Serving others. Serving God.

Have you ever had the thought to do something nice for someone? Have you ever followed through on that thought? What did you do? How did you feel? These are a few of the questions I'd like to discuss. Service. It is one of the most basic elements in the gospel. All of what Jesus Christ did was service. He provided a way for us to repent and, through "relying wholly on the merits of Him who is mighty to save", obtain Eternal Life (2 Nephi 31:19).  I have come to know that it is by serving our Savior that happiness comes into our lives and that it is by living His way that draws us unto Him.

An Example: Jesus Christ

Throughout Christ's mortal ministry on the Earth He performed many acts of service. Today we call most of those things miracles, but service they were. Healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and raising the dead are all wonderful and miraculous examples of our Savior's service for those he was around. We have the mandate from his prophets to "mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort" (Mosiah 18:9). Why is that important? Because that is what He would do if he were in your place.

Something to Learn

"...I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17). From this scripture we see that whenever we take the time and serve someone in some way, it is as if we were doing that service to our Savior. He has said: "...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40). He also warns us that if we ignore our duty to serve others, we are ignoring our duty to serve Him.

Personal Thoughts:

Throughout my life I've had many opportunities to share of my talents and abilities, some of those chances I took, others I let pass by, but every time I have thought of others over my own wants or needs I wind up better for it. This past week the opportunity to serve has been ever present. I know that the reason that I feel so good after serving is because the Spirit of the Lord is witnessing to me that what I am doing is right and what the Savior would have me do. He would have me help my neighbor, as he taught in the parable of The Good Samaritan (See Luke 10:30-37). I know that serving others is helping our Father in Heaven to accomplish the work he wishes to do among His children here on earth. I know that as I serve I feel a closeness to my Savior. Please give of yourselves so that God can fill you with his love! I know this to be the restored church of Jesus Christ. It is through His gospel I gain my happiest moments. I love my Savior, I look forward to serving Him in my new area in Jacksonville, this is His work. Thank you for reading. Have a wonderful day!