Elder Dale G. Renlund, one of the newest members of the Quorum of the Twelve, began his testimony by thanking those that have helped him in his past and the people who sustain him now.
Elder Renlund spoke during the Sunday morning session of the October 2015 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Previously a professional heart surgeon, the member of the Twelve shared what it was like to often be desensitized about death. Elder Renlund shared his experience of witnessing the death of a young boy who did not survive a heart surgery he had performed.
It was not until the parents of the child saw the death of their son that Elder Renlund experienced true sadness. He felt for the boy and his family because the apostle saw the boy through his parents’ eyes.
“I now realize that 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.”
Elder Renlund then explained the importance of seeing people how God sees them when it comes to keeping baptismal covenants.
“We cannot completely fulfill our covenant obligation to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort unless we see them through God’s eyes.”
Elder Renlund encouraged church members to plead with God to learn charity, noting that the church must have “eyes that see, ears that hear, and hearts that know and feel.”
He encouraged the Saints to rescue those in need, as President Thomas S. Monson teaches.
“Only when we see through Heavenly Father’s eyes can we be filled with ‘the pure love of Christ.'”
The newly called member of the Quorum of the Twelve ended his testimony by testifying of Christ’s love and divinity and that Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration.
“With all my heart I want to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. I love him. I adore him. I witness of his living reality. I witness that he is the ‘Anointed One,’ the Messiah.”
Other General Conference news:
LDS Church announces three new apostles
Three new apostles to represent Christ throughout the world
English only at LDS General Conference
LDS Quorums of the Seventy now called General Authority Seventies
Slideshow: General Conference Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
Women’s general session:
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Now is a part of eternity
Sister Carol F. McConkie: The Lord’s agents
Sister Linda S. Reeves: Rewards will come
Sister Rosemary M. Wixom: Divine nature within you
Saturday morning session:
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: It works!
Elder M. Russell Ballard: God is at the helm
Elder Richard J. Maynes: The joy of living a Christ-centered life
Sister Neill F. Marriott: Yielding our hearts to God
Elder Francisco J. Vinas: The pleasing word of God
Saturday afternoon session:
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Elder Bradley D. Foster: It’s never too early and it’s never too late
Elder Robert D. Hales: Meeting the challenges of today’s world
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: Behold thy mother
Priesthood session:
Sunday morning session:
President Thomas S. Monson: Be an example and a light
Elder Ronald A. Rasband: Love one another
Elder Gary E. Stevenson: Fulness of times
Elder Dale G. Renlund: Through God’s eyes
President Russell M. Nelson: A plea to my sisters
Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer: Let the clarion trumpet sound
Elder Claudio R.M. Costa: That they do always remember him
Sunday afternoon session:
President Henry B. Eyring: The Holy Ghost as your companion
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Why the church
Elder Von G. Keetch: Blessed and happy are those who keep the commandments of God
Sister Carole M. Stephens: If ye love me, keep my commandments
Elder Allen D. Haynie: Remembering in whom we have trusted
Elder Kim B. Clark: Eyes to see and ears to hear
Brother Devin G. Durrant: My heart pondereth them continually
Elder Koichi Aoyagi: Hold on thy way
Elder David A. Bednar: Chosen to bear testimony of my name
Other conference-related coverage:
LDS Quorums of the Seventy now called General Authority Seventies
LDS Church members anticipate counsel on LGBT acceptance
English only at LDS General Conference
Music and the Spoken Word: A Mormon gift to the world
Mormons encouraged to review past sessions before General Conference
Slideshow: General Conference Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
