We often forget that part of the baptismal covenant is to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. Alma reminds of this important principle.
“Someone has said that people would rather be understood than be loved. In truth, the surest way to increase our love for someone is to listen with patience and respect. I believe that our baptismal covenant demands this. How can we ‘mourn with those that mourn’ and ‘bear one another’s burdens’ (Mosiah 18:8-9) if we don’t listen to know what those burdens are?…But we must be careful not to listen as Laman and Lemuel listened to each other. They encouraged mutual murmuring. When fellow ward members complain, blame others, and repeat negative tales, it takes self-discipline to stop ourselves from adding more fuel to their fire of disgruntlement. Mutual murmuring is a smoldering fire that can burst into flame and destroy a ward.” (Virginia H. Pearce, Ensign, Nov. 1993, p. 80 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 225)
Neal A. Maxwell
“It is abundantly clear, therefore, that we have a duty to comfort others, to mourn with them, to serve them, and to help them. When there is so much to do to help others, there is little time for self-pity. We do not know all the details of the crosses others bear, but we know enough to understand that crosses are being borne valiantly. Moreover, the courage of others can be contagious.” (If Thou Endure It Well, p. 94)