In particular, those who are to sit as judges of their fellowmen must be so righteous that their judgment would be the same as if Christ himself had passed the judgment. But the counsel, to be even as Christ is, is not just given to the Lord’s judges, but to all, be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect (3 Nephi 12:48).
Spencer W. Kimball
“Hard to do? Of course. The Lord never promised an easy road, nor a simple gospel nor low standards, nor a low norm. The price is high, but the goods attained are worth all they cost. The Lord himself turned the other cheek; he suffered himself to be buffeted and beaten without remonstrance; he suffered every indignity and yet spoke no word of condemnation. And his question to all of us is: ’Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be’ And his answer to us is: ’Even as I am.’” (Conference Report, Oct. 1977, p. 71 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 462)
Ezra Taft Benson
"My beloved brethren, I have entitled my remarks ’What Manner of Men Ought We to Be?’ You will recognize this title as a variation of the question Jesus posed to the Nephites (see 3 Nephi 27:27). It is a timely question for each member of the priesthood of God to consider.
"…As priesthood holders, we are to emulate the character of the Savior.
And what is His character?
"He has identified the cardinal virtues of His divine character in a revelation to all priesthood holders who serve in His ministry. You are familiar with this verse in section 4 of the Doctrine and Covenants, which was given a year before the Church was organized: ’Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence’ (D&C4:6).
’These are the virtues we are to emulate. This is the Christlike character…He expects us to be like Him. He expects us to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit in our lives, which are ’love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance’ (Galatians 5:22-23).
“These Christlike traits should characterize each priesthood holder and should permeate every Latter-day Saint home. It can be done and must be done if we are to honorably bear His name. Never in the history of mankind has there been a greater need for men to be united in their determination and actions to be Christlike in character.” (Morality, pp. 1,2,6)