The LDS Daily WOOL© Archive - Service 

(3/26/98)
"Perhaps the highest goodness attainable is a life of service to all mankind. Such an ideal is supported in nearly every page in the Gospels—the parables, the sermons, and the countless acts of service by our Lord Himself. The ideal is not limited to any particular kind of service, nor a given quantity of service. The ideal is accepting life itself as a trust to be used in the welfare of mankind. It is a life that is glad for the chance to be of any help, an attitude that 'service is the rent we pay for our own room on earth.' (Lord Halifax)"—Obert C. Tanner, Christ's Ideals for Living, p.265  

(3/27/98)
"There is no greater Church service rendered to our Father in Heaven's children than the service rendered by a humble, dedicated, committed home teacher."—President Ezra Taft Benson, To The Home Teachers of the Church, General Conference, April 1987  

(3/28/98)
"Frequently, we busily search for group service projects, which are surely needed and commendable, when quiet, personal service is also urgently needed. Sometimes the completing of an occasional group service project ironically salves our consciences when, in fact, we are constantly surrounded by a multitude of opportunities for individual service. In serving, as in true worship, we need to do some things together and some things personally. Our spiritual symmetry is our own responsibility, and balance is so important."—Neal A. Maxwell, All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, p.55  

(3/29/98)
"Our education should be such as to improve our minds and fit us for increased usefulness; to make us of greater service to the human family; to enable us to stop our rude methods of living, speaking, and thinking."—Discourses of Brigham Young, p.255  

(3/20/98)
"No boy or man fully possesses the priesthood until he learns to serve others and the Lord. It is true that someone with authority may bestow the priesthood by the laying on of hands, but until we do something by way of service to others, the priesthood lies dormant within us and is of little value. We must not fail to magnify the callings we receive."—Elder Glen L. Rudd, "Because I Pray for You", General Conference, April 1988

(12/7/98)
“As the Christmas season envelopes us with all its glory, may we, as did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us to our Christmas opportunity in service of our fellowmen. May we all make the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring heart as our gift to the Savior.” — Thomas S. Monson, "Christmas Illuminates the Soul's Window," First Presidency Christmas Devotional, 10 December 1994

(12/8/98)
"What is our duty? It is our duty to improve upon every blessing the Lord gives to us. If He gives us land, improve it; if He gives us the privilege of building houses, improve it; if He gives us wives and children, try and teach them the ways of the Lord, and exalt hem above the dark, degraded, and sunken state of mankind, etc. if He gives us the privilege of gathering together, let us sanctify ourselves. In His providence He has called the Latter-day Saints from the world, has gathered them from other nations and given them a place upon the earth. Is this a blessing? Yes, one of the greatest the people can enjoy, to be free from the wickedness of the wicked, from the calamities and clamor of the world. By this blessing we can show to our Father in Heaven that we are faithful stewards; and more, it is a blessing to have the privilege of handing back to Him that which He has put in our possession, and not say it is ours, until He shall say it from the heavens. Then it is plain that what I seem to have I do not in reality own, and I will hand it back to the Lord when He calls for it; it belongs to Him, and it is His all the time. I do not own it, I never did." — Brigham Young, "Journal of Discourses", 2:305

(12/9/98)
"Only a life that pours out itself in floods of unselfish service for others wins and holds affections." — B H Roberts, "Defense of the Faith and the Saints", p. 228

(12/10/98)
"Brethren, what can we do for ourselves with the priesthood? We only do for others with the priesthood. We bless others, we perform ordinances for others, we perform service for others." — Robert L. Simpson, "General Conference Reports", p. 100, 1 October 1962

(2/14/01)
"It has been wisely said, 'Service is the rent we pay for our own room on earth.' We should know that the rent is due on a daily basis and know that the receipt is never stamped 'paid in full,' because the rent, service in God’s kingdom, is again due today and due tomorrow." — Russell C. Taylor, "The Joy of Service," Ensign, Nov. 1984, p. 23

(2/15/01)
"From the depths of that ineffable perfection He calls upon us to care for the sick, the poor, the afflicted; to pray for and show compassion towards all of God’s children, for 'God is no respecter of persons' (Acts 10:34). With Him there are no barriers of race or gender or language. As Nephi explained, 'He denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God' (2 Ne. 26:33)." — Alexander B. Morrison, "For This Cause Came I into the World," Ensign, Nov. 1999, p. 26

