Infuriating Unfairness

By Elder Dale G. Renlund

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

My heart aches for those who face such unfairness, but I declare with all my aching heart that Jesus Christ both understands unfairness and has the power to provide a remedy. Nothing compares to the unfairness He endured. It was not fair that He experienced all the pains and afflictions of mankind. It was not fair that He suffered for my sins and mistakes and for yours. But He chose to do so because of His love for us and for Heavenly Father. He understands perfectly what we are experiencing....

In mortality, we can “come boldly” to the Savior and receive compassion, healing, and help.⁷ Even while we suffer inexplicably, God can bless us in simple, ordinary, and significant ways. As we learn to recognize these blessings, our trust in God will increase. In the eternities, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will resolve all unfairness. We understandably want to know how and when. How are They going to do that? When are They going to do it? To my knowledge, They have not revealed how or when.⁸ What I do know is that They will....

Brothers and sisters, not throwing stones is the first step in treating others with compassion. The second step is to try to catch stones thrown by others....

When faced with unfairness, we can push ourselves away from God or we can be drawn toward Him for help and support....

Do not let unfairness harden you or corrode your faith in God. Instead, ask God for help. Increase your appreciation for and reliance on the Savior. Rather than becoming bitter, let Him help you become better.²⁶ Allow Him to help you persevere, to let your afflictions be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.”²⁷ Join Him in His mission “to heal the brokenhearted,”²⁸ strive to mitigate unfairness, and become a stonecatcher....

All unfairness—especially infuriating unfairness—will be consecrated for your gain. I