We are even counseled in the scriptures to lose ourselves in the service of our fellowmen. This counsel is of course open to a lot of interpretation, but it certainly doesn’t mean throwing ourselves into service until we’ve got nothing else left to give.

Here are some signs that you might be giving too much.

Your help fosters dependence and isn’t helping the person grow. When your help becomes an expectation of continued support, you should take a step back and reassess the situation. Did the person actually make an effort to improve his/her situation? If you had an agreement that they would work on things and progress, did he/she get from Point A to Point B? Or was there no improvement because that person knew you would be there willing to help?

When your help becomes the safety net and an excuse for people not to acquire needed life or professional skills to improve themselves, your help is actually producing unhealthy unintended consequences, both for you and them.

The solution is not to stop helping altogether but to set boundaries and expectations if you are going to provide additional support. Even the Lord sets boundaries in the form of commandments to bless us. And even if He has everything to give us, He doesn’t just pour out every blessing for us, because if He did we wouldn’t have to work for it and grow.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. This metaphor perfectly sums up a lesson some learn the hard way. One tangible example is going into debt to help others financially. It might be tempting to dip into your emergency fund or use money you’ve set aside for your mortgage to help out, but if they weren’t able to uphold their end of the bargain and you ended up in debt, the results wouldn’t help you or them.

A woman once questioned a flight attendant’s instruction to place the mask over your mouth and nose first before assisting others. What could possibly be wrong with helping others first, right?

The fact is, when oxygen masks drop inside an airplane, it means that the oxygen level has dropped so dangerously low that one can lose consciousness quickly. If you don’t make putting on your mask a priority, you’ll very likely not able to help anyone.

There’s a reason why Latter-day Saints are taught that people are better able to serve and care for others when they are self-reliant temporally and spiritually. It’s because people can’t really pour from an empty cup. You can’t really give what you do not have.

You don’t feel at peace when you give. When giving leaves you up all night worrying and feeling exhausted or emotionally depleted, you should pause and start taking care of yourself. Take your feelings seriously as these feelings can be a precursor to depression, which is harder to recover from.

It may feel wrong to give priority to your peace of mind over the needs of others but doing so is critical. If you don’t, you can spiral into an unhealthy mental, emotional, and even physical state. This does not mean that you’re selfish or uncaring in any way. It means recalibrating, refortifying, and restoring yourself so you can get back to a state where you can help again.

Giving or helping others, whatever that may mean in your situation, is noble but you also owe it to yourself to set personal parameters to protect yourself from “generosity burnout”. God sent us here to Earth to thrive and reach our full potential and we can’t do that if we spread ourselves too thin. The good news is that when that happens, we can count on the Savior’s promise, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. He is aware of our burdens and the compassion we feel towards others. He will strengthen us so we are better able to lift others in such a way that won’t require us to “run more than [we have] strength.”

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Acknowledge that feelings of distress are normal. Who would not be worried during these times? We don’t know when this pandemic will end. It has affected us in so many ways the past couple weeks that feeling carefree would not be normal. Many people say to focus on the positive things, and while that is a very helpful advice we need to recognize that it is okay to feel worried. Suppressing our feelings can lead to more stress and anxiety. Acknowledge them, evaluate where they’re coming from, and then identify the things we can control to help us ease our worries, keeping in mind that there are community restrictions and pandemic rules we need to follow if we decide to do something.

Take action over things we can control. These uncertain times might leave us feeling powerless but the good things is, we are not powerless—at least not totally. There are still aspects in our lives that are within our control.

We can choose to unplug from the media and lessen the information that we consume. There are countless sources of information circulating on the internet that may lead to confusion and heightened anxiety. It is definitely advisable to keep ourselves updated on what’s happening in our community, around the world even, but too much information won’t help us cope. Let’s choose one or two platforms that we can trust to get reliable information and stick to it. It is also important to limit how often we check for updates and learn to step away from the media when we start feeling overwhelmed. We can also choose to only share reliable and verified information.

We can also choose to follow the pandemic regulations in our area, wash our hands, exercise at home, boost our immune system and take extra precaution when we need to step outside for groceries, medicine, or other essential needs. For those working at home, we can choose to perform as we would working in an office and do an honest day’s work.

Focus on the present. One source of anxiety is worrying about the future and trying to predict what’s going to happen next. These worries might prevent us from making logical decisions for the present. When we focus our attention on the present, we can get a tighter grip on the things that we need to do now that can positively affect the future. This will help us ease our stress, boost our mood, and increase our overall positivity.