(2/16/01)
"We serve according to the circumstances and seasons of our lives, even as we speak well of others, teach a class, express gratitude, share good thoughts, bear testimony, refuse gossip, remember people’s names, and pray for others." — V. Dallas Merrell, "A Vision of Service," Ensign, Dec. 1996, p. 13

(2/17/01)
"There is nothing left for us to gain on our own if we receive and possess all that the Father has. He is the sole source of all authentic gifts, acquisitions, powers, and satisfactions. As we obtain all that it is possible to obtain through the Father’s promised blessings, the only option for more joy is to bless others with caring service. Once we have the gift of charity, once we have received all ordinances, and once we have claim on all blessings and all things from the Father, our only possible work and glory is to serve and bless others. To serve is our ultimate and eternal destiny." — V. Dallas Merrell, "A Vision of Service," Ensign, Dec. 1996, p. 14

 (2/18/01)
"First, service helps us establish true values and priorities by distinguishing between the worth of material things that pass, and those things of lasting, even eternal, value. Our beloved prophet counsels: 'If you would find yourself, learn to deny yourself for the blessing of others. Forget yourself and find someone who needs your service, and you will discover the secret to the happy, fulfilled life.' (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1979, p. 34.)" — Derek A. Cuthbert, "The Spirituality of Service," Ensign, May 1990, p. 12

(6/29/01)
"Acts of Christian service should be part of our everyday agenda. In the book of Acts, chapter 10, verse 38, it is said of Jesus that He 'went about doing good.' [Acts 10:38] Jesus taught us how to do good: love our neighbors, forgive others, care for the poor, the needy, the afflicted, the lonely. It is inspiring to see that the Lord has organized His church to also do these same things—to care for the needs of others through various assignments." — Rex D. Pinegar, "Follow Christ in Word and Deed," "Ensign," Nov. 1991, p. 39–40

(6/30/01)
"When we are on the path our Savior has taught us to follow, additional gifts from our Lord will be manifest in our lives, both in blessings upon us and in the blessings that we share with others through service. Charity will motivate us, and we will have reason to rejoice in Christ..." — Ted E. Brewerton, "Rejoice in Christ," "Ensign," Dec. 1994, p. 8

(7/1/01)
"But there are so many ways to be needy. There are many who mourn and find no comfort. Many are lonely and find no love. Some feel unneeded and find no opportunities to share with others. Anyone who has an unmet need is needy. We are all needy! And those who have something they can share are rich. We are all rich! All of us can share something that may lift a burden or help in some silent struggle." — Mary Ellen Edmunds, "Spirituality—More Than a Feeling," "Ensign," Oct. 1985, p. 14

(7/2/01)
"Let us love the Lord, yes, with all our strength and power. And let us also love our neighbors. Let us banish from our lives any elements of self-righteousness. Many regard us with suspicion, as having only one interest and that is to convert them. Conversion is more likely to come as a consequence of love. Let us be friendly. Let us be helpful. Let us live the Golden Rule. Let us be neighbors of whom it might be said, 'He or she was the best neighbor I ever had.'" — Gordon B. Hinckley, "Look to the Future," "Ensign," Nov. 1997, p. 69

(7/3/01)
"I speak of that service which is given without expectation of monetary reward. Most of the troubles of the world come because of human greed. What a therapeutic and wonderful thing it is for a man or woman to set aside all consideration of personal gain and reach out with strength and energy and purpose to help the unfortunate, to improve the community, to clean up the environment and beautify our surroundings. How much greater would be the suffering of the homeless and the hungry in our own communities without the service of hundreds of volunteers who give of their time and substance to assist them." — Gordon B. Hinckley, "I Believe," "Ensign," Aug. 1992, p. 5

(6/29/02)
"Through service to others, we develop a Christlike love and we experience joy. Service teaches patience and long-suffering as well as gentleness, goodness, and faith." — Merrill J. Bateman, "Living a Christ-Centered Life," "Ensign," Jan. 1999, p. 10

