Heavy burdens
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The healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ — "whether it removes our burdens or strengthens us to endure and live with them" — is available for every affliction in mortality, said Elder Dallin H. Oaks.
Speaking Saturday morning, Elder Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve said many in the Church carry heavy burdens.
"Some have lost a loved one to death or care for one who is disabled. Some have been wounded by divorce. Others yearn for an eternal marriage. Some are caught in the grip of addictive substances or practices like alcohol, tobacco, drugs or pornography. Others have crippling physical or mental impairments. Some are challenged by same-gender attraction. Some have terrible feelings of depression or inadequacy. In one way or another, many are heavy laden.
"To each of us our Savior gives this loving invitation: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."'
Elder Oaks said the scriptures contain many accounts of the Savior's healing the heavy laden. "He caused the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the palsied, withered or maimed to be restored, lepers to be cleansed and unclean spirits to be cast out." In addition, Elder Oaks said, Jesus healed those whose sicknesses were emotional, mental or spiritual.
"The Savior teaches that we will have tribulation in the world, but we should be of good cheer because He has 'overcome the world' (John 16:33). His atonement reaches and is powerful enough not only to pay the price for sin, but also to heal every mortal affliction....
"He knows of our anguish, and He is there for us. Like the Good Samaritan in His parable, when He finds us wounded at the wayside, He binds up our wounds and cares for us (Luke 10:34). Brothers and sisters, the healing power of His atonement is for you, for us, for all."
Elder Oaks said that although the Savior could heal all whom He would heal, this is not true of those who hold His priesthood authority. "Mortal exercises of that authority are limited by the will of Him whose priesthood it is," he said.
Further, he explained, "Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a healing cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are healed by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us."
Elder Oaks concluded, "I testify of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who invites us all to come unto Him and be perfected in Him. He will bind up our wounds and He will heal the heavy laden."
