will become more sensitive and have a greater love for those around us. Our feelings become more tender and sweeter and with that comes greater happiness. We will be known as peacemakers – and we need peacemakers.

I want to be a peacemaker. I want to increase my compacity for compassion to others. No one experienced sorrows and cares more than our Savior. But He was never too busy or too tired to show love and compassion. He never forgot the one. His life was that of lifting others up and I hope I can do the same.

Compassion is defined as “a suffering with another; painful sympathy; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; pity; commiseration”. I pray that I can move forward with more of this kind of love.

Here are my highlights from Elder Soares’ talk:

“One of the most striking principles taught by the Savior during His earthly ministry was treating others with compassion.

The Savior acted compassionately toward all who would come unto Him – without distinction – and most especially toward those who most needed His help.

He extended His merciful hand to those who needed relief from their burdens, both physically and spiritually.

Compassion is a fundamental characteristic of those who strive for sanctification, and this divine quality intertwines with other Christian traits such as mourning with those who mourn and having empathy, mercy, and kindness. The expression of compassion for others is, in fact, the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a marked evidence of our spiritual and emotional closeness to the Savior. Furthermore, it shows the level of influence He has on our way to life and demonstrates the magnitude of our spirits.

Many people within our circle of influence are seeking comfort, attention, inclusion, and any help that we can offer them. We all can be instruments in the Lord’s hands and act compassionately toward those in need, just as Jesus did.

As we intentionally strive to incorporate a compassionate attitude into our way of life, as exemplified by the Savior, we will become more sensitive to people’s needs. With that increased sensitivity, feelings of genuine interest and love will permeate our every action. The Lord will recognize our efforts, and we will surely be blessed with opportunities to be instruments in His hands in softening hearts and in bring relief to those whose “hands…hang down.”

We should never make harsh and cruel judgment of our neighbor, because we are all in need of understanding and mercy for our imperfections from our loving Heavenly Father.

It is not easy to understand all the circumstances that contribute to someone’s attitude or reaction. Christ is capable of clearly seeing all facets of a given situation. Even knowing all our weaknesses as He does, the Savior does not rashly condemn us but continues to work with us compassionately over time. Jesus always looks on the heart and not ont he appearance.

In order to qualify ourselves to make righteous judgments, we must strive to become like the Savior and look at the imperfections of individuals compassionately, even through His eyes. Perhaps it would be better if we sit at Jesus’s feet and plead for mercy for our own imperfections…and not spend so much time and energy fixating on the perceived imperfections of others.

I testify that as we strive to incorporate the Savior’s compassionate example into our lives, our capacity to compliment the virtues of our neighbors will increase and our natural instinct to judge their imperfections will decrease. Our communion with God will grow, and certainly our lives will become sweeter, our feelings more tender, and we will find a never-ending source of happiness. We will be known as peacemakers, whose words are as gentle as the dew of a spring morning.”

FULL text and video of Elder Soares’ talk can be found HERE.

Other messages from the October 2021 General Conference that I have found particularly impactful:

• The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation by President Russell M. Nelson
• The Need for a Church by President Dallin H. Oaks
• The Greatest Possession by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
• Invite Christ to Author Your Story by Sister Camille N. Johnson
• Daily Restoration by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf