Elder Ian S. Ardern
Compassion is an attribute of Christ that knows no boundaries. In this talk, Elder Ian S. Ardern shares his experiences on an African journey, highlighting the importance of loving and helping our neighbors in need. Through real-life stories and scriptures, he emphasizes the impact of acts of compassion and the fulfillment of Christ’s second great commandment.
Responding to Christ’s Second Great Commandment
Elder Ardern takes us on an African journey, where he witnesses the challenges faced by people living in poverty and distress. He says, “Ninety-two percent of the youngest children you see on this journey live in food poverty, and your heart groans with anguish.” This section sets the stage for understanding the pressing need for compassion and love for our neighbors.
You look around and know you are amongst a people who love God, and you instantly feel God’s love for them. They have gathered to receive help and hope, and you have arrived to share it.
Scriptural references for further study:
- Mark 12:31: “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
- Matthew 25:34–35: “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.”
Compassion: An Attribute of Christ
Elder Ardern emphasizes that compassion is a fundamental attribute of Christ. He shares examples from the life of Jesus and the Book of Mormon, showing how Christ’s compassion led to acts of healing and love.
Compassion is an attribute of Christ. It is born of love for others and knows no boundaries.
Scriptural references for further study:
- John 11:35: “Jesus wept.”
- 3 Nephi 17:7, 9: “Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, … or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you. … And he did heal them every one.”
Making a Difference for Good
Elder Ardern reminds us that even though we may not be able to help everyone, we can make a significant difference in the lives of others by offering what we can. He quotes Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, encouraging us to “do what we can” when others are in need.
Despite our every effort, you and I won’t heal everyone, but each of us can be the one who can make a difference for good in the life of someone.
Scriptural references for further study:
- John 6:9: “What are they among so many?”
- Mosiah 18:8: “And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light.”
Binding Up the World’s Wounds
Elder Ardern highlights the Church’s humanitarian efforts, which respond to various forms of suffering and distress worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of collaborating with other organizations and individuals to make a meaningful impact through compassionate acts.
Our Church humanitarian efforts find us quickly responding to natural disasters and binding up the world’s widening wounds of disease, hunger, infant mortality, malnutrition, displacement, and the often-unseen wounds of discouragement, disappointment, and despair.
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 138:42: “To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”
- Mark 12:31: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Calls to Action
- “Do what we can when others are in need.”
- “Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, provide for the widow, dry up the tear of the orphan, comfort the afflicted, whether in this Church, or any other, or in no church at all, wherever [we find] them.”
- “Turn our hearts to the well-being of others.”