I taught again in July. This is what I taught from:
The Savior is our perfect example of ministering.
We are going to look at some stories from the scriptures in which the Savior ministered to others, to learn about to minister more effectively.
As you read the scriptures you are assigned, think about these questions:
How did the Savior personalize His service to others?
How did He meet people’s spiritual needs as well as temporal needs?
Can you think of times when you have seen people use these principles in their ministering?
**Woman at the Well, John 4:6-30, 39-43
**Heals Invalid by the Market Pool, John 5:1-17
** **Jesus Heals Man Who Descends Through Roof On Bed, Mark 2:1-12
Each group reports.
In the July 2018 Ensign, the ministering principle is Reach Out in Compassion.
Compassion is having an awareness of others’ distress along with a desire to lighten or relieve it. A covenant to follow the Savior is a covenant of compassion to “bear one another’s burdens” (Mosiah 18:8). An assignment to watch over others is an opportunity to minister as the Lord would: with “compassion, making a difference” (Jude 1:22). The Lord commanded, “Shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother” (Zechariah 7:9).
The Savior’s capacity to respond to the needs of the people is something that we can strive for as we serve. As we live righteously and listen to the promptings of the Spirit, we will be inspired to reach out in meaningful ways.
Taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ through our baptismal covenant, we witness that we are willing to exercise compassion. President Henry B Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, taught that the gift of the Holy Ghost helps us do so:
“You are a covenant member of the Church of Jesus Christ. …
“That is why you have a feeling to want to help a person struggling to move forward under a load of grief and difficulty. You promised that you would help the Lord make their burdens light and be comforted. You were given the power to help lighten those loads when you received the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Four Suggestions for Developing Compassion
While compassion is often increased after we experience our own trials, there are some things we can do today to develop compassion.
- Pray for it.As you appeal to Heavenly Father, He will open your heart, and “you will come to feel a sincere concern for the eternal welfare and happiness of other people” (Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service[2004], 118; see also Moroni 7:48).
- Practice it.You can show compassion by listening to others and being understanding. Put yourself in their circumstances and consider how they might feel. If appropriate to the situation and timing, you could offer to help alleviate their pain, suffering, or distress.
- Follow promptings.The Lord can reveal to us ways to show compassion that we might not have noticed on our own. When you feel a nudge from the Spirit to help others, don’t hesitate to act on it.
- Be a personal friend.Showing compassion can be as simple as showing genuine interest in peoples’ lives. Learn to listen well (see “Ministering Principles: Five Things Good Listeners Do,” Ensign,June 2018, 6–9). Your love for them will increase, and it will be easier to recognize ways to show that love.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf You Are My Hands (April 2010 ). “Christ did not just speak about love; He showed it each day of His life. He did not remove Himself from the crowd. Being amidst the people, Jesus reached out to the one. He rescued the lost. He didn’t just teach a class about reaching out in love and then delegate the actual work to others. He not only taught but also showed us how to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”12
Christ knows how to minister to others perfectly. When the Savior stretches out His hands, those He touches are uplifted and become greater, stronger, and better people as a result.
As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.”
President Thomas S, Monson counseled as to follow the example of the Savior. (Be an Example and a Light: October 2015). “My brothers and sisters, our opportunities to shine surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others, whether they be our own family members and friends, our co-workers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers.
To each of you, I say that you are a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father. You have come from His presence to live on this earth for a season, to reflect the Savior’s love and teachings, and to bravely let your light shine for all to see. When that season on earth has ended, if you have done your part, yours will be the glorious blessing of returning to live with Him forever.”
