In 1 Nephi 1:20 it states:

“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”

I have been thinking a lot about the tender mercies of the Lord in these last few weeks. I have seen them everywhere. I am often reminded of a talk given by Elder David A. Bednar in the April 2005 General Conference called the Tender Mercies of the Lord. In it he states, “Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are 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.”

Just one of my tender mercies happened a few weeks ago. I had an experience where I wasn’t treated kindly. Later that day I was in the temple and I couldn’t help but fester on this experience and I couldn’t shake it from my mind. While I was in the chapel waiting, I picked up a church magazine and chose an article to read to distract my thoughts. The message in that article was meant for me at that moment! A similar story was shared and taught of forgiveness and how if I forgave that person, I could stop thinking about it and the hurt feelings would go away. I realized at that moment that this was a tender mercy from my Father in Heaven. I came to the temple to feel peace, comfort, and the spirit. That experience kept me from feeling those things. While reading that article, I felt the spirit so strongly and chose to forgive and I was able to stop thinking about it and enjoy all the temple has to offer.

Elder David A. Bednar also shares in his talk,

“The Lord’s tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings.”

 I don’t believe that article to be a coincidence. I believe the hand of the Lord is all around us to help guide and comfort us.  I am in awe at how often the Lord blesses us with tender mercies. I know the Lord works through us as well, that we can aid in these tender mercies for others. I am so grateful for my Savior. I know He knows and loves me. I know He knows and loves you. I am so grateful for His tender mercies and actively look for them and acknowledge them each day. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Kelly Louder

---