WEEK 87: The Miracle of the Atonement

March 16, 2015

Yesterday, I had the great blessing of going back to my first area in the mission (Fruit Heights) to witness a wonderful friend get re-baptized after 27 years of excommunication. We'll call him Mike. He is an amazing man who would do anything for anybody. He served a full-time mission in California and has taught and showed me many things to use in my teaching that I still use today! It was an incredible service. He had so much support from family, friends, missionaries, and the ward. It just goes to show that people can change. They change by help of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

The miracle of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, although maybe not completely comprehensible to us at this point, is an incredible and quite fascinating topic of study. The word “Gospel”, as you probably know, means “good news”. We, as missionaries, are going all about the world, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What is the Gospel or “good news” that we preach and teach? Is it the good news of Christ’s Church being restored in our days? Is it the good news of the Priesthood Authority of God being brought back to the earth? Is it the good news of the accessibility that we now have of Temples and Saving Ordinances? The answer to these questions is no. The Good News we bring to the World, is the knowledge we have of the truth and reality of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The sacrifice for our sin. All other doctrines and principles taught in the Church are but appendages of this Great and Final Sacrifice. Faith, Repentance, Baptism, The Gift of the Holy Ghost, the Plan of Salvation, commandments, temples, ordinances, covenants, priesthood power, the sacrament, missionary work, the church organization, living prophets, prayer, fasting, etc. Everything does and should revolve around the single most important event in the history of man’s existence. The Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Over the past 20 months, my simple, weak, foundation of knowing who Jesus Christ truly is, and being converted to Him, has completely changed. I can now say that I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ was a real man. I can also confidently testify that he was and is the Son of God. I have not seen him. I have not heard him. But I have felt his Spirit confirm that truth, and that is enough for me. He suffered beyond measure, to satisfy the demands of justice for very imperfect people like you and like me. That we ourselves might not suffer the penalty of sin, only if we repent, have faith, and strive to do our best in following Him. I know that we do not only suffer physically when we do not obey His commandments, but spiritually also. I don’t know if you can see it, but I can so blatantly see the difference and feeling between those who strive to live the commandments, and those who don’t. There is a different light and happiness that comes with someone who follows Him.  

So many people I’ve spoken to about life see no reason to obey the commandments. For common reasons such as because they “constrain us”, or they don't allow us to have "fun", or because they don't allow us to be "free". Some people say there is no God, therefore, no reason to follow the teaching of the prophets and scriptures. Atheists (or any individual who justifies their sin) are their own gods. They are their highest authority. There is no eternal punishment for doing wrong. This mindset is so appealing to most people because it is a temporary “freedom” from penalty. But in reality, brings misery and sorrow in the end. I can testify of that. I've seen it firsthand. 

"A God who makes no demands is the functional equivalent of a God who does not exist." -Elder Christofferson

Those who live the commandments, are the happiest. It's a fact. I can't deny it, because I've seen so much evidence of it. I've seen so many come back to the Lord when the realize where their disobedience has taken them. They have to find out the hard way. But, it doesn't have to be like that for any of us. Christ made no mistakes, and also was the happiest and most knowledgeable person to come to earth, because He is obedient.

An amazing 3 minute video on how keeping the commandments can bring us happiness: http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/obedience-to-the-ten-commandments?cid=HPTU031015743

Keeping the commandments will not bring us temporary worldly pleasure, but eternal Heavenly joy. Can you see this perspective?

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Mosiah 2:41)

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is universal and all-reaching. It knows no bounds. The only reason the Atonement would not be able to reach us, would be because of the negative use of our own moral agency. If we wish to feel the enabling power that He has to offer, we must repent, have faith, and obey. There is no other way.

"Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? (3 Nephi 9:13)

On Saturday, we had 3 great lessons on Temple Square. During one of them, a Recent Convert named Craig shared a fascinating experience he had.  He said he asked God to show him what the afterlife is like, and that God showed him a dream. In this dream, Craig was in the afterlife, standing before God to be judged. Another man was also there. This man was someone who Craig knew. Craig had wronged this man (in real life). This man also died in a car wreck (in real life) a few years back. Craig told us that this man was "testifying against" him. 

"Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last day." (Mosiah 17:10)

He said that there were no words spoken in the dream, but that this man had a very sad look in his eye as he stared at Craig. Then Craig saw an abyss-like cloud that spirits were entering and "not coming out of".  The man didn't want Craig to go in there, but Craig knew that he had done wrong and he had to pay for what he had done.. But then God let Craig in with him. Craig said he felt very uncomfortable there. And that he didn't like it because the man was there also. He felt guilty.

"Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness." (2 Nephi 9:14)

Craig has only been a member for a few months. He doesn't have a ton of Gospel knowledge. He's always cracking jokes and always has something out the ordinary and crazy to say.. but I have a feeling this was a real message from God. The things he told us lined up so closely to the doctrine taught in the scriptures. Craig has been super flaky and non-committal for the past month or so, and now is ready to get back on board. The Lord truly does come to whatever level of learning we are at to teach us. We just must be willing to act on the revelations we receive.

Elsa was confirmed a member yesterday. She is doing great. Getting her Patriarchal Blessing, and going to the Temple soon too! :) We have taken her teaching and she is fantastic! Thinking about a mission!

The Lord is great. The mission is great. What an incredible experience.

Stay close to the Lord!

~Elder Carroll

"The Lord is my light; then why should I fear?
By day and by night his presence is near.
He is my salvation from sorrow and sin;
This blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring." -The Lord Is My Light Hymn #89

WEEK 86- What Is True Success?

March 8, 2015

Hey!!!

We're in at the mission home right now with President and Sister Spendlove, their 2 kids that are still at home, and all of the 12 departing missionaries. They had a "departing testimony" meeting and now they're just playing board games until they crash. We have to wake up at 4am tomorrow to take everyone to the airport, and also pick up the new incoming missionaries as well. It's gonna be crazy tomorrow with transfers and whatnot, so I'll send a note now!

Another great week of serving the Lord has come and gone too fast. We have been busy touring the mission with President Spendlove and his wife, so they can attend all Zone Meetings to introduce themselves to all the missionaries. It has been a great. We can all feel the sincere love they have for us. I know the Lord is behind and supporting everything that has been happening in the Great Utah Salt Lake City Mission over the past few weeks. He has a much greater purpose in everything that we can physically see or comprehend. I know the Lord is very aware and interested in what His children are involved with, especially dealings within His Church. He is in charge.

I’d like to write a few things on an observation I’ve had over the past week while visiting and sitting in meetings with all the missionaries in the mission.. I’ve written on this subject before, but I feel inclined to mention it again. It’s been an interesting opportunity to see another side of missionary work, the administrative part for one, but also being able to see the more personal side of all the missionaries and what they are going through and feeling.

It’s been my observation that a lot of missionaries accept success in many different types of ways. For some, success is baptizing. For others, success is teaching a certain amount of lessons. Some see success as just maintaining themselves and staying out here in the field. Since being out here in the field, the Lord has helped me to come to the knowledge of what TRUE success is. True success, or God’s success rate, is what we achieve in an internal sense. I.E. our faith, testimony, conversion, knowledge, relationships, character (Christ-like attributes: faith, hope, patience, charity, obedience, diligence, humility etc.) etc. Things we are able to take with us after physical death. We can each ask the penetrating question within ourselves: If for some reason our mortal life ended in the next minute, would these internal qualities of ours be strong enough to support us in the afterlife and standing before our Almighty God? If not, then why are we not doing everything we need to be doing to strengthen them? When we stand before our Maker, these are the only things that we will have with us. Especially in the past month or so, I've learned that if the Lord wills it so, He can take us home at any moment. We much too often determine our success depending on and focus on external things. Things that don’t last. Things that we aren't able to take with us. Our jobs, money, comfortable living, schooling, sports, music, etc. Now I’m not implying that these things are of no importance. For example, these things can be used to strengthen family relationships. But, if we are placing any of these as priorities over our internal success, we need to do a self-evaluation and make necessary changes. Set goals and make plans. These external successes will only bring limited happiness, or pleasure. Internal successes bring an everlasting happiness, or joy.

Whenever we set any type of goal, we would do best to focus on the internal end of success. When we wish to set a goal of reading our scriptures daily, we should really be setting a goal to increase our knowledge, Christ-like character, spiritual sensitivity, etc. through daily scripture study. It's a mindset change that can make all the difference.

