Tender Mercies of the Lord

Dear Sisters and Elders,
This morning I was studying 1 Nephi 1:20 and have some insights I would like to share:


20 And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

In a talk give by Elder David A. Bednar entitled, “The Tender Mercies of the Lord” from April 2005 General Conference we learn why the Lord sends “tender mercies” our way. He does it because He loves us and promised he would send the comforter and He himself would come unto us (John 14:16, John 14:18). His tender mercies are one of the important ways He shows us how much He loves us. We know that He atoned for the sins of all mankind and overcame physical death. We know that when we apply the atonement in our lives we can be freed from the burden of sin (PmG Chapter 3-Lesson 1 pg 32). But there is a second part to the Atonement which is “we can develop faith and strength to face our trials. I believe the Lord sends tender mercies in our life just at the right time to help us develop the faith and strength when we need it.

Elder Bednar poses the following questions:

What are tender mercies?

Elder Bednar defines them as the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.

To whom does the Lord send His tender mercies?

In verse 20 its says that tender mercies are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith. In other words, He chooses us because we choose Him because of our faith unto action in obeying Him and serving Him.

My question for each of us is the following:

What are the tender mercies that the Lord has sent to me during my time as a missionary here in Santiago?

One of the greatest tender mercies the Lord has sent to me is the opportunity to learn from each of you as well serve alongside you. I gain great strength, assurance, and support from your great examples of faith, obedience, and diligence.

I invite each of us to pray and ponder and reflect to recognize the tender mercies that Lord has blessed us with. I invite you to share some of the “tender mercies” the Lord has bless you with during your time as a missionary here in Chile.

I know He love us all and is mindful of each of us. He knows what we need and when. It is my prayer that we can always ask ourselves the following question, “What more can I do for Him?”

We love each of you and are so grateful for you.