At the Last Supper, Jesus warned Peter that Satan would try to destroy the faith of the apostles. “But I have prayed for thee,” He said, “that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32).
Peter might have thought that the warning was to prevent him from succumbing to the temptations of the devil. But Jesus wanted Peter to feel a broader responsibility for the spiritual well-being of his fellow apostles, not only his own.
After preaching in Ammonihah and enduring severe persecution, Alma and Amulek traveled to Zarahemla, where Alma took Amulek into his own home. He “did administer to him in his tribulations, and strengthened him in the Lord” (Alma 15:18).
On December 26, 1835, a church leader in Kirtland, Ohio named Lyman Sherman sought a the following counsel to Lyman Sherman, a church leader:
Strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.
Doctrine and Covenants 108:7
I like this list of ways we can strengthen one another:
- Conversation – Sometimes we help each other by sharing words of inspiration and encouragement or by listening.
- Prayers – Just as Jesus prayed for Peter to remain faithful, we should pray for one another.
- Exhortations – Sometimes we strengthen one another by providing needed correction.
- Doings – We can involve other people in many of our activities. When we invite others to serve with us or to worship with us, we strengthen them even as we strengthen ourselves.
Today, I will remember the Savior’s admonition to get outside of myself and contribute to the spiritual strength of the people around me. I will strive to strengthen others through my conversations, prayers, exhortations, and activities.
Leave a Reply