Help others. Amidst the stories we hear about people fighting over toiler paper rolls and political parties pointing fingers at who should be blamed, we also hear many stories of charity and hope.

Some of the uneasy feelings that we feel in the midst of this pandemic stem from feeling powerless. We can regain a sense of control over our lives when we do something empowering. One of the things that can empower us is to reach out to others in need. This might sound cliché but extending our hand to others can help us cope. Even with the guidance on isolation and staying home, we can still help without compromising our safety. Perhaps an elderly neighbor needs help with groceries or to get their prescription filled. We can always drop off the items at their doorsteps and do the financial transactions online.

Others simply need someone to talk to on the phone. A reassuring voice, even when done virtually, can provide comfort. We can also donate to foodbanks and other relief operations initiatives in our communities. And ultimately, our biggest contribution to this crisis is to stay home to prevent the spread of the virus.

Find peace through meditation and prayer. Simply knowing that there is a powerful being who can take this crisis away is already a comfort, we just don’t know God’s timing. You can find peace by seeking to know His will amidst all this and what you can do as His servant during these challenging times. When all else fails, we can be assured that He listens to our silent petitions and prayers. His love is real and His grace is sufficient to get us through these dark times. We can reach out to him in fervent prayer and give all our worries and fears over to Him. In these troubled times, we can rely in this promise of peace from the Savior, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”.

There will always be uncertainty in the future no matter how much we strive to eliminate it, but we can cope with these uncertainties when we acknowledge that our feelings of fear and worry are valid, shift our focus to the present and the things that are within our control, help others, and find peace from the Prince of Peace Himself, our Savior Jesus Christ.

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Listen

Depression can make people feel empty, confused, and easily overwhelmed. Most people with this illness do not need tons of advice – a listening ear is enough. Joe – a returned missionary living far from family – said “Giving your time and attention to someone who is struggling can help a lot.” Elaine, a 25 year old accounting staff, said “Just making us feel that what we’re feeling and saying truly matter is enough for us.”

When reaching out to a depressed loved one or friend, always be willing to listen. Be patient, especially when they’re pouring their hearts out to you. Finding what to say can be difficult but as you listen with real intent to the person you’re helping, and if you listen to the promptings of the Spirit, it will help “tell you all things what ye should do.”

Never Judge

Judgment – it easily clouds our desire to help, and even our love to those we are helping. An important element in offering help to people with depression is to serve without judgment. Let’s leave the judgment to Heavenly Father and come to the doorsteps of the people we serve without any desire to judge. Jelly, a young mother who approached her best friend who was reluctant to admit he has depression, shares “When my friend opened up to me the main cause of his depression, I was taken aback. I did not expect his admission. In that moment, I had two choices – reprimand him for his actions, or just let him talk and share his feelings. I did the latter, and I felt it was the right choice.” Reach out with love without any hint of judgment – it will bring miracles as you serve.

Helping people with depression can simply mean being their friend, showing a willingness to listen without judging.

Be Present, Be a Friend

Reynald, a young man who has friends suffering from depression, says “one of the best things we can do is to let them know someone cares for them, someone has their back.” Being there doesn’t mean talking, giving advice, and trying to be bubbly in the hopes that your friend will feel the same. Being present means truly being there, to listen even if you don’t understand; to stay quiet even if you’re tempted to say things; and to recognize that most times, their life isn’t happy or hopeful. Simply be there. Let them know they will have a friend – one who may not understand them 100% – who will be with them when the going gets tough.

Understand Their Need to be Alone

Anjie, a young lady who has depression, says “What people don’t understand is when a person is depressed, all they want is to be alone. Sometimes, random visits – no matter how well-meaning – can cause me extreme stress.” When asked what she wants her future visitors to know, she said “Sending a message never fails. Informing us ahead of time of your plans to visit can help us prepare emotionally. Most of the time, we’re too tired to entertain people. However, if you’ve informed us ahead of time, it gives us the chance to prepare.” When visiting to a friend, send a text or a message on Facebook. Respect their decision to be alone and suggest another date if the need arises.

Recognize their Struggles

One young woman named Tri says “By simply recognizing that depression is real is enough help already. The first thing you can and should do is educate yourself about depression and have an open mind about it. Understand that the brain is just like any other organ in our body and that means that it too is very much prone to illnesses. People often disregard it as “nag-aarte” and belittle those who have it (or claim to have it). The last thing that people suffering from depression is someone telling them that they’re overreacting, that some people have it worse, or to have people compare it to what they went through.”

