May 31st, 2025, 1pm MDT
Editor’s Note: “The Coand Word” is shared every Sunday by Derrick Porter in the weekly tabernacle choir on the Temple Square broadcast. This will take place on Sunday, June 1st, 2025. This week it aired ranked 4,994th.
“Strengthen your weak hands, and check your weak knees” (Isaiah 35:3). This was a plea to the covenant of God of the Prophet Isaiah. Hundreds of years later, James recorded in his letter, “We will not go back before pure religion and God… this is to visit the fatherless widow in their suffering” (James 1:27). Today, these warnings are still applied, and we are each invited to administer the relief to those who are suffering (see Doctrine and Covenant 44:6).
We are all putting a burden on this world. To some, their suffering is more visible and physically evident on the outside. For others, their suffering is invisible and carried inward. Anyway, the pain we endure is real.
The good news is that many humans fill this planet, each with the power to lift the burden on others. Simple acts of compassion become a powerful expression of God’s love for those in need. In a way, our hands become his hands, benefiting them beyond our reach.
When we strive to serve others, even in moments of need for ourselves, we find ourselves developing a higher sacred character.
Elder David A. Bednar, religious leader, described this Christlike character when he said, “Perhaps the greatest indicator of character is the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to others experiencing the very challenge or adversity that pushes us most immediately.” He continued: “For example, the character is revealed in the power to identify the suffering of others when we ourselves are suffering. … Personality is demonstrated by reaching the outside when natural and instinctive responses are self-absorbed and is directed inwards” (see “Christian Character.”
His most suffered Jesus Christ always reached the outside and eased the suffering of those around him. His perfect character allows his perfect love to expand to each and every one of us.
Our natural tendency may be to be inward-looking, but may we promise others to reach the outside. Jesus himself promised: “Give me, and it will be given to you… on the same scale as you… it will be measured again to you” (Luke 6:38).
tuning…
“Music & The Chaked Word” broadcasts are available on KSL-TV, KSL News Radio 1160am/102.7FM, KSL.com, Byutv, Byuradio, DirectV, SiriusXM (Ch. 143), Tabernaclechoir.org, youtube.com/thetabernaclechoir and Amazon alexa (everexa). The program will air live at these outlets at 9:30am Mountain time. Find broadcast information by state and city at MusicandTheSpokenWord.com/viewers-listeners/airing-schedules.