(6/30302)
"Why is service to others such a powerful part of bringing the efforts of individuals to bear on the problems of our communities and of society in general? The answer, I believe, is found in this simple truth: service drives out selfishness, which is the eternal enemy of good. The great religious leaders of history, and many secular leaders as well, have recognized that fact and taught it to their listeners." — Alexander B. Morrison, "A Caring Community: Goodness in Action," "Ensign," Feb. 1999, p. 15

(7/01/02)
"Then, in a spirit of love and consecration, we must extend ourselves in the work of redemption of the dead through service in the temples of the Lord. This service more nearly approaches the divine work of the Son of God, who gave his life for others, than does any other work of which I know." — Gordon B. Hinckley, "He Slumbers Not, nor Sleeps," "Ensign," May 1983, p. 8

(7/02/02)
"Wise parents will provide service opportunities in the home for their children from an early age. Growing up with this tradition will blossom into community service and Church service. It will develop a spirit of volunteerism in a world where people more often ask, 'What's in it for me?' The Lord has counseled: 'For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things;...'" — Derek A. Cuthbert, "The Spirituality of Service," "Ensign," May 1990, p. 12

(7/03/02)
"President Spencer W. Kimball once explained to a young man struggling with his testimony that effort and struggle are necessary if we are to be saved through Jesus Christ. He told my friend, 'Through sacrifice and service one comes to know the Lord.' As we sacrifice our selfish desires, serve our God and others, we become more like Him." — M. Russell Ballard, "The Law of Sacrifice," "Ensign," Oct. 1998, p. 8

(1/13/04)
"Good Samaritanism starts in the home as parents teach children by example and precept. Acts of assistance, kindness, and concern among family members reinforce the desire to 'go, and do thou likewise.' (Luke 10:37)" - H. David Burton, "Go, and Do Thou Likewise," General Conference, April 1997

(4/17/04)
"In one of the most classic confrontations in the Bible, the Lord asked Cain, 'Where is Abel thy brother?' Cain answered, 'Am I my brother's keeper?' (Gen. 4:9). I put to each of us that same query: Are we our brother's keeper? King Benjamin taught, 'Ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another' (Mosiah 4:15). One of the great transcending principles that we teach in the Church is that we're trying to meet the needs of others. We talk frequently about service. Why? The needs of the Saints aren't any different from those of anyone else, because we're just people, and our needs are, above all else, primarily spiritual. Elder Marion D. Hanks once said to a celebrated psychiatrist, 'In a word, tell me what you do for people.' The psychiatrist said, 'In a word, what I do for people is to try to convince them that God loves them.' Love is the first great need. How do we know that? Because the Lord said so. The first commandment is to love God and serve him, and the second is like unto it: love our fellowmen and serve them (see Matt. 22:37-39). So we know that one of the first principles of the gospel has to be service." - James E. Faust, "Go Bring Them In from the Plains," Ensign, July 1997, p. 2

(4/29/04)
"Following baptism, a commandment-keeping member seeks to 'bear one another's burdens,... mourn with those that mourn,... and comfort those that stand in need of comfort' (Mosiah 18:8-9). As we keep the commandments and render that kind of service, the Lord can 'pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon [us]' (Mosiah 18:10; see D&C 20:77). The reward for obedience and service is not only the gift of the Holy Ghost but also special gifts of the Spirit. Paul defines the fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, and meekness (see Gal. 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit blesses us with Christlike attributes as we serve each other." - Merrill J. Bateman, "Living a Christ-Centered Life," Ensign, January 1999, p. 10

(5/16/04)
"The Spirit of the Lord guides this work. This welfare activity is secular activity, expressing itself in terms of rice and beans, of blankets and tents, of clothing and medicine, of employment and education for better employment. But this so-called secular work is but an outward expression of an inward spirit-the Spirit of the Lord of whom it was said, He 'went about doing good' (Acts 10:38)." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "'I Was an Hungred, and Ye Gave Me Meat'," General Conference, April 2004

(9/20/04)
"If performed in the right spirit, there is no higher worship than the unpurchased service to another soul of whatever faith, belief, or social stratum. The Savior of the world said it simply, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me' (Matt. 25:40)." - James E. Faust, "A Second Birth," Ensign, June 1998, p. 5

(9/21/04)
"People will be happy to about the same degree that they are actively involved in trying to help others. This truth is tied to the Savior's teaching that 'inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me' (Matt. 25:40)." - LeGrand R. Curtis, "Perfection: A Daily Process," Ensign, July 1995, p. 33

(9/22/04)
"When we get emotionally and spiritually involved in helping a person who is in pain, a compassion enters our heart. It hurts, but the process lifts some of the pain from another. We get from the experience a finite look into the Savior's pain as He performed the infinite Atonement. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, a sanctification takes place within our souls and we become more like our Savior. We gain a better understanding of what was meant when He said, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.' (Matt. 25:40.)" - Glenn L. Pace, "A Thousand Times," Ensign, November 1990, p. 10

(9/23/04)
"The sweetness of true Christian service is often experienced in obscurity--in quiet rooms in homes and hospitals and places of confinement, in military barracks and refugee camps, and in other places far from public attention. Usually it is unheralded, but it reflects the standard set by the Savior for those who will 'inherit the kingdom prepared . from the foundation of the world.' (Matt. 25:34.) These are they who serve the hungry and the thirsty and the naked and the homeless and those who are sick or imprisoned, and who do this after the pattern and in the spirit of him who said, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.' (Matt. 25:40.) To those who so serve he promised eternal life (see Matt. 25:46), while to those who fail to minister to the needy he said, 'Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.' (Matt. 25:45.)" - Marion D. Hanks, "The Royal Law of Love," Ensign, November 1988, p. 63

(9/24/04)
"The answer of Jesus to the lawyer might be considered as the Lord's touchstone. He said on another occasion, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me' (Matt. 25:40). He will measure our devotion to him by how we love and serve our fellowmen. What kind of mark are we leaving on the Lord's touchstone? Are we truly good neighbors? Does the test show us to be 24-karat gold, or can the trace of fool's gold be detected?" - Howard W. Hunter, "The Lord's Touchstone," Ensign, November 1986, p. 34

(3/15/05)
"To me he was the epitome of the 'pure religion' described in the epistle of James: 'To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.' (James 1:27.)

"In these challenging times, dear brothers and sisters, the need to 'minister unto the least of these' of our Father's children is so great. (See Matt. 25:40.) How much we need the gifts of discernment and wisdom and charity to know how to really reach down and lift up our brothers and sisters to higher ground.

"I pray that day by day we will strive more diligently to be about our Father's business (see Luke 2:49), to love and to serve our fellowmen-to feed the hungry, and clothe the naked, and comfort those that mourn (see Matt. 25:37-39), to hold up the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees (see D&C 81:5)-to believe and live the Savior's doctrine; and to follow after Him and put first in our lives the things of His kingdom." - Richard P. Lindsay, "Ye Have Done It unto Me," Ensign, May 1990, p. 15

(7/8/05)
"Shouldering the yoke of discipleship greatly enhances both our adoration and knowledge of Jesus, because then we experience, firsthand, through our parallel but smaller-scaled experiences, a small but instructive portion of what the Savior experienced. In this precious process, the more we do what Jesus did—allow our wills to be 'swallowed up in the will of the Father'—the more we will learn of Jesus (Mosiah 15:7). This emulation directly enhances our adoration of Jesus.

"Simultaneously, in this same process, the more we become like Jesus, the more we come to know Him. There may even be, more than we now know, some literalness in His assertion, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me' (Matt. 25:40). We lack deep understanding of the implications of that remark of Jesus. As with so many things, He is telling us more than we are now prepared to receive." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Becoming a Disciple," Ensign, June 1996, 11-12

(8/10/05)
"It has always seemed somewhat paradoxical to me that we must constantly have the Lord command us to do those things which are for our own good. The Lord has said, 'He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.' (Matt. 10:39.) We lose our life by serving and lifting others. By so doing we experience the only true and lasting happiness. Service is not something we endure on this earth so we can earn the right to live in the celestial kingdom. Service is the very fiber of which an exalted life in the celestial kingdom is made." - Marion G. Romney, "The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance," Ensign, June 1984, 6

