The prophet King Benjamin, in his final address recorded in the Book of Mormon, emphasized the importance of vigilance in our thoughts, words, and deeds. He taught, “If ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not” (Mosiah 4:30). This call to mindfulness reminds us that how we treat others is a reflection of our commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Patience in our interactions begins with self-awareness and a willingness to align our actions with the gospel.
Patience is not passive; it is an active expression of our faith in God’s timing. Professor Thomas A. Wayment of BYU once observed, “Patience is not merely waiting; it is waiting with faith and hope in God’s timing. It teaches us to see others with compassion, recognizing their potential for growth.” When we exercise patience with those who may test our endurance, we demonstrate our trust in the Savior’s ability to work within all of us, line upon line and precept upon precept.
In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord teaches a powerful lesson on forgiveness, saying, “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you, it is required to forgive all men” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:10). Forgiveness is not optional in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a commandment, and through it, we are liberated from the chains of bitterness and resentment. Forgiveness is a gift that we give to ourselves as much as to others. It allows the Savior’s atonement to heal our hearts and restore peace to our souls.
Professor Camille Fronk Olson of BYU shared this perspective: “Forgiveness is not about excusing the offense but about releasing the power it has over you. It is an act of faith in Christ’s ability to heal all wounds.” Forgiving someone who has hurt us may not come easily, but it is through forgiveness that we grow closer to our Heavenly Father and emulate the perfect example of His Son, who forgave even as He suffered on the cross.
Respect, too, is a cornerstone of gospel living. It is the recognition that every individual is a child of God, deserving of love and dignity. The story of Enoch and the City of Zion, found in Moses 7:18, exemplifies what respect can accomplish. The Lord called the people of Zion “of one heart and one mind, and [they] dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.” Their unity and mutual respect were so profound that they were taken up into the presence of God. This example inspires us to create communities where respect is the foundation of all interactions.
Professor Anthony Sweat of BYU has said, “Respect is the currency of meaningful relationships. It opens doors to understanding and creates an environment where love can flourish.” By showing respect in our families, workplaces, and communities, we invite the Spirit of the Lord into our lives and contribute to the building of Zion in our day.
The Apostle Paul, writing to the Colossians, provided a beautiful description of the virtues that accompany respect, forgiveness, and patience: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:12-13). These attributes are the hallmarks of true discipleship and are essential for cultivating meaningful relationships.
Sterling McMurrin, a philosopher from Utah, captured the transformative power of patience and forgiveness: “Patience, when coupled with reason, creates the conditions for genuine progress in relationships and societies. To forgive is divine, for it is the bridge that connects the human to the divine nature within us.” His words highlight that when we exercise these virtues, we not only improve our relationships but also draw closer to our Heavenly Father.
Cultivating patience, forgiveness, and respect is not always easy. There are practical steps we can take to incorporate these virtues into our daily lives. We can practice active listening, focusing on understanding rather than simply responding. We can pray for a forgiving heart and seek the Lord’s help in letting go of grudges. We can strive to see others as God sees them—individuals with divine potential.
The Savior’s example of these virtues is unparalleled. He was patient with His disciples when they struggled to understand His teachings. He forgave those who betrayed and crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). He treated everyone He encountered with respect, from the Samaritan woman at the well to the leper cast out from society.
As we strive to follow His example, our efforts can inspire others. Alma the Younger reminds us of the power of small acts in Alma 37:6: “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” Our seemingly small efforts to be more patient, forgiving, and respectful can have far-reaching effects, touching the lives of our families, neighbors, and communities.
The work of developing these virtues is ongoing, but it is worth every effort. As President Gordon B. Hinckley taught, “Try a little harder to be a little better.” Through prayer, scripture study, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can improve day by day. May we all commit to being more patient, forgiving, and respectful in our interactions, becoming instruments in the Lord’s hands to bring about His work and glory.
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