The Savior’s Abiding Compassion

Understanding Compassion through the Savior's Example

Elder Soares introduces the concept of compassion through the story of Jesus at Simon the Pharisee's house. He highlights the Savior's compassionate response to the woman who was considered a sinner and contrasts it with Simon's judgmental attitude.

One of the most striking principles taught by the Savior during His earthly ministry was treating others with compassion.

The Pharisee’s holier-than-thou attitude led him to judge unjustly both Jesus and the woman.

This account demonstrates once more that the Savior acted compassionately toward all who would come unto Him—without distinction—and most especially toward those who most needed His help.

• What is the principle of compassion as taught by the Savior?
• How did Jesus demonstrate compassion in the story of His visit to Simon the Pharisee's house?
• How does this story contrast the attitudes of compassion and judgment?
• How can you apply the principle of compassion in your interactions with others?
• Can you recall a time when you acted with compassion? How did it impact the other person and yourself?
• How can you avoid judgmental attitudes and instead approach others with compassion?

The Connection between Compassion and Charity

Elder Soares discusses the link between compassion and charity, describing it as a fundamental characteristic of those striving for sanctification. He emphasizes that compassion is an expression of Christ's pure love and an evidence of our spiritual and emotional closeness to the Savior.

The compassionate attitude of Jesus is rooted in charity, namely, in His pure and perfect love, which is the essence of His atoning sacrifice.

Compassion is a fundamental characteristic of those who strive for sanctification.

The expression of compassion for others is, in fact, the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a marked evidence of our spiritual and emotional closeness to the Savior.

• How does Elder Soares connect compassion to charity?
• Why is compassion a fundamental characteristic of those striving for sanctification?
• How does expressing compassion bring us closer to the Savior?
• How can you cultivate a compassionate attitude rooted in charity?
• In what ways can you express compassion in your daily life?
• How has expressing compassion brought you closer to the Savior?

Compassion as a Daily Practice

Elder Soares emphasizes that Jesus's compassionate acts were not occasional but everyday expressions of His pure love. He cites the Savior's ability to identify people's needs and act compassionately towards them, encouraging us to do the same.

It is meaningful to observe that Jesus’s compassionate acts were not occasional or mandated manifestations based on a list of tasks to be completed but everyday expressions of the reality of His pure love for God and His children and His abiding desire to help them.

Jesus was able to identify people’s needs even at a distance.

• How did Jesus demonstrate compassion as a daily practice?
• What does it mean to identify people's needs and act compassionately towards them?
• How can we emulate the Savior's example of daily compassion?
• How can you make compassion a daily practice in your life?
• Can you recall a time when you identified someone's needs and acted compassionately?
• How can you be more attentive to the needs of those around you?

Avoiding Harsh Judgement of Others

Elder Soares warns against making harsh and cruel judgements of our neighbors. He reminds us of the Savior's teachings against judging others unrighteously and encourages us to look at the imperfections of individuals compassionately.

Jesus’s admonition to Simon the Pharisee also made it clear that we should never make harsh and cruel judgment of our neighbor, because we are all in need of understanding and mercy for our imperfections from our loving Heavenly Father.

We need to consider that it is not easy to understand all the circumstances that contribute to someone’s attitude or reaction.

Jesus always looks on the heart and not on the appearance. He Himself declared, "Judge not according to the appearance."

• What does the Savior teach about judging others?
• Why is it important to avoid harsh and cruel judgement of others?
• How can we look at the imperfections of individuals compassionately?
• How can you avoid harsh judgement and instead adopt a compassionate perspective towards others?
• Can you recall a time when you refrained from judging someone harshly and instead showed compassion?
• How can you practice understanding and mercy towards others" imperfections?

The Blessings of Incorporating Compassion into Our Lives

Elder Soares concludes by discussing the blessings that come from incorporating the Savior's compassionate example into our lives. He testifies that this will increase our capacity to compliment the virtues of our neighbors, decrease our instinct to judge their imperfections, and bring us closer to God.

I testify that as we strive to incorporate the Savior’s compassionate example into our lives, our capacity to compliment the virtues of our neighbors will increase and our natural instinct to judge their imperfections will decrease.

Our communion with God will grow, and certainly our lives will become sweeter, our feelings more tender, and we will find a never-ending source of happiness.

We will be known as peacemakers, whose words are as gentle as the dew of a spring morning.

• What are the blessings of incorporating the Savior's compassionate example into our lives?
• How does compassion influence our relationship with God and with our neighbors?
• What does it mean to be known as a peacemaker?
• How have you experienced the blessings of incorporating compassion into your life?
• In what ways has practicing compassion influenced your relationship with God and with your neighbors?
• How can you strive to be known as a peacemaker?