The Atonement Covers All Pain

by Elder Kent F. Richards

*Note: This was one of the talks that I resourced when I spoke Easter Sunday on the Atonement.

*Pain is a gauge of the healing process. It often teaches us patience.

*Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote: "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. . . . It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”

*Elder Robert D. Hales has said, "Pain brings you to a humility that allows you to ponder. It is an experience I am grateful to have endured.... 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."

There are different sources of suffering:

1. Much of our suffering is not our fault.

• Unexpected events, contradicting or disappointing circumstances, interrupting illness, and even death surround us and penetrate our mortal experience

2. We may suffer afflictions because of the actions of others.

• opposition is part of Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. We all encounter enough to bring us to an awareness of our Father's love and of our need for the Savior's help.
• The Savior is not a silent observer. He Himself knows personally and infinitely the pain we face.

3. Some pain comes from our sinful actions and lack of repentance.

• 3 Ne. 9:13, "Will ye not now return unto me... and be converted, that I may heal you?"

*During His mortal life Christ chose to experience the depths of mortality in order to understand us. Perhaps we also need to experience the depths of mortality in order to understand Him and our eternal purposes.

*President Henry B. Eyring taught, "...He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience."

*He healed all that came to Him. None were turned away.

*Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught, "...Sometimes a 'healing' cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are 'healed' by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us.... Our mortal circumstances may not immediately change, but our pain, worry, suffering, and fear can be swallowed up in His peace and healing balm."

*We can become as children in our hearts, humble ourselves, and "pray and work and wait" patiently for the healing of our bodies and our souls.

To read the complete talk, go here.