We must always see every situation in this mortal life, in an eternal perspective. Our existence is not about this current life. It’s about what is to come. The choices we make here, through our moral agency, determine our eternal destiny. I know that as each one of us focus and prioritize on, in this life, God’s measure of success, the internal, the successes we are able to take with us after death, we will undoubtedly find more joy in this life, and into the eternities.

As busy as we've been, the Lord has blessed us in our proselyting area. I'm in the same YSA stake (Downtown SLC) as I was before, but just covering 4 different wards. We were able to witness 3 individuals enter into the covenant and waters of baptism this past weekend! Gabby (19), Kate (23), and Elsa (20). And another on date for a few weeks from now! What an amazing opportunity it has been to be even a small part in His Great Work. I am eternally grateful for the mercy the Lord and for Him helping me learn lessons that will have an impact on me for the rest of my life and existence. He has helped me to see what truly matters most in life.

I love the Lord and I love this Work. Stay close to Him and I promise He will bless you.

Love,Elder Carroll

"Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye sit still and behold these things? Behold I say unto you, Nay. Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also." (Alma 60:23)

Week 85- Gather them into the Garners!

_{MARCH 2, 2015}

_Friends,

_{You could say this has been the busiest week of the entire mission. We're "busy missionaries" as President Hansen would always say! We were able to tour the entire mission and participate in 4 Zone Conferences with President Hansen. The conferences were focused on 3 Christlike Attributes: Faith, Obedience, and Diligence, and the importance of having a "firm foundation" in Christ (Heleman 5:12). We were privileged to be trained by President Hansen, the mission presidency, and to give a training on the principle of Obedience ourselves at each conference. Each conference was edifying and inspirational, but especially the last of the 4. President Hansen's last in the mission. His love for the missionaries is so apparent. I am so easily able to feel the love of Christ, through him. I will miss him immensely.}

<sub>The night before President Hansen left, he stayed in a hotel downtown so the mission home could be deep cleaned for the new President. He invited us to come over and visit in his room that night after our appointments to talk about a few things. It was some mission business, but also an amazing opportunity for him to bear a powerful testimony of the importance of staying close to the Lord throughout our lives. Such an amazing opportunity to get to be so close and one on one with such an amazing man.

Throughout the zone conferences, President would continually quote Alma 26, which says:

 5 Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted.

 6 Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.

 7 But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day.</sub>

_{Of the many things I have learned from President Hansen, it's of the importance of the Temple. The "garner". If we will make going to the Temple regularly a priority, we will not be able to be beaten down by the storms of life. True happiness will come to us when we live worthily of and use an active Temple Recommend regularly.}

_{President and Sister Spendlove (New mission president) got into the mission on Saturday. They are awesome. We had the opportunity to stand in the circle as President set apart his 2 councilors. An amazing experience. We spent all Saturday and last night meeting with them to help them get caught up as much as possible as pertaining to the mission and missionaries. I know the Lord was behind, aware, and in charge of the many changes in the mission recently. He has been anticipating it for a long time. There are so many things that just happen to line up perfectly so things could work out. I has greatly strengthened my testimony in knowing that the Lord knows how to run things, and does.}

_{Things are staying busy. Transfers are next week. We're be touring the mission again this week with President Spendlove so he can attend all the zone meetings in the next coming days. I'm loving the work more than ever right now. The Lord has been merciful in molding me into something much more than I thought I ever could be. I am eternally grateful.}

_{Stay close to the Lord, and He will bless you.}

_Love,

Elder Carroll

 _{"Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand." - How Firm A Foundation, Hymn #85}

Celebrating my birthday with 

goodies that my mom sent me!

 My man Darius! (Recent Convert)

WEEK 84- BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

Hey!

We're in the office late tonight, so just shooting you an email to let you know I won't be able to email tomorrow.  We're attending the Jordan River Temple tomorrow morning (@ 7am) with President Hansen and all the missionaries that will be departing soon.   We're going out to lunch with them and then we're gonna be at President Hansen's house till evening, meeting with a recently called Mission President to give him some pointers and whatnot for when he gets in the field.

