Their Angels

After emphasizing how much He values children, encouraging us to emulate children, and condemning those who harm children, Jesus delivered the following warning:

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 18:10

Who are their angels?

In the book of Psalms, we read that God “shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways” (Psalm 91:11). We also read, “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them” (Psalm 34:7).

The apostle Paul told us that angels are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). And Moroni tells us that one of the gifts of the Spirit is “the beholding of angels and ministering spirits” (Moroni 10:14).

Nephi testified that angels had ministered to him. (See 2 Nephi 4:24.) So did his brother Jacob. (See Jacob 7:5.) An angel dramatically called Alma to repentance. (See Mosiah 27:11-17, Alma 36:6-11.) Years later, that same angel appeared to him again with a message from God. (See Alma 8:14-15.) Was it a coincidence that the same angel was sent to Alma both times, or did this angel have a particular responsibility to help Alma?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said:

From the beginning down through the dispensations, God has used angels as His emissaries in conveying love and concern for His children….

Usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times.

“The Ministry of Angels,” General Conference, October 2008, italics in original

Today, I will be grateful for the ministering of angels. I will remember that not only do I have access to heavenly help but that the people around me may also be receiving comfort and guidance from heavenly messengers whom we do not see.