Can you remember a time when someone’s Christlike service lifted you during a moment of weakness—and how did it strengthen your faith or bring you closer to the Savior?
"4 And in doing these things thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and wilt promote the glory of him who is your Lord.
5 Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees." (Doctrine and Covenants 81: 4-5)
"18 And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord’s storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church—
19 Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God." (Doctrine and Covenants 82: 18-19)
"17 Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted." (Jacob 2: 17-19)
"8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—" (Mosiah 18: 8-9)
And here's the commentary entitled: “Thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings.” :
"In several passages in Doctrine and Covenants 81–83, the Lord invites us to help people in need around us. Consider marking the passages as you find them. One of the most descriptive examples is in Doctrine and Covenants 81:4–5. Here are some questions to help you ponder these verses:
What are some ways a person can be “weak”? What does it mean to “succor” them? When has the Christlike service of others helped me when I felt weak?
What might cause a person’s hands to figuratively “hang down”? How can I “lift up” those hands?
What might “feeble knees” mean? How are they strengthened?
How does the Savior do these things for you?
Perhaps studying this verse has brought to mind someone you could “succor,” “lift up,” or “strengthen.” What will you do to minister to that person?
What else do you learn about service to others in Doctrine and Covenants 82:18–19? You might also watch the video “Teachings of Thomas S. Monson: Rescuing Those in Need” (Gospel Library). How did Bishop Monson’s ward members exemplify what these verses teach?"
One of the ways a person can be "weak" is at the time he/she is feeling discouraged. To succor such a discouraged person means to provide the support necessary, like listening ears, encouraging words, and offering the needed help. There was a time I, was feeling discouraged myself. It was difficult for me to see how I could achieve my goal, and I was feeling so down. I'm so grateful for the Christlike service of the leaders in my ward, the Bangkok International Ward. I'm so grateful for my Bishop, who one day saw my need and then asked me if I needed a blessing. I'm also grateful for his counselor who took the time to listen to me and filled in our Bishop on my situation. I'm also so grateful for my former Relief Society President, who also listened to me and made sure I got the help I needed. It's a humbling experience for me to ask for help and to receive the help I needed. It's so comforting to know that the Lord is watching over me and there are angels around me who are making sure my needs are being taken care of. I wanted to only give help before as much as possible because of my belief that "it's better to give than to receive". And I realized that we are being blessed as we both give and receive. We are all receivers of God's blessings. And yet it seems like we prefer to give to others than to receive from them. I thought I would never ask help from others because I'm capable of providing all my needs until such time came when I really needed financial help. I didn't want to ask for help but I was forced to. I had no choice. I'm grateful a friend of mine was there coaching me so I could ask for help myself. I was able to ask for help and did receive the help I needed. I borrowed some cash and promised to pay it at the end of the month. I was feeling so grateful I received help and I did keep my promise and returned what I borrowed on time. This experience did strengthen my faith in the Savior, bringing me closer to Him. I realized we would all need help at some point in our lives and it is ok to ask for help. The Lord does want us to ask help from Him. And He provides the help that we need through others. He inspires those around us so they are able to know exactly what we need. And He puts the desire in their hearts to extend their helping hands.
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