Things are going great! With transfers and Zone Conferences starting Tuesday the 24th through Friday the 27th (8am-4pm daily), we have been in the office or at President's house almost every night this past week till 12 or 1-2am.  So you could say I'm getting little less than normal sleep hours, but I love it!  Being able to be around President Hansen so much is such a blessing--working the transfer board, training and whatnot.

I'm currently serving with Elders Steed (Canada) and Tapia (Florida). Transfers are March 10th, and Elder Tapia will be leaving us then.  They are two of the best Elders I've served with.

Stay busy, stay close to the Lord, He'll bless you!

Love,

Elder Carroll

My favorite quote this week: "We are covenant keepers!" -President Hansen

Week 83: "All Kingdoms Have a Law Given."

Hello!

The Lord ceases to amazing me with the blessings, miracles, and surprises he sends our way!  Last night we got a call from President Hansen.  He asked what our schedule was like for the rest of the night.  And wanted to know if we could come down to the mission home, in Holladay, after we were finished teaching so he could "run something by [us]".  What the heck?!?  President doesn't just call up Elders like this and tell them to come to his house at 9pm, unless something’s up!   And especially when all this stuff has been going on with getting a new President and everything!  We've seen President Hansen at a few meetings, but he has let his councilors take over the mission for the most part.  So, we go down to his place after our last lesson.  He greets us at the door with his famous big grin. I love President Hansen! His daughter and son in-law were there as well so we all chatted for a few minutes.  Then President asks if he can chat with me in his office.  I'm thinking "Oh no...what did I do?! " haha  It was a great visit with him.  So much knowledge and wisdom to learn from him.  He’s one of the greatest men I know!  He released me as Zone Leader and asked me to be an Assistant to the President--starting tomorrow.   President Hansen will be leaving on Feb. 28th, and President Spendlove (new mission president) will come in then.  I'm confident the Lord will help this transition run smoothly and the work will carry on.  I'm sad to lose President Hansen.  He'll be living in St. George, so I’ll be able to easily keep in contact!   But, I’m excited to work with President Spendlove.  We have Zone Conferences coming up this next week so I'm sure things will be insane for a bit.

We had a baptism on Saturday!  Her name is Emely (22). We got a call from a set of missionaries in the Utah SLC East mission last Tuesday. They told us they've been teaching her for 2 months, and that she's getting baptized this weekend and she's in our ward!  She's really nice and has a desire to follow Christ. I'm so happy for her and her decision of being baptized. The Elders in this area will be teaching the New-Member discussions as follow up from here on out.

We've picked up a few new investigators this week! One is a Russian who has been living in UT for 8 months. He's super interested in getting involved with the Ward activities and doing service (maybe even going to the Cannery). The other new investigator is a starter for the UofU basketball team!  Brandon Taylor is his name.   He has a less-active girlfriend that we ran into while trying to contact someone else in an

apartment complex!  He was asking the "golden questions.”  "What makes your church different than all the other churches?"  High hopes for him!

President Hansen came to our Zone Meeting this week and gave a beautiful training on the life after this one…The Spirit world.  A few things I learned from the training and from a few talks he had us read in prep. for the training:

"All kingdoms (of glory) have a law given. And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions. All beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified. And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a Telestial kingdom. For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory." (D&C 88:36,38,39,21,22)

"The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the celestial law as it applies to man, human souls in mortality. Obedience to this [celestial] law is a prerequisite to resurrection with a celestial body." -President Marion G. Romney

This life is about learning to live the Higher (Celestial) law…The Law of Christ. That's why the Temple is so very important! Not only are essential ordinances done there, but we are able to learn the Law of Christ. We must go back often to learn of the Spirit "in all things that are expedient for [us] to understand." (D&C 88:78)

The Atonement of Jesus Christ has made it possible for us to repent, so that we might not suffer for our sins. If we do not repent and allow the Lord to satisfy the demands of justice for us, we must "satisfy the demands of justice [ourselves] by paying (suffering) of our own sins in hell." (D&C Student Manual. Religion 324 & 325)

"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." (D&C 19:16-19)

This is not to be taken lightly. It's not to scare us, but to motivate us and to "arouse our faculties". It's to bring to light the importance of repentance. We have to see the bigger picture.

