Elder Gary E. Stevenson on showing Christlike love

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (born August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Our hearts are heavy with the human suffering and tensions that we see throughout the world during these tumultuous times. However, we can be also inspired by the outpouring of compassion and humanitarianism that has been demonstrated by people everywhere through their efforts to reach out to the marginalized—those displaced from their homes, separated from their families, or experiencing other forms of sorrow and despair....

"Whenever we show Christlike love toward our neighbor, we preach the gospel—even if we do not voice a single word.

"Love for others is the eloquent expression of the second great commandment to love our neighbor; it shows the refining process of the Holy Spirit working within our own souls. By demonstrating Christ’s love to others, we may cause those who see our good works to 'glorify [our] Father which is in heaven.' (Matt. 5:16)

"We do this expecting nothing in return.

"Our hope, of course, is they will accept our love and our message, though how they react is not within our control.

"What we do and who we are certainly are.

"Through Christlike love for others, we preach the glorious, life-transforming properties of Christ’s gospel, and we participate significantly in the fulfilling of His great commission."

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Love, Share, Invite", General Conference April 2022, Sunday morning

Click here to read or listen to the full discourse

Elder Stevenson's remarks focused on the Savior's invitation to take the Savior's message "into all the world." He described three steps or parts of the process: love, share, invite. In the "love" section, Elder Stevenson talked about the power of expressing true love for others, true Christlike love.

Seeing the gospel in the life of a true disciple is certainly a powerful message. Actions speak louder than words! And if the message of the Savior doesn't result in action in our lives, it's not worth much. I love this reminder.

 

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on recognizing God's plan for our lives

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"I have been mercifully granted what might be called a 'delay en route.' Whether short or long, it is a wonderful blessing from the Lord! I have thereby learned, however, that there is another side to the 'Why me?' question, since some are not granted any 'delay en route' at all. Whichever side of that question, what is needed is mortal submission, even when there is no immediate divine explanation. Thus we are to press forward, whatever the length of the near horizon, while rejoicing in what awaits us on the far horizon....

"Mortality presents us with numerous opportunities to become more Christlike: first, by coping successfully with those of life's challenges which are 'common to man[kind]' (1 Cor. 10:13). In addition, there are also our customized trials such as experiencing illness, aloneness, persecution, betrayal, irony, poverty, false witness, unreciprocated love, et cetera. If endured well now, 'all these things' can be for our good and can 'greatly enlarge the soul,' including an enlarged capacity for joy (D&C 122:7; D&C 121:42). Meek suffering often does the excavating necessary for that enlarging! My admiration goes to my many spiritual superiors who so exemplify for us all. In the world to come, to these, the most faithful, our generous Father will give 'all that [He] hath' (D&C 84:38). Brothers and sisters, there isn't any more!"

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Apply the Atoning Blood of Christ," Ensign, November 1997, p. 22
Click here to read the full article

Elder Maxwell was diagnosed with leukemia in 1996. Against the odds, he was in remission by the time he spoke in the October 1997 general conference. As he discussed his "delay on route" he must have had particularly poignant feelings. I'm fascinated by his insight into the "why me?" question. We usually think of that when we're struggling or suffering; but we rarely do when we feel blessed or spared. I acknowledge a number of both types of "why me?" instances in my own life—but actually, quite a few more of the blessing kind!

And then this beautiful comment about faith and perspective:

The second part of this process is Elder Maxwell's description of "numerous opportunities to become more Christlike" that includes the variety of challenges we encounter. Things that "greatly enlarge the soul" also enlarge its capacity to experience joy. "Meek suffering often does the excavating necessary for that enlarging!" Elder Maxwell knew whereof he spoke, based on his recent experiences when he gave this address. But in conclusion, and perhaps in another of those "why me?" type of scenarios, there is this ultimate promise:

The perspective of eternity will surely illuminate, clarify, and even justify what we view as the trials of mortality.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 18, 2015

Elder Dale G. Renlund on learning to be more Christlike

Elder Dale G. Renlund (born November 13, 1952) served in the First Quorum of Seventy starting in 2009, until his call to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2015.

"Jesus Christ exemplified what it means to do justly and to love mercy. He freely associated with sinners, treating them honorably and with respect. He taught the joy of keeping God’s commandments and sought to lift rather than condemn those who struggled. He did denounce those who faulted Him for ministering to people they deemed unworthy. Such self-righteousness offended Him and still does. (See Luke 15:1-2)

"To be Christlike, a person does justly, behaving honorably with both God and other people. A just person is civil in words and action and recognizes that differences in outlook or belief do not preclude genuine kindness and friendship. Individuals who do justly 'will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably' (Mosiah 4:13) one with another.

"To be Christlike, a person loves mercy. People who love mercy are not judgmental; they manifest compassion for others, especially for those who are less fortunate; they are gracious, kind, and honorable. These individuals treat everyone with love and understanding, regardless of characteristics such as race, gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and tribal, clan, or national differences. These are superseded by Christlike love.

"To be Christlike, a person chooses God (see Moses 7:33), walks humbly with Him, seeks to please Him, and keeps covenants with Him. Individuals who walk humbly with God remember what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have done for them."

- Dale G. Renlund, "Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God," General Conference October 2020, Sunday afternoon

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of the Christian message related to how we interact with those around us. Elder Renlund takes his theme from the Old Testament prophet Micah's injunction about the importance of "doing justly" to those around us and "loving mercy" in our interactions. The great exemplar of these attributes is the Savior himself, and so we look to his life and message for the standard that we strive to follow.

We should never be judgmental of those around us. We need to learn to overcome any preconceptions about "race, gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and tribal, clan, or national differences." What a comprehensive list!

As we strive to be more Christlike, we find wonderful teachings and examples to guide us:

What a great thought: "differences in outlook or belief do not preclude genuine kindness and friendship." We can have a difference of opinion with someone but still love and accept them! If we are truly disciples of the Savior, we must learn to do better.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder David A. Bednar on seeking a Christlike character

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"We can in mortality seek to be blessed with and develop essential elements of a Christlike character. Indeed, it is possible for us as mortals to strive in righteousness to receive the spiritual gifts associated with the capacity to reach outward and appropriately respond to other people who are experiencing the very challenge or adversity that is most immediately and forcefully pressing upon us. We cannot obtain such a capacity through sheer willpower or personal determination. Rather, we are dependent upon and in need of 'the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah' (2 Nephi 2:8). But 'line upon line, precept upon precept' (2 Nephi 28:30) and 'in [the] process of time' (Moses 7:21), we are enabled to reach outward when the natural tendency is for us to turn inward.

"It is interesting to me that one of the central elements of the word character is created by the letters A, C, and T. As we already have seen in the examples of Christ's character from the New Testament, the nature and consistency of how one acts reveals in a powerful way his or her true character. In the case of Christ, he is described as one '. . . who went about doing good' (Acts 10:38)."

- David A. Bednar, "The Character of Christ," BYU-Idaho Religion Symposium, January 25, 2003
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Bednar delivered this address after hearing Elder Neal A. Maxwell teach, "There would have been no Atonement except for the character of Christ." He was led to ponder the character of Christ and how we can be blessed as we come to understand it. As we humbly and sincerely see the spiritual gifts that will allow us to emulate Him, we will be deeply blessed and enhanced through His grace.

Elder Bednar points out that it becomes key for us to act in accordance with the principles we have learned, in seeking His character. Like Him, we should "go about doing good."

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

Elder David A. Bednar on developing the quality of meekness

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint....

"The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others.

"Whereas humility generally denotes dependence upon God and the constant need for His guidance and support, a distinguishing characteristic of meekness is a particular spiritual receptivity to learning both from the Holy Ghost and from people who may seem less capable, experienced, or educated, who may not hold important positions, or who otherwise may not appear to have much to contribute. Recall how Naaman, captain of the king’s army in Syria, overcame his pride and meekly accepted the advice of his servants to obey Elisha the prophet and wash in the river Jordan seven times (see 2 Kings 5:1–17). Meekness is the principal protection from the prideful blindness that often arises from prominence, position, power, wealth, and adulation."

- David A. Bednar, "Meek and Lowly of Heart," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Bednar taught about the "Christlike quality of meekness" using scriptural and contemporary examples. These paragraphs summarize some of the qualities he describes. Quite different from the prevailing concept held by the world, meekness includes "righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint." Those are interesting descriptions to ponder: am I responsive to righteous instructions and spiritual promptings? Am I willing to submit to God and to others who could bless me with their influence? Can I restrain and control my desires and actions in appropriate ways?

While humility and meekness are both very desirable qualities we are encouraged to develop, they have different focuses. According to Elder Bednar, humility relates more to our relationship to God, and our recognition of the guidance and support He offers. But meekness usually describes a willingness to learn from either the Holy Ghost or from other people around us, including those who may seem to us to be "less capable, experienced, or educated, who may not hold important positions, or who otherwise may not appear to have much to contribute." A truly meek person recognizes the good in all, and knows that he can learn from every person, no matter their stature or position. How important it is to be wary of "the prideful blindness that often arises from prominence, position, power, wealth, and adulation." Great counsel for us all!

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

Elder Ulisses Soares on developing Christlike meekness

Elder Ulisses Soares (born October 2, 1958) has served as a Seventy since April 2005, and as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy since January 2013. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles on April 1, 2018.

"Meekness is the quality of those who are 'Godfearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering' (Guide to the Scriptures, s.v. 'Meek, Meekness'). Those who possess this attribute are willing to follow Jesus Christ, and their temperament is calm, docile, tolerant, and submissive.

"The Apostle Paul taught that meekness is a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, it can most easily be attained if we 'live in the Spirit' (Galatians 5:25). And to live in the Spirit, our lifestyle must reflect righteousness before the Lord.

"As we take Christ’s name upon us, it is expected that we strive to emulate His attributes and change our character to become more like Him each day....

"'Christlike attributes are gifts from God. [These attributes] come as [we] use [our] agency righteously. …With a desire to please God, [we have to] recognize [our] weaknesses and be willing and anxious to improve.' (Preach My Gospel 115)

"Meekness is vital for us to become more Christlike. Without it we won’t be able to develop other important virtues. Being meek does not mean weakness, but it does mean behaving with goodness and kindness, showing strength, serenity, healthy self-worth, and self-control.

"Meekness was one of the most abundant attributes in the Savior’s life. He Himself taught His disciples, 'Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart' (Matthew 11:29).

"We are blessed to be born with the seed of meekness in our hearts. We need to understand that it is not possible to grow and develop that seed in the twinkling of an eye but rather through the process of time. Christ asks us to 'take up [our] cross daily' (Luke 9:23), meaning that it must be a constant focus and desire."

- Ulisses Soares, "Be Meek and Lowly of Heart," General Conference, October 2013
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This talk was given shortly after Elder Soares was called to the presidency of the Seventy. His summary of the characteristics and qualities of meekness was interesting and helpful. The idea of our temperament being "calm, docile, tolerant, and submissive" seems like a distant goal at times, but is certainly one to aspire to and work toward. Elder Soares suggests that we obtain meekness as a "fruit of the spirit" through a righteous lifestyle, and through our efforts to emulate the Savior in our daily activities.

Developing qualities of meekness leads us to be more Christlike, one of the best goals we could have. It's especially important to note that we are "born with the seed of meekness in our hearts" but that the full development of the quality of meekness, like the growth of a plant from a seed, requires time and continuing nurturing. How important it is for us to continue that nurturing in our personal lives!

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook on growing in Christlike humility

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"Anyone who claims superiority under the Father’s plan because of characteristics like race, sex, nationality, language, or economic circumstances is morally wrong and does not understand the Lord’s true purpose for all of our Father’s children.

"Unfortunately, in our day in almost every segment of society, we see self-importance and arrogance flaunted while humility and accountability to God are denigrated. Much of society has lost its moorings and does not understand why we are on this earth. True humility, which is essential to achieve the Lord’s purpose for us, is seldom evident.

"It is important to understand the magnitude of Christ’s humility, righteousness, character, and intelligence, as exemplified in the scriptures. It is foolish to underestimate the necessity of continuously striving for these Christlike qualities and attributes on a day-by-day basis, particularly humility....

"Humility also includes being grateful for our numerous blessings and divine assistance. Humility isn’t some grand identifiable achievement or even overcoming some major challenge. It is a sign of spiritual strength. It is having the quiet confidence that day by day and hour by hour we can rely on the Lord, serve Him, and achieve His purposes. It is my prayer that in this contentious world we will continuously strive for true humility every day."

- Quentin L. Cook, "The Eternal Everyday," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Cook's talk was wonderfully instructive and pertinent. He analyzed many of the trends and challenges we face in today's world and gave suggestions on keeping proper perspective as we strive to move forward.

"True humility" is a quality that seems to be fading from society in our time, he suggests. The arrogance of superiority leads us away from the characteristics of a Christlike life. By looking to the Savior and seeking to follow His example, we can regain that purity of humility that will bless us as true disciples:

The "quiet confidence" of humility is desperately needed in this "contentious world" to allow us to live with grace and dignity. As we truly strive to follow the Savior and adopt Christlike characteristics, humility will be a natural result.

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

President Joseph F. Smith on how the Gospel changes our life

President Joseph F. Smith (1838-1918) was the son of Joseph's brother Hyrum. He was ordained an apostle in 1866 at age 28, and served as a counselor to Brigham Young and the three presidents who followed.  He became the 6th president of the Church in 1901, and served until his death in 1918 at age 80.

"The spirit of the Gospel is designed to make all men good in the sight of God. The Gospel is calculated to remove from us everything that is not consistent with God and the plan of salvation which he has revealed to men. It is designed to qualify us to live so that we may enjoy a fulness of the light of truth, and understand the purposes of God, and be able to live so near to Him that we may be in harmony with His wishes constantly.

"The principles of the Gospel are calculated to make us unselfish, to broaden our minds, to give breadth to our desires for good, to remove hatred, animosity, envy and anger from our hearts, and make us peaceful, tractable, teachable, and willing to sacrifice our own desires, and perchance our own interests, for the welfare of our fellow-creatures, and for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

"A man who cannot sacrifice his own wishes, who cannot say in his heart, 'Father, Thy will be done, not mine,' is not a truly and thoroughly converted child of God; he is still, to some extent, in the grasp of error and in the shades of darkness that hover around the world, hiding God from the presence of mankind.

"Show me a man that is thoroughly converted to the principles of the Gospel, and who can truly say in his heart, 'I know that the Gospel is true,' and I will show you a man that when it comes to asking him to do that which God requires at his hands will have no question in his mind in relation to doing it; he will say, 'Yes, I am ready and willing to do the will of God.'"

- Joseph F. Smith, "Blind Obedience and Tithing," September 3, 1892; see Millennial Star, 20 Jan. 1893, pp. 77-80
Click here to read the full article

This is a wonderful way of looking at the Gospel of Jesus Christ: its blessing and power in our lives is "to remove from us everything that is not consistent with God and the plan of salvation which he has revealed to men."As we grow in the Gospel, as we repent and change, we leave things behind that are contrary to that spirit and to our peace and happiness. They are gradually replaced with the pure joy that comes from living "so near to Him that we may be in harmony with His wishes constantly." Moroni beautifully described this process in these words: "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness..." (Moroni 10:32). As we do that, removing all forms of "ungodliness" from our lives, the only things left are those that are god-like. We become like Him.

One of the signs of us "hiding God from the presence of mankind," according to President Smith, is that we have not yet abandoned our selfish spirit and learned to seek only the "welfare of our fellow-creatures" and God's ultimate will in our lives. But once we become fully converted, our heart will truly change:

Richard L. Evans on heroic lives of service and love

Elder Richard L. Evans (1906-1971) served as a Seventy from 1938-1953, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He died in 1971 at age 65.  He was known as "the voice of the Tabernacle Choir" from the beginning of its broadcasts in 1929 until his passing.

"There are many in this world who live heroically in simple, daily, faithful service—people often unknown; often unnoticed; often discouraged; sometimes tried and tempted; sometimes feeling they must give up, that they can't go on—and yet they do go on, and, against discouragement, do their duty, daily: mothers abandoned, widowed, left with children; fathers left alone—grandmothers—children who care for each other. There are those who have little to live on, little relatively to brighten their lives, and yet do what they can with a loyal sense of duty. There are those who love and cherish and care for impaired children; those who faithfully care for dependent parents; those who care for loved ones who are long ill and dependent upon them; those who provide tender care, who perform essential tasks, with problems and disappointments, under difficult and discouraging conditions—weary hours, inconvenience, extra effort, going without, enduring difficulties.

"And life goes on as well as it does because there are those who do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, often against difficulty and discouragement. Oh, you who have illness; people dependent upon you—you who stay with loved ones in loyalty—you who are discouraged in your work—you who are disappointed in others, in yourselves, in circumstances—you who feel you have little of the brightness of life—trust; have faith; do the best you can. Don't give up. Don't walk out on life. Don't leave loved ones. There may be a feeling of frustration in doing what you are doing, but there can be a greater frustration in not doing what is yours to do.

