Dallin H. Oaks on healing through the Savior's Atonement

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (b. August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"The Savior teaches that we will have tribulation in the world, but we should 'be of good cheer' because He has 'overcome the world' (John 16:33). His Atonement reaches and is powerful enough not only to pay the price for sin but also to heal every mortal affliction. The Book of Mormon teaches that 'He shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people' (Alma 7:11; see also 2 Nephi 9:21).

"He knows of our anguish, and He is there for us. Like the good Samaritan in His parable, when He finds us wounded at the wayside, He binds up our wounds and cares for us (see Luke 10:34). Brothers and sisters, the healing power of His Atonement is for you, for us, for all....

"At times we may despair that our burdens are too great. When it seems that a tempest is raging in our lives, we may feel abandoned and cry out like the disciples in the storm, 'Master, carest thou not that we perish?' (Mark 4:38). At such times we should remember His reply: 'Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?' (v. 40).

"The healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ—whether it removes our burdens or strengthens us to endure and live with them like the Apostle Paul—is available for every affliction in mortality."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "He Heals the Heavy Laden," Ensign, November 2006, pp. 6-9
Click here to read the full talk

One of the great messages of the Gospel that every saint must discover is that the Savior's Atonement "reaches and is powerful enough not only to pay the price for sin but also to heal every mortal affliction." Satisfying the demands of justice so that we can be forgiven of sin is a glorious blessing; but the ongoing healing and sustenance that is also offered is a Divine gift that we can take advantage of repeatedly, daily, constantly.

The times when we need this blessing most are sometimes the points in our life when we are the least capable of remembering it is available. We "despair that our burdens are too great." Elder Oaks reminds us of the Savior's gentle reminder to have faith instead of fear, and "the healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ" will be a powerful strength and a healing balm.