Christ told his Apostles: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (John 15:13-14) He is referencing His Atonement. If we don't obey Him, we are not his "friends" and therefor are not able to partake in His great mercy.

President Hansen once said, "True doctrine, properly understood and applied, holds the real key to our successful journey through life."

We need to focus on the "true doctrine" and understand what brings true joy in this life and in the life to come. Happiness is a state of being. Please and Joy are the duration of that happiness. Please is momentary, while joy is everlasting. Think about it. If we find ourselves not happy in this life, then we need to evaluate our lives to see if we are focusing on and putting our priorities toward things that bring joy--Things that last forever, rather than just in this life.  Our knowledge, testimony, conversion, family relationships, character, faith, etc. Those are things that bring true joy!

I love this Gospel and the opportunities it gives us to learn at an exponential rate (1,2,5,10,100,1000,10000). The world and adversary encourage us and want us to learn and progress at just a linear rate (1,2,3,4,5). With the Spirit, and the help of the Lord, our learning, mind, and understanding can progress so much more and faster. I can confidently testify that this is true. On the mission, I have seen that ability to progress at an exponential rate. The Lord never ceases to amaze me!

I love this work and I love the Lord. Stay close to him and I promise he will bless you.

Love,

Elder Carroll

My book collection!

WEEK 82: A Muslim, an Atheist and a Mormon!

FEBRUARY 9, 2015

Our serious side!

Our goofy side! haha

Markham!

Hey!!

Been a busy week!  Had 3 companion exchanges with some of the Elders in the Zone this past week or so and a ton of meetings!  I love mission life! Companion exchanges are great because I'm able to learn from and see the perspective of many different missionaries in the work.  Meetings are great because President Hansen is a boss!!  He is a man of the Spirit and has so much knowledge and experience.  There is so much to learn from this man, I just want to sit down and pick his brain for a few hours!!  I'll sure miss him! He's moving back to St. George which is only 45min from where I’ll be attending college in Cedar City! So it'll be easy to stay in touch.

The entire mission was called together  in Salt Lake (with only 3 hours notice) for a meeting to announce our new Mission President.  His name is President Spendlove and he is from San Antonio Texas. He is currently serving as a Stake President, and is the retired CEO of  theTexaco Gas Company.  He'll be here in February 28^th!

Danny and Liz are doing great. Hopefully Liz will be baptized this month. Will keep you updated.

This past week we had dinner with a Muslim, an Atheist, and a Mormon! The Atheist might have been Buddhist… I couldn't completely understand him with his heavy Chinese accent! lol They're all roommates and the Mormon invited us over!  We had a great Gospel conversation.  Super great guys!  My testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel was strengthened throughout the entirety of our conversation.  I believe most religions have so much good in them.  But it is so apparent that none of them have the FULLNESS of the Gospel.  During companion exchanges this week, we ran into a really nice Filipino lady, who said she was catholic. Something she said really stood out to me… She said, "I don't like to discuss religion, cause I don't know enough about my own.  But, there's a new Pope so I have new hope!" haha  But seriously though, I have yet to find a religion, besides the LDS faith, that claims or has the fullness of God's word, laws & organization. 

Since I've been out in the field, I've discussed this topic with Baptists, Southern Baptists (yes there is a difference!), Anti-Mormon, Atheists, Protestants (Wesleyan), Muslims, Catholics, Agnostics, Raëlist, Wicken, Buddhist, Hinduist, Lutherans, 7th Day Adventists, FLDS (polygamist), and many more. I always enjoy conversations with other religious parties. 100% of the time it comes down to the fact that they do not believe in Modern Revelation. They can't or don't want to live the "Higher Law".  They do all they can to avoid accountability.  Some people we come across say they don't believe the fullness was ever lost!  My question is… then where is it?! It WAS restored and anyone who wishes to know if that is true is welcome to find out for themselves.  Put it to the test. That's what I love so much about our Gospel message.  You don't have to believe our words.  Try it for yourself.  Read the Book of Mormon.  Ask God if it's not His word.  See if living more fully God's laws changes your life. The Gospel is amazing.  It all fits so nicely together.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has the fullness of the Gospel and therefor has all necessary Priesthood Authority and Ordinances available to qualify for Eternal Life. It's that simple.