It’s easy to question the struggles of people with depression – especially when one doesn’t have a full grasp of its effects. Extend help to a depressed loved one or friend by making them know you honor their feelings and that their feelings are real. By letting them know that someone can see their struggles, and someone is willing to help them through the struggles is a big help.

Encourage Them to Seek All Available Help

One way to serve a person who’s going through depression is to encourage them to seek all the help they can find – spiritual, psychological and medical. Encourage them to talk to proper priesthood leaders, and refer support groups and doctors that can help with their illness. Healing is a long, and painful process. However, when adequate help is given, healing is very much possible.

Follow Christ’s example

Extending help to people with depression can also be overwhelming. When you’re unsure on what to do, turn to the One who knows the feelings of the people we’re serving. Jesus Christ suffered for your friend, for your loved one. He knows what are their needs and yearnings. When things are hard to understand, pray to the Father to help you know what Christ would do. In the toughest moments, asking help from the Father, and never ignoring promptings can help save a life. Let all you do be done with love, ask the Father for help, and always listen to promptings on what to do. It will be hard, but you will be guided.

Not of us will understand the bitter cup which is depression. However, all of us can help each other get through the challenging times by ministering, by serving. Make the hard, tough times more bearable – extend help to your loved one or friend suffering from depression even though you don’t always understand everything. .

The post 6 Ways to Extend Help to People Suffering from Depression appeared first on morefaith.ph.

“Mom, don’t you have any dreams at all?”

Her simple answer left me pondering about life’s real purpose. She said, referring to my siblings and me:

“I gave up on my dream in exchange for fulfilling three people’s dreams.”

I will never forget that. As a strong and independent woman (or so I thought), I was ready to tell my mother how much she missed out in life by failing to have a career. However, I realized that I was wrong all along. I had a narrow perspective. My mother never lost anything, but she gained a lot by enriching other people’s lives through her sacrifice and service. This conversation led me to a famous scriptural paradox about finding through losing.

The Paradox of Finding through Losing

Jesus said, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 10:39).  I remember reading this verse and being confused, “What was that suppose to even mean? How can I lose myself then find it? The two are contradicting concepts. Fortunately, the late President Thomas S. Monson gave a clear explanation regarding this matter:

“I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.” 1

Now that I think about it, the model life I want to follow – that of Jesus Christ – is a life full of service. For thirty odd years, [He] went about doing good” (Acts10:38).  Jesus Christ suffered, bled, and died for others’ sake – for ours. In doing so, He gained eternal life and was able to extend the same opportunity for us all. I would not call Jesus Christ’s life as a life in vain! He lived the most purposeful life on Earth because He offered His whole life to others. Just like my mother. This is the blessing of service.

So, if you ever want to find your life or to have a purpose, lose yourselves in the service to others. You don’t know how? Well, here are a few suggestions:

Ways to Lose Yourselves in Service to Others

Listen

I think to listen as a service is not very well thought of. Based on my own experience, sometimes, what people just want is for someone to truly listen to them. And when I say listen, it means being all ears for that person. It means not thinking about what to say next while someone is talking, not interrupting them in the middle of a sentence, or misinterpreting their words. To listen is to truly understand another.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “Perhaps even more important than speaking is listening. … If we listen with love, we won’t need to wonder what to say. It will be given to us—by the Spirit.”

Spend Quality Time

One of my favorite quotes from General Conference addresses is from Elder Uchtdorf. He said that “love is really spelled time.” 3 I want to modify this quote a bit and add quality before time:

Love is really spelled quality time.

It is possible for us to spend time with our family, friends, and fellow men without really giving them our time at all. I have seen a lot of family dinner out with young teens glued to their mobile phone the whole night or a catch-up with friends where none of them is talking because they are busy updating their social media statuses. When we say spend time with another, we should really give them our full attention. I think it beats the purpose of spending time together when you are distracted the whole time.

Send Messages and Give a Call

There are times when we cannot render our services to others “in person” because of geographical boundaries and other constraints. With modern technology though, we can still serve others even from miles away. Now, serving can be done with just a few mouse clicks. When feel prompted by the Spirit, send someone a personal message on Facebook or call someone to ask about their day. Such simple gestures can go a long way.

With the recent instructions from the prophet regarding ministering, there are more ways you can do to serve others. Kneel and ask God to help you find opportunities to serve then get on your feet and go to work.

The post How We Truly Find Ourselves When We Lose It in Service appeared first on morefaith.ph.

