Enoch was shocked to see the heartfelt empathy God feels for His children. He assumed holiness was inconsistent with empathy, but God explained that He administers justice because of His love for us, not in spite of it. When we truly want what's best for God's children, we are aligned with His will.
Esteeming Your Brother as Yourself
The Lord commands us to esteem others as ourselves. Book of Mormon prophets teach this principle and warn us against placing ourselves above others. Peer relationships may generate unhealthy competition, but when we see one another through God's eyes, we can overcome this temptation and recognize the infinite worth of each of His children.
“I…Did Repent of the Oath”
Seventeen years after resigning as commander of the Nephite army, Mormon came back. His people were still unrepentant, and he knew that they would be destroyed. Why did he come back? Because he loved them. They were still his people.
Compassion
Throughout His mortal and postmortal ministries, Jesus demonstrated an awareness of people's needs and a willingness to stop what He was doing and serve them. Compassion is a fundamental characteristic of the Savior and of His disciples.
Pray to Show
Ammon's unselfish requests impressed Lamoni's father. He was astonished at the love Ammon demonstrated toward his son, and he invited Ammon to visit him. God can also help us uplift and inspire others by showing them that God loves them.
“Every Creature”, “Any Human Soul”
The sons of Mosiah wanted to preach to the Lamanites because they loved all of God's children and wanted to help everyone achieve eternal joy. God loves all of His children, and His disciples transcend labels like nationality as they serve other people.
“They Wearied Him with Their Teasings”
Mosiah sent a search party to find the people of Zeniff after his people "wearied him with their teasings." Two lessons: #1. Don't stop asking if something is important. #2 Pay attention to repeated requests from the people you love.
How Oft
Shortly after the Savior's death, a group of people in the Americas heard Him affirm that even though they had rejected His invitations many times before, He would continue to invite them to be gathered home: "How oft will I gather you," He assured them.
No Fear in Love
John says, "There is no fear in love." Therefore: 1. When we love, we are more confident. 2. When we feel loved, we are less likely to be anxious. We particularly need to establish an environment of love in our homes, so family members feel secure.
Increase and Abound in Love
Even as Paul expressed gratitude for the love demonstrated by the Thessalonians, he urged them to "increase and abound in love." The same pattern appears in a sermon by Mormon. We can increase in love both by loving more people and by loving people more.