I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them.1 – David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
In this inspiring message, Elder Bednar explores the profound concept of the Lord’s tender mercies and their significance in our lives. He emphasizes that these mercies are not random acts of kindness but personalized blessings, strength, and guidance tailored to our individual needs. Elder Bednar invites us to recognize and appreciate these mercies, which often come at specific times to provide comfort and direction.2 Through compelling examples and scriptural insights, he explains how we can invite these blessings into our lives through faithfulness, obedience, and the exercise of our agency to choose God.
Elder Bednar emphasizes that the Lord’s tender mercies are personalized blessings, strength, protection, guidance, comfort, support, and spiritual gifts we receive from and through Jesus Christ. These mercies are tailored to our individual needs and circumstances. He provides several examples of the Lord’s tender mercies:
- The gift of faith and a sense of confidence that exceed our own capabilities.
- Repentance, forgiveness of sins, and peace of conscience.
- The persistence and strength to move forward with joy despite physical and spiritual challenges.
Elder Bednar highlights the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and humility in inviting tender mercies into our lives. He emphasizes that these mercies are not random or coincidental but often come at specific times that allow us to recognize and appreciate them. He stresses that God doesn’t have a list of favorites, but rather we determine if we are chosen by our hearts, aspirations, and obedience.
Elder Bednar uses the example of a priesthood leader who was inspired to memorize the names of all the youth in his stake. Through a dream, the leader received a message about one young man who needed help. This experience demonstrates that tender mercies can come through inspired leaders and that God is aware of each individual.
We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord’s tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live.2
He further explains that our agency plays a crucial role in becoming chosen. When we choose God and use our agency to love one another, we invite His tender mercies. Our work is to keep His commandments with all our might, mind, and strength, and in doing so, we become chosen and receive His blessings.
The talk concludes by acknowledging the importance of inspired counsel from Church leaders, which provides guidance and strength in our lives. Elder Bednar encourages us to develop our ability to see and hear the Lord’s tender mercies as they support and strengthen us in these latter days.
- Bednar, David A. “The Tender Mercies of the Lord“. Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT April 2005 ↩︎
- Bednar, et al. ↩︎
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