You see, there is a difference between knowing about Christ and truly knowing Christ. Sure, it’s nice to know new facts about the Savior, but it’s another thing to truly know Him. Being a mother caught up in daily tasks and multiple roles, I sometimes miss some important steps that would help me know the Savior better. “Scripture study is never the same,” I often said to myself. I felt as though I had already lost touch with the feeling of really knowing Christ. So, I prayed, and asked the Lord to help me better know Christ. I expected my answer to include reading the scriptures more, always listening to General Conference talks, and singing hymns. But instead I got an unexpectedly short but powerful impression: “SERVE.”

Don’t get me wrong, I know that service is an essential part of being like the Savior, but I also wanted to know Christ better. How could service help me do that? Still unsure, I trusted the answer, put it to the test, and gained so much insight and wisdom through numerous service opportunities. Indeed, service helped me know more about the Savior. Here are some examples.

He is a Loving Listener

Edlyn was once a member of my young women class. I had not heard from her in years, and when I finally got an update about her, I learned that she already had two children. Unfortunately, Edlyn often shared her heartbreak over her failed relationship, and hardships in raising her children. When I reached out to her, I asked her how she was keeping it all together. Her answer touched me. “You see, every time I pour my heart out in prayer, I just know Someone listens to me. I don’t know why but I feel so much comfort after.”

He Sees Our Potential

Maybe some wives are always the epitome of kindness, but I’m not always that wife. There are times when, because of my desire to see him improve, I can get stingy with my husband. I asked the Lord to help me be kinder, especially when encouraging my husband during tough times. My mind then reflected on the Savior’s Atonement, and how He bore our infirmities. He also bore the tough times my husband and I are facing and I’m sure He saw my husband’s capacity to rise in the face of hardships. That knowledge helped me to be a little kinder to my eternal companion.

He Understands What Others Can’t

I love Sister Linda K. Burton’s invitation to “first observe, then serve.” Indeed, when we observe someone, we begin to understand what they’re going through, making it easier for us to identify ways to serve. However, there are moments when you simply don’t know what to say because you do not understand. I felt that way when we visited a mother who had just lost her youngest daughter. While talking with her, there came a realization that although I could not understand what she was going through, the Lord could. This can also be seen in the many moments when we simply get the impression to serve someone, despite them not saying a word. He understands our needs and He sends the very help that we need.

He Loves Me

One of the biggest things I have learned through service is that He loves me. In those moments when I saw prayers answered, hearts comforted, and hurts healed, I was reminded of the infinite love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. A love that extends not only to those whom I serve but to me as well.

Service: A Great Way To Know Christ Better

My experience has taught me that the invitation to serve is an invitation to know Christ better. I have always loved the promise given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “As we extend our hands and hearts towards others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger.” In my case, I was able to learn more about the Redeemer. May we learn more about Jesus Christ in every service opportunity we have this year.

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“No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy.” – President Thomas S. Monson

In numerous conference talks, we are constantly reminded about how we can find lasting happiness through service. Indeed, it is true. When we serve, a warm feeling envelops us; it’s an unexplainable happy feeling that can only be attained by losing ourselves in service. By lending another a hand, the giver, as well, receives blessings in their life. But from the perspective of the receiver, what’s the impact of an act of service?

Ever since I was a little child, I have been blessed because someone chose to serve. Even now, it helps me to know that Heavenly Father is mindful of me when someone unexpectedly gives service. Reflecting upon my life, I have realized the blessings I enjoy because someone else decided to serve.

I was blessed because someone decided to knock on my grandparents’ door.

When missionary work was practically new in the area where my father’s family lived, and everyone there was a true-blue Catholic, two missionaries knocked on my grandparents’ door. They were not baptized at that time but their visits planted seeds in the heart of my father.

I was blessed because someone shared the gospel with my father.

When my father was in college, he developed a strong friendship with his Latter-day Saint classmate. This friend’s disposition was different from the rest; it was something that always made my father curious. This friend later shared the gospel with him. My father received the answers to his life’s questions. Because of this friend’s example and his willingness to share the gospel, my father became a member of the Church.

I was blessed because my father served a mission

Despite my grandparents’ initial disapproval, my father decided to serve a mission. It was one of the best decisions he ever made, not only for him or for us, but also for generations to come. His two-year service strengthened his faith and testimony, something that we always looked up to.

I was blessed because my parents decided to sacrifice and marry in the temple

Our life has been blessed because two young single adults decided to get married in the temple, no matter how far it was or how scarce their resources were. My parents’ decision to get married for time and all eternity proved to us that indeed “sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.” It is always a great comfort to know that we are sealed as a family, and that we will be together for time and all eternity.

I was blessed because my parents-in-law were dedicated and raised my husband well.

