David a bednar the character of christ

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) taught a principle that has impressed me deeply and been the focus for much of my studying, reflecting, and pondering.

He said, “There could have been no Atonement without the character of Christ!”¹ Since hearing this straightforward and penetrating statement, I have tried to learn more about and better understand the word “character.” I have also pondered the relationship between Christ’s character and His Atonement—and the implications of that relationship for each of us as disciples.

The Character of the Lord Jesus Christ

Perhaps the greatest indicator of character is the capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to other people who are experiencing the very challenge or adversity that is most immediately and forcefully pressing upon us.

Character is revealed, for example, in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ab