A less-active member  that we are working with named Kort, just started the Stop Smoking (Chewing) Program that we teach as missionaries!  He has been chewing tobacco for the past 8 years.  He's 6 days free now! Please pray for him. We had an amazing experience with him. As we were about to leave, he asked us for a Priesthood blessing in order to help him get through this addiction. At the end of the blessing, he was in tears. It just goes to show that there are people all around us who have their own inner struggles.  We need to do all we can to reach out to these individuals and be "saviors of men" (D&C 103:9).  I am forever grateful for the experiences the Lord has allowed me to take part in. He has changed me.

A Tongan man took us out to dinner a few days ago and something he said really stood out to me.. He said something along the lines that God saved his strongest children for these last days. That there is a very good reason we were born where and when we were.  It made me think… God has to be able to trust us, in order to give us the orders that He plans on giving us, to fulfill His Eternal Plan. We have to be worthy at all times. We can't miss a beat. God has saved us for this time. There's a work for us to do. We must be ready.

Another amazing experience we had last week… Last P-day we went to WalMart like usual to pick up the week’s groceries.  As we were checking out, the cashier just starting bawling!  We didn't really know what to do. Just then, a lady swipes her card to pay for our stuff and also gets $40 cash back for us and then just leaves.  The cashier (a Polynesian lady) then says to us, "I have tears in my eyes because she (the lady who paid for us) comes here all the time and pays for the missionaries."  It was quite an incredible experience. I didn't know exactly how to feel.  People pay for missionaries all the time here in Utah, but this time was different. The cashier was so taken back by the kindness of this lady.  It was truly a humbling experience.

The doctrine of "Compassion" has overruled my studies over the past few weeks. I am struck with amazement as I've studied the life of Christ and seen how many times the scriptures mention that he has "compassion" on someone.  Every time he heals or helps anyone.

-he was moved with compassion on them: Matt. 9:36 (Matt. 14:14;Mark 6:34)
-lord of that servant was moved with compassion: Matt. 18:27
-Shouldest not thou also have had compassion: Matt. 18:33
-Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: Matt. 20:34
-Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand: Mark 1:41
-Lord … hath had compassion on thee: Mark 5:19
-if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us: Mark 9:22
-when the Lord saw her, he had compassion: Luke 7:13
-Samaritan … when he saw him, he had compassion: Luke 10:33
-his father saw him, and had compassion: Luke 15:20
-I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion: Rom. 9:15
-one member suffer, all the members suffer with it: 1 Cor. 12:26
-Who can have compassion on the ignorant: Heb. 5:2
-be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another: 1 Pet. 3:8
-shutteth up his bowels of compassion: 1 Jn. 3:17
-some have compassion, making a difference: Jude 1:22
-filled with compassion towards the children: Mosiah 15:9
-had compassion on them and were pacified: Mosiah 20:26
-Lamanites had compassion on Amulon: Mosiah 23:34
-he will take upon him the pains: Alma 7:11
-they were moved with compassion: Alma 27:4
-my bowels are filled with compassion towards you: 3 Ne. 17:6 . (D&C 101:9)
-Lord had compassion upon Jared: Ether 1:35
-remember … the poor and the needy, the sick: D&C 52:40
-I will have compassion upon you: D&C 64:2
-mercy hath compassion on mercy: D&C 88:40
-thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them: D&C 121:3

If we can learn to have compassion on (or charity for) others, we will begin to see them as the Savior does.  If we can put ourselves in other people’s shoes, we will begin to develop a more Christlike character. We will learn and love to turn outwards, rather than inwards.

I love the Gospel. There is so much to learn and so much we can improve on that we can take from the life of our Redeemer, the scriptures, the prophets, and personal revelation.

Stay close to the Lord, and make sure He can trust you, and I promise He will bless you.

Love,

Elder Carroll

"Let all your things be done with charity." (1 Corinthians 16:14)

"Fighting for a kingdom, and the world is our foe;
Happy are we! Happy are we!
Glad to join the army, we will sing as we go;
We shall gain the vict'ry by and by.
Dangers may gather--why should we fear?
Jesus, our Leader, ever is near.
He will protect us, comfort, and cheer.
We're joyfully, joyfully marching to our home." 

(We Are All Enlisted. LDS Hymn 250)