This past General Conference, we heard two talks on the Atonement. There were also talks given on Desire, Hope, and The Sabbath and the Sacrament, which closely relate to this topic. Elder Kent F. Richards reminded us how the Atonement covers all the pain that we experience. And Elder C. Scott Grow spoke on how the Atonement actually works within each one of us. The other talks remind us how to use the Atonement in our everyday life through attitude and action. These talks were good reminders and have caused me to ponder just a little deeper the pain that comes from being a victim, being a sinner, as well as being forgiven completely.

When it comes to pain, Jesus Christ is the one who understands it all. “He shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death” (Mosiah 3:7) He suffered all worldly pain, so we could wash ourselves from it forever.

King Benjamin’s people listened to his words—and believed. “They had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.” (Mosiah 4:2)

Elder Orson F. Whitney reminds us that pain is essential to our moving forward. Elder Hales tells us that pain can humble us and cause us to ponder and think deeply about important things, such as the Atonement and the hope of eternity that it brings. So, instead of asking “Why”, maybe we could be more like Paul who said, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10). I interpret that as saying, “Bring it on. I can do this!”

Elder Richards focuses on the two ways pain comes to us: 1) when it is inflicted upon us, and 2) when we do it to ourselves.  Elder Grow talks about the pain of forgiving and of being forgiven.

Once I was late in getting to a session at the temple. I didn’t even have a good excuse; I was reading and the time got away from me. I rushed to the temple, and rushed getting dressed (nice mood setting, right?) and practically ran through the doors. My husband was waiting for me and I knew he’d be mad if I messed things up. As I went through all the stops and starts of attending a session, I was amazed that they held the session for me. They waited for me and let me in. This was a new kind of pain for me. A pain of relief and sheer gratitude that I was allowed to still participate, even though I wasn’t deserving. When I think about this experience, that pain comes back to me. This is not pain of sin or sorrow; but it is a pain of pure joy that I am accepted in spite of my many weaknesses.

Elder Grow shared the personal experience of his brother’s journey of traveling through sin, then finding himself and repenting, where he was fully accepted back in. Repentance is painful. Forgiveness of self is painful. And realizing that God loves me anyway is painfully delicious.

His brother knew worldly pain and all of the misery that it brings. There is no hope in that pain. It debilitates us and makes us feel worthless. But because of the Atonement, we can begin anew on the path of repentance that brings us a rejuvenating pain, a cleansing pain that heals, refreshes, and fills us back up with hope.

Every time I’ve had a baby, I do everything in my power to bring on the pain, because after nine months of waddling, I’m done! I have had enough! The more pain I feel, the closer I am to delivery, and the closer I am to having that pain behind me. Boy, does it feel good when I am delivered. And then I get to hold a sweet beautiful baby in my arms as the ultimate prize.

In teaching his son of his personal experience with pain, Alma says to Helaman, “Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.” (Alma 36:21).

The beauty of the Atonement is that it gives us an opportunity to feel that good kind of pain, the cleansing kind that takes us to a better place; a place of gratitude, love, reassurance, joy, and peace.

The Painting is called The Repentance of the Sinful Woman by Lina