Gathering the courage to visit with your bishop can be a difficult thing.
Bishops know it.
That’s one of the reasons you often hear them pleading with the saints from the pulpit to come talk with them if there are any issues or concerns that require a personal interview.
The fear of confessing sin or acknowledging personal problems is a big hurdle to get over, but the relief you feel once you have reached out for help takes such a burden off of your soul.
But what will your bishop really think about you after you talk to him?
Robert D. Hales, when serving as the Presiding Bishop, said the following:
“All members of the Church can turn to their bishops when they are in need of help and can feel secure in his love for them and can have confidence in following his counsel. Bishops learn not to judge people against a standard of perfection. A bishop learns that he will rejoice with those over whom he presides in any progress they make.”
Recently a bishop was speaking with one of his ward members about those he was working with who were struggling.
No names were given, and full confidence was maintained, but this dear bishop did share how he really felt about those struggling saints who he was ministering to.
a bishop a couple days ago was telling me about people he’s working with who are struggling & said “they’re so awesome, they just don’t know it yet”
& i just started crying bc that is how god looks at & loves all of us, regardless of how crappy we feel about ourselves
— poetic kate (@poetickate) March 2, 2018
“They’re so awesome, they just don’t know it yet.” Amen.
How beautiful is it to have someone as your advocate, someone who – while they are your common judge, views you as your loving Heavenly Father does!
All members of the Church can turn to their bishops when they are in need of help and can feel secure in his love for them and can have confidence in following his counsel. – Robert D. Hales
If you are wrestling with an issue, and are waffling back and forth as to whether to speak with your Bishop or not, just do it! Everyone needs and advocate – someone who is one their side.
In this way, bishops are following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ, who is our Greatest Advocate:
3 Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—
4 Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.
Know that you are loved, regardless of the choices you have made. The Lord has organized His church as a means to offer His love and mercy to each one of us.
“The Savior is often referred to as the Great Physician. … Guilt is to our spirit what pain is to our body—a warning of danger and a protection from additional damage. From the Atonement of the Savior flows the soothing salve that can heal our spiritual wounds and remove guilt. However, this salve can only be applied through the principles of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and consistent obedience. The results of sincere repentance are peace of conscience, comfort, and spiritual healing and renewal.
“Your bishop or branch president is the spiritual physician’s assistant who is authorized to help you repent and heal.” – Elder David A. Bednar
God be thanked for great bishops, for the burdens they carry, and for the love they extend to all those whom they minister over.
BONUS
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Mykel Severson
Friday 3rd of February 2023
Saints are so awesome and they don't know it because they're too busy doing stuff like this, under the protective watch of Mormon Bishops!
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/local/2022/08/04/seven-years-sex-abuse-how-latter/
Janette M Brown
Sunday 2nd of September 2018
We must remember that our Bishop is a human man and can sometimes make mistakes. I was angry, after the death of my first husband and I was angry at my Bishop because I did not feel I got the support I needed. However, I still had my testimony and I prayed on that until I was able to forgive him. After about 7 years and a cross country move, I am back attending services for the last 8 years and I finally got my temple recommend. The church did not abandon me, I abandoned it. Heavenly Father opened His arms and welcomed me back. I am very thankful that the Holy Spirit led me to Idaho and my ward family.
Ben Arkell
Monday 3rd of September 2018
Janette, thank you for coming back. That must have been hard. Sometimes us humans get in the way, don't we? We love you for your devotion to your Heavenly Father!
Monday 23rd of April 2018
I have learned to rely on my Heavenly Father. He is my counselor when I need someone to listen. He is my friend when I wonder who is. He is my Father because all of mine have passed on. I have half siblings Who have whole siblings, I mean they share the same Father and mother. I share one or the other. But it gives me lots of geneology to do. When feeling down or overwhelmed I keep the Saviors atonement in mind and heart. I want to make it back to them. I rely on their power that it can sanctify me . I can be clean. Not by my efforts alone but through grace. The Temple gives me a calm And peace I can take home. I remind myself to look up not around. I am loved and liked by some but I rely on the love of God. He will always be there for me. I desire to be His true friend. To be there for Him. Isn't that what a child of God should be? It is the truest of integrity and Love. Only I can choose to get there. Others must choose for themselves. Christ is our example. Others examples are imperfect. They cannot lead us home. Christ can.
Ben Arkell
Monday 23rd of April 2018
Thank you for your wonderful comment. Christ is the one who truly does lead us home.
C. hughes
Saturday 21st of April 2018
Tony, I, too, have been overlooked and let down by leaders who didn't concern themselves with either my or my children's needs, which can be disillusioning and hurtful. Hard to manage all alone when the going gets rough. My life has been touched on rare occasions where a church member actually reached out in kindness to let me know he cared and was concerned for me and my welfare. I will never forget that dear brother and work associate who pulled me aside one day to try and help by providing some much-needed words of encouragement and concern. I encourage you to lean on the Lord when it comes to seeking relief and solutions to problems. It's a faith building experience to do so. I continue to have faith, hope and confidence in Him, and He has blessed me for that. He has answered prayers, both great and small. A member of the church who's also an atty in Las Vegas once reminded me that this life is not the fair one, rather the next! We are not here to prove anything to God, but rather he kindly gives us opportunities to find out who we are so that we will know his judgements are just. Keep looking to a loving, caring, supportive Heavenly Father for help. He will always respond in the best way possible. Ask for direction from the Holy Ghost to teach and provide comfort. You will become stronger as you bear your affliction w long-suffering and understanding, which takes courage. I hope you will get the assistance you need from those who administer blessings and ordinances in your behalf. Best wishes, Brother Wardle.
Ben Arkell
Monday 23rd of April 2018
Thank you for your heart-felt comment. It's hurtful at times when our leaders don't act as we wish they would or as they should. We are all here on earth trying to learn to best follow the example of the Savior.
Tony Wardle
Thursday 22nd of March 2018
I only wish our bishop was lik that I am terminally And son as he took over as bishop in My ward he has stopped me having blessings and sacrament at home his he write to do this because I am on the verge giving up the church altogether