A Christlike concern for the one enables reaching out for those who are lost because they are different, or are weary or have strayed, said Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve during the Saturday morning session of conference.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Elder Wirthlin stated: "We are commanded to seek out those who are lost. We are to be our brother's keeper. We cannot neglect this commission given by our Savior. We must be concerned for the one."

Speaking of those who are lost because they are different, Elder Wirthlin said, "They may look, act, think and speak differently than those around them and that sometimes causes them to assume they don't fit in."

It is erroneous to believe that all Church members should look, talk and be alike, Elder Wirthlin said. "The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony."

Elder Wirthlin recalled that when he was a young boy, some of his friends made fun of another boy who was physically and mentally disabled. "One day, I could bear it no longer," Elder Wirthlin said. "Although I was only 7 years old, the Lord gave me the courage to stand up to my friends. "'Don't touch him,' I said to them. 'Stop teasing him. Be kind. He is a child of God!"'

He thought his action might cost him his friends. But instead, he said they became closer and showed increased compassion for the boy.

"If only we had more compassion for those who are different from us it would lighten many of the problems and sorrows in the world today. It would certainly make our families and the Church a more hallowed and heavenly place."

For those who are lost because they are weary, Elder Wirthlin acknowledged that it's easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged.

"When we show concern for those who are weary," he said, "we 'succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees' (Doctrine and Covenants 81:5). Caring Church leaders are mindful of individual limitations, yet eager to utilize members to the extent of their strength and abilities."

For those who are lost because they stray from the fold, he emphasized that the Church's purpose is to help imperfect people become better.

"Because of our imperfections, we need the Lord's Church," he said.

Elder Wirthlin asked those who feel they have been offended to set hurt and anger aside, fill their hearts with love and join the fold.

For those who have doctrinal concerns, he said, "We cannot apologize for the truth. We cannot deny doctrine given to us by the Lord. On this principle, we cannot compromise."

Finally, he said, "I know that each of you bears a concern for a loved one. Give encouragement, service and support to them. Love them. Be kind to them. In some cases, they will return. In others, they will not. But, in all cases, let us ever be worthy of the name we take upon ourselves, even that of Jesus Christ."