The Art of Patience: How Honoring Elders Strengthens Your Missionary Heart

There are moments in the service of the Lord that test us in ways we never anticipate. Sometimes the hardest part of the work isn't the difficult doctrinal question, or the long drive to the next ward. Sometimes, it’s simply the quiet, persistent need for patience.

Recently, I spent a few hours with my own family’s elderly relatives. It was a beautiful, sometimes challenging, reminder of the scripture: “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.”

We often think of missionary preparation as mastering artful answers, or perfecting the pitch of our testimony. But if you spend any time truly serving in the field, you learn that the greatest missionary skill is often simply the ability to *listen*—to listen without judgment, to listen with genuine compassion, and to listen even when the story being told is repetitive, or the complaint is frustrating.

The Covenant of Care

The counsel we received—to honor our parents and grandparents, to provide love and thoughtful consideration—is not just a cultural expectation; it’s a sacred commandment echoing from Sinai. It teaches us that service is not limited to the mission field. It is a principle that permeates our whole lives.

When we are called to care for someone who has lived a long, full life, we are taught to honor their independence as long as possible. We are taught to forgive them for mistakes they might make, just as we hope to be forgiven ourselves. We are taught to see the value in their wisdom and their time.

From Grandparents to the Field

If you are feeling the weight of mission prep, or perhaps you’re a returned missionary feeling the ache to be back in the field, I want you to take a moment and make this connection. The patience, deep empathy, and gentle respect required to care for an elder are the very same tools you need when you are studying gospel principles with a hesitant investigator.

Think about it: When an investigator asks a question that makes you feel unprepared, or when they share a perspective that challenges your deepest beliefs, what is your immediate response? Are you tempted to correct them, or do you pause, remember the sacred principle of patience, and gently guide them? That ability to pause, to understand their point of view, and to meet them where they are—that is the heart of being a disciple anywhere, all the time.

The work requires us to see the individual. To treat them not as a challenge, but as a soul deserving of honor, respect, and the opportunity to hear the restored gospel.

How to Practice This Skill This Week

You don't need to be in the MTC or assigned to a new district to build these muscles. You can practice the art of compassionate service today.

• Observe: Next time you interact with a family member, or even a friend who is struggling, consciously slow down. Practice the art of truly listening, without formulating your response until they are finished speaking.
• Connect: Consider reaching out to a local elder or a member of your community who is in need of companionship. This is a powerful way to build your testimony and your stamina for the work.
• Study: We often find powerful, practical insights woven into our study groups. If you’ve been looking for a deeper dive into the Book of Psalms, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces.

This isn't just theory; it's preparation. It's about becoming Christlike in our everyday lives. If you want to walk through how to apply these principles to difficult conversations, I highly recommend checking out Davee's AI Investigator. He's fantastic at walking you through the hard questions and helping you formulate a Spirit-filled answer.

Keep the Spirit close, my brothers and sisters. The capacity for deep, selfless service is the most beautiful preparation we can ever receive for the work.

✨ Your Challenge: This week, I invite you to participate in our free weekly Disciple Challenge. It's a bite-sized assignment designed to help you focus on one specific facet of the gospel—like patience—and weave it into your daily life. It’s a wonderful way to keep the momentum going!