President Russell M. Nelson on the miracle of resurrection

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"Jesus suffered deeply because He loves us deeply! He wants us to repent and be converted so that He can fully heal us.

"When sore trials come upon us, it’s time to deepen our faith in God, to work hard, and to serve others. Then He will heal our broken hearts. He will bestow upon us personal peace (see John 14:27) and comfort (see Isa 40:1; John 14:16-17, 26). Those great gifts will not be destroyed, even by death.

"The gift of resurrection is the Lord’s consummate act of healing. Thanks to Him, each body will be restored to its proper and perfect frame (see Alma 11:43; Alma 40:23). Thanks to Him, no condition is hopeless. Thanks to Him, brighter days are ahead, both here and hereafter. Real joy awaits each of us—on the other side of sorrow."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Jesus Christ—the Master Healer," General Conference October 2005
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This is a beautiful message for Easter morning. All of us suffer in life, to some degree and on some occasions; some more than others, for reasons we don't always understand. But gratefully, the Savior suffered too; he "suffered deeply because He loves us deeply!" Because of that love, He offers us healing as we repent and turn to him. Our broken hearts can be replaced by personal peace through His grace and atonement for us.

And ultimately, overcoming death, physical and spiritual, is the greatest gift of all:

Through His resurrection He offers to us the "consummate act of healing." All physical ailments and disabilities will be resolved; and through the Atonement, all spiritual and emotional concerns can also be healed. What a glorious and hope-filled gift! Truly, there is "real joy" waiting us all "on the other side of sorrow."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)