"To you who give humble daily, faithful service—often unnoticed, often discouraged, sometimes feeling you can't go on: You can. Others have—and do. Meet the events of each day, and satisfactions will come in ways you do not know. God bless you—and thanks to all of you who give such service."

- Richard L. Evans, "The Spoken Word," October 25, 1970; see Ensign January 1971
Click here to read the full article

I suspect that all of us know individuals "who live heroically in simple, daily, faithful service," often unappreciated, usually unrecognized, and always struggling with increased challenges of life, including "weary hours, inconvenience, extra effort, going without, enduring difficulties." I appreciated Elder Evans' tribute to them. Most mothers fall into this category, to some degree (some, including single mothers or those who care for disabled children, far more than others).

While paying tribute to these faithful servants and care-givers, Elder Evans encourages patient and faithful endurance. And he promises blessings of satisfactions that will come in unexpected ways:

I am grateful for those who have shown this kind of Christlike love to me, and have shown the example of serving others as I've watched.

Howard W. Hunter on meekness and following Christ's way

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President for only nine months, from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"And what of the meek? In a world too preoccupied with winning through intimidation and seeking to be number one, no large crowd of folk is standing in line to buy books that call for mere meekness. But the meek shall inherit the earth—a pretty impressive corporate takeover, and done without intimidation! Sooner or later—and we pray sooner rather than later—everyone will acknowledge that Christ's way is not only the right way, but ultimately the only way to hope and joy. Every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that gentleness is better than brutality, that kindness is greater than coercion, that the soft voice turneth away wrath. In the end, and sooner than that whenever possible, we must be more like him."

- Howard W. Hunter, "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee," Ensign, May 1993, pp. 63-65
Click here to read the full talk

Sometimes we speak and write about things we are trying to learn or emulate; sometimes we share the things we have learned personally. In this case, I think President Hunter was speaking from the heart of one who exemplified the virtues he was discussing. I have always thought of him as one of the truly meek and gentle spirits of our time. For him to encourage greater meekness, and more Christlike behavior, seems to be a call to "come, try what I have tried and found to be joyful."

This is interesting reasoning. The day will come when all will acknowledge the validity of "Christ's way" as the only way—the only way to peace, joy, and hope. So why should we not try to follow that way more closely now?

Neal A. Maxwell on recognizing God's plan for our lives

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"I have been mercifully granted what might be called a 'delay en route.' Whether short or long, it is a wonderful blessing from the Lord! I have thereby learned, however, that there is another side to the 'Why me?' question, since some are not granted any 'delay en route' at all. Whichever side of that question, what is needed is mortal submission, even when there is no immediate divine explanation. Thus we are to press forward, whatever the length of the near horizon, while rejoicing in what awaits us on the far horizon....

"Mortality presents us with numerous opportunities to become more Christlike: first, by coping successfully with those of life's challenges which are 'common to man[kind]' (1 Cor. 10:13). In addition, there are also our customized trials such as experiencing illness, aloneness, persecution, betrayal, irony, poverty, false witness, unreciprocated love, et cetera. If endured well now, 'all these things' can be for our good and can 'greatly enlarge the soul,' including an enlarged capacity for joy (D&C 122:7; D&C 121:42). Meek suffering often does the excavating necessary for that enlarging! My admiration goes to my many spiritual superiors who so exemplify for us all. In the world to come, to these, the most faithful, our generous Father will give 'all that [He] hath' (D&C 84:38). Brothers and sisters, there isn't any more!"

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Apply the Atoning Blood of Christ," Ensign, November 1997, p. 22
Click here to read the full article

Elder Maxwell was diagnosed with leukemia in 1996. Against the odds, he was in remission by the time he spoke in the October 1997 general conference. As he discussed his "delay on route" he must have had particularly poignant feelings. I'm fascinated by his insight into the "why me?" question. We usually think of that when we're struggling or suffering; but we rarely do when we feel blessed or spared. I acknowledge a number of both types of "why me?" instances in my own life—but actually, quite a few more of the blessing kind!

And then this beautiful comment about faith and perspective:

The second part of this process is Elder Maxwell's description of "numerous opportunities to become more Christlike" that includes the variety of challenges we encounter. Things that "greatly enlarge the soul" also enlarge its capacity to experience joy. "Meek suffering often does the excavating necessary for that enlarging!" Elder Maxwell knew whereof he spoke, based on his recent experiences when he gave this address. But in conclusion, and perhaps in another of those "why me?" type of scenarios, there is this ultimate promise: