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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The Atonement Covers All Pain

As a surgeon, Elder Richards says he knows pain well. None of us is immune from experiencing pain. He says everyone deals with it differently. "Some turn away from God in anger, and others allow their suffering to bring them closer to God. ... Pain is a gauge of the healing process. It often teaches us patience. ... Pain brings you to a humility that allows you to ponder."

Quoting Elder Hales ... "I learned that the physical pain and the healing of the body after major surgery are remarkably similar to the spiritual pain and the healing of the soul in the process of repentance."

Much of our suffering is not necessarily our fault. Such as illness, death, and other unexpected events. This type of opposition is part of Heavenly Father's plan of happiness.

{While typing this out I am forced to ponder why suffering and happiness belong in the same thought. Why is suffering part of our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness?}

The atonement covers ALL these conditions of mortality. Elder Richards goes on to say that there is another type of pain with which we ARE responsible: spiritual pain.

"Spiritual pain lies deep within our souls and can feel unquenchable, even as being racked with an “inexpressible horror,” as Alma described. It comes from our sinful actions and lack of repentance. For this pain too there is a cure that is universal and absolute. It is from the Father, through the Son, and it is for each of us who is willing to do all that is necessary to repent."

During His mortal life Christ chose to experience pains and afflictions in order to understand us. He chose to learn by His own personal experience. "Perhaps we also need to experience the depths of mortality in order to understand Him and our eternal purposes."

Sometimes we must wait for our healing to come, but it will come. Christ healed all that were brought to him. None were turned away. Our mortal circumstances may not immediately change, but our pain, worry, suffering, and fear can be swallowed up in His peace and healing balm.

I wonder if suffering is necessary because in order to feel true happiness we must first feel true sorrow.

I am so thankful for the atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Without it we would all be lost. It is such an amazing gift we have been given.