(8/12/05)
"In one degree or another we all struggle with selfishness. Since it is so common, why worry about selfishness anyway? Because selfishness is really self-destruction in slow motion. No wonder the Prophet Joseph Smith urged, 'Let every selfish feeling be not only buried, but annihilated' (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 178). Hence annihilation—not moderation—is the destination!" - Neal A. Maxwell, "'Repent of [Our] Selfishness' (D&C 56:8)," Ensign, May 1999, 23

(9/2/05)
"Joshua reminds us of the importance of making decisions promptly: 'Choose you this day whom ye will serve;... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' (Josh. 24:15.) Not tomorrow, not when we get ready, not when it is convenient—but 'this day,' straightway, choose whom you will serve. He who invites us to follow will always be out in front of us with His Spirit and influence setting the pace. He has charted and marked the course, opened the gates, and shown the way. He has invited us to come unto Him, and the best time to enjoy His companionship is straightway. We can best get on the course and stay on the course by doing as Jesus did—make a total commitment to do the will of His Father." - Marvin J. Ashton, “Straightway,” Ensign, May 1983, 30–31

12/9/05
"Officers in the Church of Jesus Christ are called for two distinct purposes: First and foremost, to serve the people; and, secondly, to gain the development and enlarged understanding which always follow earnest service in a responsible position. It is an honorable privilege and a personal benefit to be allowed to serve in an official position in the Church; and an office, whatever it may be, should be accepted in a spirit of grateful appreciation." - John A. Widtsoe, "Priesthood and Church Government," p.199

12/24/05
"Doubtless this thought hung heavily in Carthage Jail that June morning as Joseph and Hyrum awaited their fate. Willard Richards and John Taylor were visitors in their cell. It is significant to me that at this particular moment in time, with death looming imminently, Brother Taylor sang 'A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief,' a hymn based on the Savior's teaching that 'inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me' (Matthew 25:40)....

"After Brother Taylor finished singing the song, Joseph asked him to sing it again. I can't help but think that Joseph and Hyrum both found peace and comfort in the song's message, knowing they had done their best to serve others and they could face their Master with 'a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men' (D&C 135:4).

"It is interesting—and I don't think at all coincidental—that the Lord Jesus Christ was similarly focused on compassionate service as he neared the end of His mortal ministry. And why not? He was about to undertake the most powerfully compassionate service ever performed in the history of mankind as He walked through the excruciatingly painful steps and processes of the Atonement. It seems natural and appropriate that His last instructions to His disciples would include counsel on the need to serve one another, even as He was about to serve them in ways they could not comprehend." - M. Russell Ballard, "When Thou Art Converted"

1/24/06
"When we think of service, we usually think of the acts of our hands. But the scriptures teach that the Lord looks to our thoughts as well as to our acts. One of God's earliest commandments to Israel was that they should love him and 'serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.' (Deut. 11:13.) When the prophet Samuel was sent to Bethlehem to choose and anoint one of the sons of Jesse as a new king for Israel, the Lord told him to reject the first son, though he was a man of fine appearance. The Lord explained, 'Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.' (1 Sam. 16:7.)" - Dallin H. Oaks, "Why Do We Serve?", Ensign (CR), November 1984, p.12

6/3/06
"The restored gospel of Jesus Christ provides the solution to all the hungers of life. Jesus said: 'I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.' (John 6:35.) We would all like to have the Savior's capacity to assuage the hungers of the world; but let us not forget that there are many simple ways by which we can walk in His steps. Let us remember that in giving of ourselves, it is less a question of giving a lot than of giving at the right moment." - J. Richard Clarke, "Love Extends beyond Convenience," Ensign (CR), November 1981, p.79

10/2/06
"... relationships with neighbors, friends, and associates will be enhanced as we approach them with 'the pure love of Christ'. (Moro. 7:47.) A desire to emulate the Lord provides powerful motivation for good. Our craving for compassion will cause us to act in accord with the Golden Rule. (Matt. 7:12) By so doing, we will find joy in feeding the poor, clothing the naked, or doing volunteer work of worth.

"Service to neighbors takes on new stature when we first look to God. In the Church, when priesthood and auxiliary leaders face their congregations, quorums, and classes as would the Lord, they learn that it does not matter where they serve, but how. Position in the Church does not exalt anyone, but faithfulness does. On the other hand, aspiring to a visible position—striving to become a master rather than a servant—can destroy the spirit of the worker and the work." - Russell M. Nelson, "Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods," Ensign (CR), May 1996, p.14

11/6/06
"I have a little book that I carry with me, where I record the inspiration and thoughts that I receive from the Spirit. It does not look like much, and it becomes worn out and needs to be replaced from time to time. As thoughts come to my mind, I write them down and then I try to do them. I have found that many times, as I have done something on my list, my action was the answer to someone's prayer. There have also been those times that I didn't do something on my list, and I have found out later that there was someone I could have helped, but I didn't. When we receive promptings regarding God's children, if we write down the thoughts and inspiration we receive and then obey it, God's confidence in us increases and we are given more opportunities to be instruments in His hands." - Don R. Clarke, "Becoming Instruments in the Hands of God," Ensign, November 2006

12/3/06
"I am convinced that when we give unconditional love; when our interest is first in serving, building, edifying, strengthening without thought of self; when we do not expect an automatic return for each act of kindness, generosity, or sincere effort to help; when we are not concerned about what we will receive or what others will say or whether our own burdens will be diminished, but selflessly seek to build another, the miracle of the power of the gospel is released in our lives. When we permit the Lord to work through us to bless others, that sacred experience releases power in our own lives, and miracles occur. Well did the Master say, 'For inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, ye do it unto me.' (D&C 42:38.)" - Richard G. Scott, "The Power to Make a Difference," Ensign (CR), November 1983, p.70

12/20/04
"The importance of caring for the poor and needy is dramatically emphasized in the  revelation  received by the Prophet in Kirtland June 7, 1831, in which the Lord paired off the brethren he was sending to Missouri. These brethren, all but destitute, were to make their way as best they could across four states. The Prophet himself walked almost the whole distance from St. Louis to Independence, a distance of about 300 miles. Nevertheless, and notwithstanding the fact that they were facing these hardships, the Lord thus concluded his instructions to them: 'And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple' (D&C 52:40).

"Since these brethren in their extremity could not qualify as his disciples without remembering 'the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted,' what will be our plight if we fail to remember them?" - Marion G. Romney, Look to God and Live , p.184

12/25/06
"Christmas means 'giving,' and the gift without the giver is bare. Give of yourselves; give of your substance; give of your heart and mind and strength to bring to pass His eternal purposes and to spread the cause of His eternal truth." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "What Shall I Do Then With Jesus Which Is Called Christ?" December 14, 1960, "BYU Speeches of the Year," 1960, p.3

3/21/07
"The Prophet Joseph Smith had such a grand view of our possibilities, a view given him by the revelations of God. He knew that the real task was in being more Christlike—caring the way the Savior cared, loving the way he loved, 'every man seeking the interest of his neighbor,' the scripture says, 'and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.' (D&C 82:19.)" - Jeffrey R. Holland, "A Handful of Meal and a Little Oil," Ensign (CR), May 1996, p.29

9/9/07
"As Jesus went about doing good, he healed the sick, caused the lame to walk the blind to see, and the deaf to hear. He cleansed the lepers and cast out evil spirits. He raised the dead and gave comfort, hope, and encouragement to the sorrowing. He inspired the transgressor to forsake unrighteous ways. He touched the hearts of people, helping them to see and understand the value of the inner life. He motivated them to noble actions. Because of his teachings they were able to comprehend in greater measure the value of their souls in the sight of God the Father. He pointed out the goodness of our Heavenly Father to them. He planted in men's souls the seeds of divine love. Then he suffered his life to be taken, that we, his brothers and sisters, might gain salvation and eternal life. What a wonderful life of service; of doing good!" - Henry D. Taylor, "Conference Report," April 1962, Afternoon Meeting, p.27

10/20/07
"As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility to care for and serve our brothers and sisters. In relating the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus Christ not only confounded His enemies but also taught a great lesson to all who sought to follow Him. We need to enlarge the circle of our influence. Our service to others should be independent of race, color, standing, or relationships. After all, the commandment to 'succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees' (D&C 81:5.) did not come with qualifications." - Michael J. Teh, "Out of Small Things," General Conference, 6 October 2007

11/26/07
"Brothers and sisters, the Lord loves widows. I know that the leaders of the Church are concerned about the welfare of widows. We members should care for and assist the widows within our family, home, ward, and neighborhood. I urge you young people—members of the Primary, youth, and young adults—to take the opportunity to assist and draw strength from the widows in your community.

