"God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect.
"Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not.
"And yet we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does.
"Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
"It's wonderful that you have strengths.
"And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses.
"God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths (see Ether 12:27), but He knows that this is a long-term goal. He wants us to become perfect (see 3 Nephi 12:48), and if we stay on the path of discipleship, one day we will. It's OK that you're not quite there yet. Keep working on it, but stop punishing yourself.
"Dear sisters, many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself."
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not," Ensign, Nov 2011, pp. 120-123
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These remarks were shared by President Uchtdorf as part of an address to a General Relief Society Meeting. They provided a welcome perspective to many, both women and men, who struggle with the perception of their own faults and shortcomings at various times. He helps us all understand that we increase our difficulties in our continual comparisons with others. I thought this warning was very insightful:
The "bottom line" is that we're all imperfect, but we all have the potential to grow and improve towards perfection—individually, in our particular and personal situation. The crucial message is to "stay on the path of discipleship," being compassionate with ourselves, knowing that God will bless and aid us in the journey—one by one.
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