And of Some Have Compassion, Making a Difference

By Barbara Thompson Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

 

Barbara Thompson, “And of Some Have Compassion, Making a Difference,” Liahona, Nov 2010, 119–21

The beauty of visiting teaching is seeing lives changed, tears wiped away, testimonies growing, people loved, families strengthened.

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My dear sisters, what a blessing it is to be with you, to feel your strength and love for the Lord. Thank you for the love and compassion you share with others on a daily basis.

In the early days of Relief Society in Nauvoo, we know that sisters traveled from house to house, ministering to one another, determining needs, bringing food, caring for the sick, and showing forth compassion for each woman and her family.1 This brings to mind the scripture in Jude: "And of some have compassion, making a difference."2 As I ponder upon this scripture and its meaning, my thoughts turn to the Savior and the many times the scriptures speak of the love and compassion Christ had for everyone.

In the New Testament we read often that Christ was "moved with compassion"3 upon the people as He responded to their needs. He had compassion when He saw that they were hungry and He fed them, or when they were sick and He healed them, or when they were in need of spiritual enrichment and He taught them.

Compassion means to feel love and mercy toward another person. It means to have sympathy and desire to relieve the suffering of others. It means to show kindness and tenderness toward another.

The Savior has asked us to do the things which He has done,4 to bear one another's burdens, to comfort those who need comfort, to mourn with those who mourn,5 to feed the hungry, visit the sick,6 to succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down,7 and to "teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom."8 To me these words and actions describe visiting teachers—those who minister to others.

Visiting teaching gives women the opportunity to watch over, strengthen, and teach one another. Much like a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood is charged with the responsibility "to watch over the church always, and [to] be with and strengthen them,"9 a visiting teacher shows her love by prayerfully considering each woman she is called to serve.

Sister Julie B. Beck has reminded us, "Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf."10

Today I want to talk about two things:

• The blessings you bring to others as you serve as a visiting teacher.

• And the blessings you receive as you serve others.