During the last week of His life, the Savior reaffirmed the importance of service to others. Listing a number of basic needs—food and water, shelter, clothing, medical care, and emotional support—He instructed us to provide these resources to people in need, saying, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these... Continue Reading →
“Fellow-Servants” (Alma 17:29)
What inspires you to serve? For me, it is often seeing other people serve. Several years ago, I met a young couple in Chennai, India. They were running a school for young children who lived in a leprosy colony. After talking with them for a short time, I was struck by how happy they were.... Continue Reading →
“He Shall Do a Work…Which Shall Be of Great Worth” – 2 Nephi 3:7
The ancient patriarch Joseph foresaw the work of his future namesake, the prophet Joseph Smith: Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a... Continue Reading →
“Grievous to Be Borne” – Mosiah 2:14
The Apostle Paul taught an important principle in his epistle to the Romans: Disciples of Christ must strive to reduce the burdens other people must bear: We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1) And in his epistle to the Galatians, he emphasizes... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Serve Others “According to Their Wants?”
After King Benjamin's people received a forgiveness of their sins, he taught them what they should do to retain that forgiveness: I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Minister?
When a rift developed among the apostles over the question of who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus called them together to teach them about leadership: Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Serving Others?
King Benjamin was a remarkable leader. He was able to remain humble in spite of the political power he possessed, and to avoid abusing that power. At the end of his life, as he reported back to his people, he said that he had spent his days in their service. "I, myself," he said, "have... Continue Reading →
Why Is Jesus Called “the Good Shepherd?”
Since ancient times, prophets have compared God with a shepherd in order to emphasize His gentle leadership. King David began a psalm of trust and gratitude with the words, "The Lord is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). Sheep are largely defenseless against their predators. An important role of a shepherd is to to protect his sheep... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to “Succor” Someone?
succour - to help someone, especially someone who is suffering or in need (Cambridge English Dictionary) succor - Literally, to run to, or run to support; hence, to help or relieve when in difficulty, want or distress; to assist and deliver from suffering; as, to succor a besieged city; to succor prisoners (Webster's Dictionary, 1828... Continue Reading →
Wo Unto Them that Join House to House – 2 Nephi 15:8-10
8 Wo unto them that join house to house, till there can be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! 9 In mine ears, said the Lord of Hosts, of a truth many houses shall be desolate, and great and fair cities without inhabitant. 10 Yea, ten acres... Continue Reading →