Now that I am married, every time I look at my husband and see his dedication to his role as a husband and father, I can’t help but feel extremely grateful for my parents-in-law for raising such a fine young man. My husband belongs to a large family of nine children. The challenges of raising a family as big as that are never easy, but I am blessed because they took the time to teach and raise him well.

I was blessed because my husband served a mission.

Our little family is also blessed because of my husband’s decision to serve a mission. His two-year experience continually fuels his desire to serve in his calling, and to give help to those around him. In my Patriarchal blessing, I have been promised that the power of the Priesthood will be my refuge in times of greatest need. I am grateful to see the fulfillment of that promise in him.

I was blessed because of random acts of service around me.

When I became a mother, I realized how important the little acts of service we give to others are. There have been moments of exhaustion that led me to kneel down and ask for help from the Father. Indeed, the assurance that “heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones” is true. Every now and then, a kind person has offered to help watch Eli so I could do my other chores. Without me saying anything, an inspired person would know the right things to say. Carrying the challenging role of new motherhood has become bearable; I am blessed by the random acts of service from people around me.

I am continually blessed because of Christ’s atonement.

Last but not the least, I am continually and eternally blessed because Christ has suffered and died for me. Because of Christ’s atonement, my family and I know where to turn to in times of greatest trial. Because of Christ’s atonement, we enjoy the blessing of knowing the purpose of family and life. Because of Christ’s atonement, there is no end. I am forever grateful for Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice for me.
It is true that we can’t always see the results of our simple acts of service. We can’t always see the effect it has on the lives of the people we serve. Even though we don’t always see the big picture, let us continue to serve, let us be more sensitive to spiritual promptings; let us offer help, no matter how small it is. May we follow the Savior’s example of continuous service because we may not know how the help we give now may change a person’s life.

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Video: No Blessings Denied the Faithful – Elder Gary E. Stevenson

All of us look at our life sometimes and try to evaluate where are we. Where am I in my life?

I’ve always said that when you begin to compare yourself one with another, it either leads to discouragement or at least to pride. Neither of those are good. But that’s often what happens when people begin comparing. They start to think, “my lot in life is better,” or “my lot in life is much worse,” and so it’s not a constructive exercise for us to try to compare our circumstance to another.

Blessings come in the near term, blessings come in the long term, sometimes blessings are in store for us, I believe, after we pass through the veil, in our post-mortal existence. And so we’re in a very finite space right now, and in this finite space it just isn’t beneficial to try to compare adversity that we’ve had or to try to compare the blessings that we have.

We remember when Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden. One of the things that was introduced when they left was thorns and thistles and we all have them in our lives but we can have confidence that all of those can be overcome, whatever those might be that are placed in front of us. The Lord tells us that there’s going to be adversity along the way, and He even suggests to us that our afflictions will be consecrated for our gain.

Now, sometimes we have to wait some years for this, but ultimately we can be assured that the promise of eternal life is for everyone. Everyone will be rewarded for their faithfulness equally. If you endure to the end, you’ll be blessed. It might be hard today and tomorrow and next month, but it will not always be hard.

You can do this as you exercise your faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement. There will be sometimes adversity and trials that will come to us that seem like they’re almost too hard to bear, but then He says, “nevertheless be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.” That’s a promise from the Lord. Be of good cheer in the midst of your adversity be of good cheer for I will lead you along and I bear testimony that Jesus Christ will lead you along in any adversity that you have.

Video: Lifting others – Sister Carol F. McConkie

It is so important that we understand first of all that everyone’s in a different place along the path and we develop an awareness of the people that are around us. I know people who come to church every Sunday so they can be inspired and uplifted and who just simply walk away feeling judged and unloved, unneeded like there is no place for them at church.

We need to do this differently; we need to be deeply aware of what the purpose of coming to church on Sunday is and make sure that everyone who comes feels loved, needed, accepted and lifted. Everybody has struggles we don’t even know about and It’s so important that we be aware that everyone around us is loved of God and that we need to see them through Christ-like eyes and we cannot allow judgment to dictate the way we interact with people. It’s just simply not right.

I feel that the Lord places us where we are and connects us with the people around us for a purpose, because it’s not only about our own progression, but about helping others progress. And I have come to recognize that we are place where we are so that we can love and lift others.

