Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on understanding adversity in life

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.  This excerpt is from one of his most memorable talks.

"I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.

"As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, 'Come what may, and love it.'"

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It," General Conference October 2008
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is a summary of Elder Wirthlin's classic talk, "Come What May, and Love It." I was touched by his faith and perspective; it takes a deep faith to believe that adversity "can be a blessing in our lives" as we respond to it properly. But we have to "learn to love it."

As he shared in his talk, Elder Wirthlin summarizes some of the keys to understanding the role of adversity in life:

• find humor even in challenges
• know that there is compensation for suffering
• stay close to our Father in Heaven

With those attitudes, we will truly understand the role of adversity and be able to say with Elder Wirthlin, "Come what may, and love it."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)