Elder Dale G. Renlund on seeing others through a parent's eyes

Elder Dale G. Renlund (b. 1952) served in the First Quorum of Seventy starting in 2009, until his call to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2015.

"In the Church, to effectively serve others we must see them through a parent's eyes, through Heavenly Father's eyes. Only then can we begin to comprehend the true worth of a soul. Only then can we sense the love that Heavenly Father has for all of His children. Only then can we sense the Savior's caring concern for them. We cannot completely fulfill our covenant obligation to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort unless we see them through God's eyes (see Mosiah 18:8–10). This expanded perspective will open our hearts to the disappointments, fears, and heartaches of others. But Heavenly Father will aid and comfort us, just as Chad's parents comforted me years ago. We need to have eyes that see, ears that hear, and hearts that know and feel if we are to accomplish the rescue so frequently encouraged by President Thomas S. Monson.

"Only when we see through Heavenly Father's eyes can we be filled with 'the pure love of Christ' (Moroni 7:47). Every day we should plead with God for this love."

- Dale G. Renlund, "Through God's Eyes," General Conference, October 2015, Sunday morning session
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In his first general conference address after being sustained as the newest apostle in the Church, Elder Renlund spoke of some insights from his occupation as a heart surgeon. He would try to keep a professional perspective when a patient did not survive, but then when he recognized the overwhelming emotions of the parents of a young boy, it gave him insight into eternal perspective.

As Elder Renlund notes, seeing others through an expanded, eternal perspective will show us their potential and gifts. But it also shows the reality of their challenges and shortcomings. The blessing is that through that perspective, we can be enabled to "rescue" in ways that we never would otherwise.

The final statement is profound: "Every day we should plead with God for this love," the "pure love of Christ" spoken of in the scriptures.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
October 23, 2015