6 And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.
7 Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.
I love this scene from the Savior’s visit to the ancient inhabitants of the Americas. He has already descended from heaven in glory, invited them to touch His wounds, taught them about baptism and about unity, called twelve disciples to lead them, delivered the Sermon on the Mount, and reaffirmed His covenants with the house of Israel. Now, He tells them that He must leave. It’s time for Him to go to the Father, and then to the lost tribes of Israel. He promises to return the following day, and He commands them to go home and ponder the things He has taught.
But then He looks at their faces. He can see in their eyes that they want Him to “tarry a little longer with them” (3 Nephi 17:5). Having compassion on them, He offers to heal their sick. More miracles follow. He says, “Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full” (3 Nephi 17:20). All of the events described in 3 Nephi 17 occurred because the people were ready and because the Savior was willing to adapt to meet their needs.
But then He looks at their faces. He can see in their eyes that they want Him to “tarry a little longer with them” (3 Nephi 17:5). Having compassion on them, He offers to heal their sick. More miracles follow. He says, “Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full” (3 Nephi 17:20). All of the events described in 3 Nephi 17 occurred because the people were ready and because the Savior was willing to adapt to meet their needs.
Today, as I interact with others, I will pay attention to their needs. I will be adaptable and will take advantage of opportunities to serve others even when it requires me to modify my plans.
Leave a Reply