We just cannot be or even call ourselves a disciple of Christ if we are not helping others along that path. The gospel of Jesus Christ does not marginalize people. People marginalize people, and we have to fix that. We need to be sensitive and love them and allow them the opportunity to grow and to blossom and to be their best selves. They have talents and abilities and personality that is needed in the kingdom of God, and if we’re going to build the kingdom of God on the earth we need everyone to come, and do their part, and we need to recognize that. When anyone’s shadow darkens the door of a chapel they ought to feel immediately embraced, and loved and lifted and inspired when they walk out that door to go and be better because they know the Lord loves them and because they have friends in their faith.

Video: Is there a Place for me? – Elder D. Todd Christofferson

I don’t believe I’ve ever met anybody who didn’t want to belong to something that made them feel worthwhile, that made them feel that they had value. When people wonder, “is there a place for me?” it may be any number of things behind that and now they ask themselves, “Do I fit? Do I belong here? Do they really need me?” and I want to say emphatically, “Yes.” I think of the metaphor of Paul, which I love very much, about the Church is the body of Christ and he says we’re baptized into that body, and he says it’s one body, many members but one body.

I understand, you know, people’s feelings at times that they may not be needed and sometimes others are guilty of saying, “We don’t need this person, we don’t need that person, we’re fine as we are,” neither one is true. That’s not the Christian way, that’s not the way Christ sees us. He sees us, all of us, with infinite worth and whatever our condition at the moment may be, the body of Christ is there to sustain each member.

When a person feels isolated I don’t deny the reality of the feeling and why it’s so natural to feel that way, but each of us, whenever that sense may come upon us, need to stop and think. “Jesus Christ died for me. Jesus Christ thought me worthy of his blood and He loves me, He has hopes for me and He can make a difference in my life. His grace can transform me, and maybe this person sitting next to me, ignoring me or even wanting to move away, maybe he or she doesn’t, but that doesn’t change the reality of what Christ feels toward me and the possibilities I have in Christ.” And it breaks my heart if someone comes and is very vulnerable and says, “I want to try it, I want to be here,” and then get a cold shoulder or a lack of interest, and that’s tragic, it really is tragic. We have to be better than that.

The diversity we find now in the church may be just the beginning, frankly. I think we’ll see greater and greater diversity, in the ancient church there was tremendous diversity. And it’s not just diversity for diversity’s sake, but the fact that people can bring different gifts and perspectives and the wide range of experience and backgrounds and challenges that people face will show us what really is essential in the gospel of Christ. And much of the rest that’s been perhaps acquired over time, and is more cultural than doctrinal, can slip away and we can really learn to be disciples. So we, on the one hand, have got to be better as a people at receiving and helping and walking together with everybody, and on the other hand, that every individual needs to be determined that they’re going to have a place in the kingdom of God. They’re going to have a place in the body of Christ and others who are thoughtless or careless or worse can’t prohibit that, can’t drive them away, can’t take it away from them.

Video: The Savior Understands Me – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

It’s important for every individual to have a relationship with Christ, because salvation is a personal, individual experience. We do not save people by congregations, we are ourselves saved one individual at a time. This is a very personal relationship with Christ. The Savior understands us because He’s not an abstraction, because He is a living, breathing, real Son of God– the living Son of the living God. People who think they’ve sinned too much, or gone too far, or been away for too long and somehow can’t come back into the circle, my declaration is: no one can fall lower than the light of Christ shines. That isn’t possible.

I think my coming to participate in the sacrament, the Lord’s Supper, is the most dramatic way, weekly, that we can show that we want to identify with Him, and that in fact there will be a reciprocal gift and power that comes back from that. As we come to participate and be solidly with the Savior in that act, that solidity and that engagement comes back to us and we leave that congregation, we leave that meeting, with a strength and a power and an understanding from Him that we didn’t have before. Part of it is because we understand Him better, but clearly it represents the fact that He understands us.

My personal experience, as well as my apostolic calling, is to declare personally that Christ does know us. He has walked the thorny, difficult, rock-strewn path of our lives. How He did that, I don’t know, I don’t know! He didn’t have a divorce so you could say, “How does He know about me, because I had one?” I don’t know how He does that, but if somebody out there has had a divorce, He understands.

This sounds awkward to say, but God loved me in a sense almost as much as He loved His only begotten Son. At least I can say this: He gave His only begotten Son for me, and that says something about my worth in His eyes, and my worth in the eyes of the Savior and His willingness to go to Gethsemane and Calvary for me. I’ll never have to do that. I don’t have to bleed, and I don’t have to die for somebody else’s sin, and I don’t have to be that lonely, but I understand it and I love it and I appreciate it. And what it means to me is that He understands me, that He loves me, and that He reaches me. So I can’t explain how that happens I just know that it does.

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At some point in our lives we look up to someone who inspires us to live the way we should live. Sometimes we see good in them and try to pattern our lives after theirs. Sometimes we wish we could have a life like that of a promising athlete, a prominent leader, a close friend or a good neighbor. In other words, we all want to have our own role model.

THE SAVIOR IS OUR GREATEST EXEMPLAR

When looking for a life to emulate, however, we can be reminded of a Primary song:

I’m trying to be like Jesus

I’m following in His ways

I’m trying to love as He did

In all that I do and say…

Love one another as Jesus loves you

Try to show kindness in all that you do

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought

For these are the things Jesus taught.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught:

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5: 14-16)

The Savior has shown the way. He has set the perfect example, and He commands us to become as He is. Sharing our light is something we can do all of our lives and it’s something we need to begin while we are young.

To share the light with others is to reflect the Savior’s light in our own lives. Paul, in his epistle to Timothy, taught, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (Timothy 4:12)

President Thomas S. Monson said, “It is our duty to live our lives in such a way that we may be examples of righteousness” to others. He added, “We live in a complex world with currents of conflict everywhere to be found. Ours is the task to be fitting examples.”

HOW CAN WE BE EXAMPLE OF THE BELIEVERS?

1. Actions speak louder than words.

President Heber J. Grant declared, “The greatest and the most wonderful preacher among the Latter-day Saints is the man… who lives the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Our lips may tell a thousand sweet tales but our actions never lie a single story.

We can learn from Mosiah who took over for King Benjamin as king. In Mosiah 6: 6-7, we read:

And it came to pass that King Mosiah did walk in the ways of the Lord, and did observe his judgments and his statutes, and did keep his commandments in all things whatsoever he commanded him.

And King Mosiah did cause his people that they should till the earth. And he also, himself, did till the earth, that thereby he might not become burdensome to his people that he might do according to that which his father had done in all things. And there was no contention among all his people for the space of three years.

Imagine if we all could become like Mosiah, who did as what his father did – and walked in the ways of the Lord and not of man, nor the ways of the world. There would be much peace. All of our hearts will be lifted up and would rejoice.

2. Be thou humble.

Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service defines humility as the willingness to submit to the will of the Lord. When you humbly trust Him and acknowledge His power and mercy, you can have the assurance that His commandments are for your good. (see Preach My Gospel, page 120)

Humble people are teachable people. When we are humble or teachable, we just don’t listen. We act upon what is being taught. The moment we act upon what we know, the Spirit of the Lord will make a “mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.” (Mosiah 5:2)

3. Obedience is the first law in heaven.

Obedience is like putting oil into our lamp. When we want longer lasting light, we need to have more oil in our lamps. Less oil means less light. No oil means no light, only great darkness! But we don’t want that. We always want light so that we can see the way and do more good. Similarly, the more we obey God’s commandments the greater light we possess in us. President Thomas S. Monson said, “If you want to give a light to others, you have to glow yourself.”

As Latter-Day Saints we have covenanted with the Lord to take upon ourselves His name, always remember Him, keep His commandments, and endure to the end. When we take upon us His name, it means that we strive to become like Jesus Christ.

Invitation and Promised Blessings

As the Savior asked His disciples when He visited the American continent, “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?” And then, answering His own question, He said, “Verily I say unto you, even as I am”. (3 Nephi 27:27)

The Lord is inviting all of us to become a true disciple of Christ. Discipleship is all about doing and becoming. “Not just hearers only but doers of the word.” (James 1:22)

In his book Our Search for Happiness, Elder M. Russell Ballard taught,

If we live a Christ-centered life, our actions become more disciplined, our relationships become more righteous; even our language becomes more pure as we live a life that is centered on Jesus Christ and His teachings.

After the Spirit of Christ enters our hearts, and our souls, we can never be the same again. That doesn’t mean we suddenly become perfect. It means that we’re always trying to live up to the responsibility of being a true follower of Christ…

When we become more converted to the gospel and live as good examples, we will have a greater influence, encouraging others to come to the knowledge of Him who created us. As Elder Russell M. Nelson explained, “Your good works will be evident to others. The light of the Lord can beam from your eyes.”

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We live in this world that is constantly changing and we all hope for a future that is better and brighter than the times in which we currently live! We cannot control the actions of others or tell them what they should do to achieve that goal but we can start by doing simple things in our own little ways.

One of the simple things that we can do is taught in a Mormon Children’s song:

I want to be kind to ev’ryone,

For that is right, you see.

So I say to myself, “Remember this:

Kindness begins with me.

