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By Brent Roberts
Guest Columnist

I have always been inspired by two scripture verses that remind us of the importance of following the example of Jesus Christ. 

Encouraging all to think and act like Jesus, Paul wrote: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). 

In the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, we read that the Savior taught: “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27). 

Sometimes I look at images of the Savior and wonder: How can I follow His perfect example? 

As recorded in the Gospel of John and familiar to Christians everywhere, the story of the woman taken in adultery is an example of Christ’s ministering. 

First, Jesus, who was in the midst of teaching in the temple, immediately turned to the woman and her accusers as soon as they were brought to Him (John 8:2-5). 

How often do we try to delay or wriggle out of service opportunities when they arise? In contrast, Jesus immediately turned to those in need, and did not shy away from the situation. 

Next, He turned the experience into a teaching moment on multiple levels. When He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone” (8:7), He created a moment of incisive self-reflection, causing those bent on stoning the women to realize that they were not perfect either. 

Jesus also taught the woman. He noted that her accusers had all dispersed, teaching the woman of her divine worth as a daughter of God.

Finally, He focused on the individual. It touches my heart when I read of how the Savior, in the face of this angry mob, knelt humbly even as He demonstrated powerful, godly love.

Christ could certainly have condemned the woman’s immoral actions. However, He chose words of gentleness and kindness, charity and encouragement: “Go, and sin no more” (8:11).

Likewise, we can eliminate harsh, judgmental words from our daily conversations and replace them with supportive, loving, strengthening language.

Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught: “If a couple in your congregation gets divorced, or a young missionary returns home early, or a teenager doubts his testimony, they do not need your judgment. They need to experience the pure love of Jesus Christ reflected in your words and actions.

“If a friend on social media has strong political or social views that violate everything you believe in, an angry, cutting retort by you will not help. Building bridges of understanding will require much more of you, but that is exactly what your friend needs.”

May we each strive to be more like Jesus Christ by ministering as He did, taking the time to focus on loving, encouraging, teaching, and strengthening individuals.

DR. BRENT ROBERTS is the bishop of the Sandy River Ward, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and also assistant provost for Academic Outreach and dean of Greenwood Library at Longwood University. He can be reached at brentsroberts@hotmail.com.