L for Love

 

The A-Z of Ministering by Duncan Horne

Ministering describes the collective and organised effort in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where members keep in regular contact with one another to offer spiritual support and welfare assistance

"L" post

"As I have loved you, love one another,

By this shall men know ye are my disciples,

If ye have love one to another."

Jesus Christ set the reason for everything we do in the church: love.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Elder M. Russell Ballard taught: "It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbours through acts of kindness and service." He explained that a "place where we have ample opportunity to serve is in the church. Our wards and branches should be places where the Golden Rule always guides our words and actions toward each other. By treating each other kindly, speaking words of support and encouragement, and being sensitive to each other's needs, we can create loving unity among members."

This is a perfect description of what our motivation should be as we minister to members of our ward or branch. Take a few moments to assess the 'why' of your ministering and align it if necessary with the Saviour's example of love.