Elder Dale G. Renlund: Through God’s eyes

Elder Dale G. Renlund gave his testimony at the Sunday morning session of the 185th Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Mormon Newsroom)

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: