As true followers of the Savior, members of the Church should "love others as He loves them, more unconditionally, more purely, more perfectly," said Elder Robert J. Whetten during the Saturday afternoon session. "His way should be our way."

Speaking in his first general conference since being sustained to the Seventy last April, Elder Whetten said, "Jesus' unconditional love for us motivated His atoning sacrifice for our sins. Without His love, we would be unable to return to our Heavenly Father.

"He showed us that we must go about doing good, that the spiritual and physical welfare of our fellowmen is as important as our own. . . . We should bless the lives of others by giving of what our life is made up of; our time, our talents, our means and ourselves."

Like faith, explained Elder Whetten, "Christlike love is a gift of the Spirit, is granted upon the principles of personal righteousness and in accordance to our level of obedience to the laws upon which it is predicated.

"As we deny ourselves and reach out with empathy to serve others, the Spirit will refine and teach us and we will come to learn what Paul meant, 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.' (Gal. 5:22.) Our compassionate service rendered to others will grow into divine love and change us."

To illustrate how the Lord often meets the needs of His people through the service rendered by others, Elder Whetten told of the humanitarian service offered by members of the Church in Colombia after an earthquake devastated the city of Armenia.

"The Relief Society and priesthood leaders swung into action and donations from members throughout Colombia poured into a designated chapel in each city. Seven-year-old Neidi, wanting to help, noticed that no shoes for children were being packed. " 'Please give these shoes to another little girl in Armenia who has lost hers,' " she said to the bishop as she offered her shoes. "Her bare feet made no sound as she slipped away," Elder Whetten said.

"No one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love," said Elder Whetten, quoting the Lord's counsel to Joseph Knight in late spring 1829. (D&C 12:8.)

Elder Whetten suggested disciples of today ask the same question posed by the rich man who came to Jesus and asked, "what lack I yet?"

"At some point, you must be willing 'to render to Him all that you have and are,' " he said. (Mosish 2:34.) "Some of the truest followers I know are couples that have put the anticipated ease and pleasures of retirement on hold and followed Him into full-time service in His kingdom. Every mission in the Church needs more missionary couples and the soon-to-be 100 [dedicated] temples in operation need more workers.

"As in the past, His apostles and prophets in our day continue to exemplify and teach that this Christlike love is the very essence of His gospel," he said.