When we do something good for others, we feel good about ourselves and we are filled with unexplainable joy. From simple things, great things are realized. We can experience change in our own life or in the lives of others.

Here is a list of small acts of kindness we can share with others:

1. Always wear a smile wherever you go.
2. Say I Love you to your parents and mean it. Or if you’re a parent, tell your kids that you love them.
3. Leave positive comments to 10 of your friends on social media.
4. When your friends talk negatively about someone, say something positive and nice.
5. Give away clothes that you may not use anymore to the less fortunate.
6. Give someone a hug.
7. Offer to do household chores.
8. Never forget to say these magic words: “Please” and “Thank you!”
9. When you’re in a jeepney, bus or train, offer your seat to a disabled, elderly, or pregnant person.
10. Be a courteous driver.
11. Don’t litter. Pick up trash when you go for a walk.
12. Invite someone to wholesome, fun and meaningful activities.
13. Leave an uplifting note on your colleague’s work desk or on the armchair of your seatmate in school.
14. Make some extra food to share with your colleague at work or with a classmate.
15. Comfort someone by listening intently.
16. Drop someone off at home, school or their workplace.
17. Initiate a conversation with someone who is shy, aloof or isolated.
18. Send a text message to 20 contacts in your phonebook and let them know that you love and care for them.
19. Do a load of laundry or cook a good meal for someone who is going through a rough time.
20. Offer to babysit for free.
21. Participate in community service projects.
22. Donate blood.
23. Hang out with a person who just moved in near your place.
24. Put away all distractions (e.g. smartphone, laptop) and spend some quality time with someone.
25. Email, text or leave a Facebook message for a teacher who made a difference in your life.
26. Leave a sticky note with uplifting quotes on the restroom mirrors.
27. Help someone solve a Math problem, teach Basic English or help out with a Science project.
28. Remind yourself to have patience because everyone is fighting their own battles.
29. List some positive traits of a friend and let them know.
30. Plant a tree.
31. Bring an extra umbrella at school or at work and let someone borrow it on their way home.
32. Help someone find a job. If you can’t, at least you can accompany them in securing the requirements.
33. Each night before you retire to bed, think of at least 5 things you’re grateful for.
34. Give a homeless person a snack or meal.
35. Visit an elderly or lonely person.
36. Treat someone with an ice cream or a pizza.
37. Help someone who is struggling with heavy equipment or bags.
38. Give direction to someone who is trying to locate a certain place.
39. Invite others to eat lunch or dinner with you at home.
40. Volunteer your time at a library, school, or community center.

Acts of service need not be expensive and do not necessarily require a massive amount of efforts. When you have the desire to help others every day, you also help to accomplish positive change in this world. By showing deep concern and pure love for others, we develop a close relationship to God and His children.

These simple joys can have a domino effect and you may never know the extent your simple acts have influenced or changed the lives of others. Through selfless and unconditional service, you can make the world a better place.

The post 40 Little Acts of Kindness That Can Change Your Life appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Timoteo was baptized in May1974 and later married Erlinda in September 1976. Erlinda was baptized a year later in August 1977. His dream was to have an eternal family and this dream came true when his family was sealed for time and all eternity in the Philippines Manila Temple in 1989.

The Manosig family of 15 loves missionary work. They help bring souls unto Christ by participating in missionary work and activities. They also faithfully fulfill callings in the Church because they believe in serving the Lord by serving others. Their love of service comes from the love they feel at home and the love they have for the gospel of Jesus Christ. They have experienced the great blessings and joy of the gospel and they want others to experience the same. They have tried above all to raise their family in a gospel-centered home where the love of Jesus Christ is shown and felt, and missionary work is a way to serve the Lord.

The Manosig family is growing, since some of the children are starting to build families of their own. There have been three more temple marriages and four grandchildren. As they raise their children, their parent’s example becomes their inspiration to build a family who loves and serves the Lord. This inspiration is a legacy that will be passed on from generation to generation.

Missionary service

There are 74079 full-time missionaries currently serving in 418 missions around the world, with 4600 serving in 21 missions in the Philippines. These missionaries are ages 18 and above for men, and 19 and above for women. These men and women leave their homes for 24 months (for men) or 18 months (for women), at their own expense to proclaim the glad tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To read more about missionary service, visit Missionary Work.

Eternal Families

One of the core doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that families can be together forever, which means that family relationships do not end at death but continues beyond the grave. The sealing ordinance that happens in the temple makes this possible. To read more about eternal families, visit The Sealing Ordinance Links Families Eternally.

Read the full article here.

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