Speakers focus on having Christlike compassion during Saturday afternoon session of general conference

At the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speakers emphasized the importance of Christlike compassion.

"His life should be reflected in ours," President Timothy L. Farnes, president of the Young Men general presidency said. "It means that when someone encounters us, they should experience something of Jesus Christ His kindness, His patience, His hope, His love, His compassion."

President Farnes told the story of the Good Samaritan and said it's important to have "eyes to see" others.

"God has given us eyes to see. When we use them, we begin to recognize divine appointments all around us," President Farnes said. He described "divine appointments" as opportunities to serve others.

Elder Christian C. Chigbundu, General Authority Seventy, shared another story of compassion. A missionary he knew wanted to go home, but someone helped him find peace with a personal scripture study plan. That compassion led him to stay on his mission.

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve also said compassion is essential to coming closer to Christ.

"Helping others turn from sink and into the lift of Jesus Christ is our glorious opportunity and brings joy beyond compare," Elder Kearon said.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve discussed how people can find rest from our troubles through Jesus Christ, with compassion for others being a major part of this.

"Follow the admonition of President Thomas S. Monson: 'Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved,'" Elder Rasband said. He also discussed the importance of treating those who believe differently from Church members with kindness and respect.

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve said it is essential to remember that Christ's Atonement blesses every person.

"Jesus overcame the world; we don't have to do so ourselves," Elder Renlund said. "When our faith is centered on Jesus Christ, He promises spiritual peace no matter our circumstances. We can experience joy in our here and now because of Him and through our covenant relationship with Him."

Elder Michael A. Dunn of the Seventy focused on how Jesus Christ understands the hardships people face because of His Atonement.

"Because He 'marked the path and led the way,' there is no portion of our mortal sojourn He has not tread," Elder Dunn said. "He not only knows the road; He knows you and what you, as noble offspring of the divine, are capable of."

Speakers will share more gospel messages on Sunday morning at the Conference Center.