Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on the principle of compensation

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.

"Understand the principle of compensation. The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude....

"Because Heavenly Father is merciful, a principle of compensation prevails. I have seen this in my own life."

 - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It," Ensign, Nov. 2008, p. 26
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This is a beautiful message of faith and hope. While we may have disappointments, struggles, and suffering in life, the true disciple has the assurance that all will be well. Times of shortage are always followed by times of abundance when, according to the promises of the Lord, all will be made right. The doctrine of hope is the eternal certainty of that which is to come, regardless of what may be taking place now.

Elder Wirthlin gave some personal examples of this kind of faith and hope as part of his message. He bears witness that it must be so, because of the mercy of Heavenly Father, whose love for us must make Him eager to reward our faithfulness in suffering and enduring.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)