"May we be more caring and considerate to the widows of Zion is my humble prayer." - Earl C. Tingey, "The Widows of Zion," Ensign (CR), May 2000, p. 62

1/13/08
"A selfless person is one who is more concerned about the happiness and well-being of another than about his or her own convenience or comfort, one who is willing to serve another when it is neither sought for nor appreciated, or one who is willing to serve even those whom he or she dislikes. A selfless person displays a willingness to sacrifice, a willingness to purge from his or her mind and heart personal wants, and needs, and feelings. Instead of reaching for and requiring praise and recognition for himself, or gratification of his or her own wants, the selfless person will meet these very human needs for others. Remember the words of the Savior as he taught his disciples on an occasion when personal recognition was being sought: 'But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, ... whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.' (Mark 10:42-45.)" - H. Burke Peterson, "Selflessness: A Pattern for Happiness," Ensign (CR), May 1985, p.65

10/31/08
"Individual recognition is rarely an indication of the value of our service. We do not know the names, for example, of any of the 2,000 sons of Helaman. As individuals, they are unnamed. As a group, however, their name will always be remembered for honesty, courage, and the willingness to serve. They accomplished together what none of them could have accomplished alone.

"That is a lesson for us, brethren of the priesthood. When we stand close together and lift where we stand, when we care more for the glory of the kingdom of God than for our own prestige or pleasure, we can accomplish so much more." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Lift Where You Stand," General Conference, October 2008

12/27/08
"Every member has made the covenant in the waters of baptism to be a witness for God. Every member has made a covenant to do works of kindness as the Savior would do. So any call to bear witness and to care for others is not a request for extra service; it is a blessing designed by a loving Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. They have provided such calls as well as other settings, sometimes without a formal call, all for the same purpose. Each is a chance to prove what blessings flow from being a covenant people, and each is an opportunity for which you agreed to be accountable. Each is a sacred responsibility for others accepted in the waters of baptism but too often not met because it may not be recognized for what it is." - Henry B. Eyring, "Witnesses for God," Ensign (CR), November 1996, p.30

2/6/09
"Brothers and sisters, the Savior, who set the pattern for us, is pleased with those who 'remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.' He is pleased with those who hearken to His admonition to 'succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.'" - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Inspired Church Welfare," Ensign (CR), May 1999, p.76

3/21/09
"The Lord declared: 'He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.' (Matthew 10:39.) These words have something more than a cold theological meaning. They are a statement of a law of life—that as we lose ourselves in a great cause we find ourselves—and there is no greater cause than that of the Master." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "Be Thou an Example," p.83

10/15/09
“Of the Nephites who survived the cataclysm which accompanied the crucifixion of Jesus and thereafter lived the program, the record says, ‘And it came to pass  the people were all converted unto the Lord  and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another.

“’And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.  And surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.’ (4 Ne. 1:2, 3, 16.)

“Why were these people so happy? Because they were free of the shackles of selfishness and had learned what the Lord knows–that ultimate joy comes only through service.” - Marion G. Romney, “Living Welfare Principles,” Ensign (CR), November 1981, p. 92

12/29/09
“The Apostle Paul admonished, ‘By love serve one another.’ Recall with me the familiar words of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon: ‘When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.’

“The Savior taught His disciples, ‘For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.’

“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.” – Thomas S. Monson, “What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Ensign, November 2009

1/10/10
“The possession of the gospel, the knowledge of it, does change a man tremendously, but the full joy of the gospel, that joy which we have all seen in many a humble person who has received the gospel, comes only when we use the gospel for others. He who receives must give, that is one of the first and most fundamental of all gospel laws.” - John A. Widtsoe, “Conference Report,” April 1945, Afternoon Meeting, p. 93

2/8/10
“I truly believe that those who have the ability to reach out and to lift up have found the formula descriptive of Brother Walter Stover—a man who spent his entire life in service to others. At Brother Stover’s funeral, his son-in-law paid tribute to him in these words: ‘Walter Stover had the ability to see Christ in every face he encountered, and he treated each person accordingly.’ Legendary are his acts of compassionate help and his talent to lift heavenward every person whom he met. His guiding light was the Master’s voice speaking, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these … , ye have done it unto me.’” - Thomas S. Monson, “To the Rescue,” Ensign (CR), May 2001, p. 48

