We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do.
Isn’t it remarkable how such small efforts can have eternal consequences? This truth is at the heart of the Church’s ministering efforts.
Heavenly Father can take our simple, daily efforts and turn them into something miraculous.
Those who understand the true spirit of ministering realize that it goes far beyond merely being nice. Done in the Lord’s way, ministering can have a far-reaching influence for good that ripples throughout all eternity,
The Savior showed by example what it means to minister as He served out of love. … He … taught, prayed for, comforted, and blessed those around Him, inviting all to follow Him.
As Church members minister [in a higher and holier way], they prayerfully seek to serve as He would–to … ‘watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them,’ ‘visit the house of each member,’ and help each become a true disciple of Jesus Christ.”
A true shepherd loves his sheep, knows each one by name, and “has personal interest in” them.
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, … and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
I find abiding peace in knowing that “the Lord is my shepherd” and that each of us is known by Him and under His care.
As children of a loving Heavenly Father and as sheep in His flock, we enjoy the blessing of being individually ministered to by Jesus Christ. Simultaneously, we have a responsibility to provide ministering assistance to others around us as shepherds ourselves.
Who is a shepherd? Every man, woman, and child in the kingdom of God is a shepherd.
From the moment we emerge from the waters of baptism, we are commissioned to this work. We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do.
Whenever our neighbors are in distress temporally or spiritually, we run to their aid. We bear one another’s burdens that they may be light. We mourn with those who mourn. We comfort those who stand in need of comfort. The Lord lovingly expects this of us. And the day will come when we will be held accountable for the care we take in ministering to His flock.
Our greatest challenges and our greatest rewards may come as we minister to lost sheep
Every soul is precious to our Heavenly Father
His personal invitation to minister is of greatest value and importance to Him, for it is His work and glory. It is quite literally the work of eternity. Each one of His children has immeasurable potential in His sight. He loves you with a love you cannot even begin to comprehend.
Here is the full talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/shepherding-souls?lang=eng
-Sherri Jorgensen
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