"Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected." (D&C 67:13.)"The Lord, Jesus Christ, is our perfect example of patience," said Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve at the April 1987 general conference. "Though absolutely unyielding in adherence to the truth, He exemplified patience repeatedly during His mortal ministry. He was patient with His disciples, including the Twelve, despite their lack of faith and their slowness to recognize and understand His divine mission. He was patient with the multitudes as they pressed about Him, with the woman taken in sin, with those who sought His healing power, and with little children. Finally, He remained patient through the sufferings of His mock trials and His crucifixion."
Elder Wirthlin spoke of the patience exhibited by the Apostle Paul who, during his 30-year ministry between his conversion and martyrdom, was flogged five times, beaten severely at least three times, imprisoned several times, shipwrecked three times, and stoned and left for dead on one occasion. (See 2 Cor. 11:23-27.)He said that the Prophet Joseph Smith's afflictions and sufferings paralleled those of Paul in many respects. "Beyond imprisonments, mobbings, and beatings, he suffered the anguish of betrayal by disloyal, unfaithful associates. But he offered the hand of friendship and fellowship to them even after they had opposed and betrayed him."
Elder Wirthlin noted that while it is important to develop patience in waiting for the Lord's time and will and to learn to have patience with others, it is important for individuals to develop patience for themselves.
"Recognizing our strengths and our weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake," he said. "We should not be unduly discouraged nor in despair at any time when we are doing the best we can. Rather, we should be satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times.
"We should be patient in developing and strengthening our testimonies. Rather than expecting immediate or spectacular manifestations, though they will come when needed, we should pray for a testimony, study the scriptures, follow the counsel of our prophet and other Church leaders, and live the principles of the gospel. Our testimonies then will grow and mature naturally, perhaps imperceptibly at times, until they become driving forces in our lives."