4/7/10
“There is more spirituality expressed in giving than in receiving. The greatest spiritual blessing comes from helping another. If you want to be miserable, just harbor hate for a brother, and if you want to hate, just do your brother some injury. But if you would be happy, render a kind service, make somebody else happy. The poet was right when he expressed the truth in these lines:

“If you sit down at set of sun/ And count the acts that you have done,/ And, counting, find/ One self- denying deed, one word/ That eased the heart of him who heard/ One glance most kind,/ That fell like sunshine where it went/ Then you may count that day well spent.

“But if, thru all the livelong day,/ You've cheered no heart, by yea or nay,/ If through it all,/ You've nothing done that you can trace/ That brought the sunshine to one face/ No act most small/ That helped some soul and nothing cost/ Then count that day as worse than lost.” - David O. McKay, “Conference Report,” October 1936, Church of the Air Broadcast, p. 105

5/28/10
"When we are truly converted, our focus shifts from self to others. We can find inner strength through service. Nothing would please the adversary more than for us to be distracted by selfish concerns and appetites. But we know better. Service will help us to stay on course." - Mary Ellen W. Smoot, "Developing Inner Strength," Ensign (CR), May 2002, p. 13

9/11/10
"Jesus demonstrated that a consecrated life is a life of service....

"Those who quietly and thoughtfully go about doing good offer a model of consecration. No one in our time more perfectly incorporates this trait into daily life than President Thomas S. Monson. He has cultivated a listening ear that can discern even the faintest whisper of the Spirit signaling the need of someone he can reach and help. Often it is in simple acts that confirm divine love and awareness, but always, always Thomas Monson responds." - D. Todd Christofferson, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life," Ensign (CR) October 2010

7/15/11
"Service changes people. It refines, purifies, gives a finer perspective, and brings out the best in each one of us. It gets us looking outward instead of inward. It prompts us to consider others’ needs ahead of our own. Righteous service is the expression of true charity, such as the Savior showed." - Derek A. Cuthbert, "The Spirituality of Service," Ensign (CR) April 1990

9/8/11
I will share one principle of truth which, if applied, can open the door to all the others you need to lift your spirit. It is a principle that will give you the power to make a difference in the quality of your own life.

I speak of service—self-sacrificing service to others in need. I know it is hard to help another when you feel you have been wronged. I know it is difficult to take the first step when your own heart aches for companionship or yearns for understanding. Yet such acts of service open to us the mercy and love of Jesus Christ, the Master. - Richard G. Scott, "The Power to Make a Difference," Ensign (CR) October 1983

9/20/11
I can say unashamedly, I rejoice in the service of God. My experience teaches that the highest goodness attainable is a life of unselfish service to mankind. The Master said, “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matt. 23:11.) - Russell C. Taylor, "The Joy of Service," Ensign (CR) October 1984

9/25/11
If our service is to be most efficacious, it must be accomplished for the love of God and the love of his children. The Savior applied that principle in the Sermon on the Mount, in which he commanded us to love our enemies, bless them that curse us, do good to them that hate us, and pray for them that despitefully use us and persecute us. - Dallin H. Oaks, "Why Do We Serve?" Ensign (CR) October 1984

8/10/11
Brothers and sisters, there may be many who, for some reason, are lost from our sight and who do not know that they are lost. If we delay, we could lose them forever.

For many who have need of our help, it is not necessary to create new programs or take actions which are complicated or costly. They only need our determination to serve—to do the right thing at the right time, without delay. - José L. Alonso, "Doing the Right Thing at the Right Time, Without Delay," Ensign (CR) October 2011

11/15/11
A life can never be happy that is focused inward. So if you are miserable now, forget your troubles. March right out your door, and find someone who needs you.

You want happiness? Find ways to serve. Your happiness will be commensurate with the service you render.

Just think how much that joy can grow as we expand our love and service to more and more people. - Robert L. Backman, "As I Have Loved You," Ensign (CR) October 1985

 
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