LDS General Conference Women's Session

Last night women and girls all over the world gathered in church buildings to hear inspired messages from our leaders. They spoke of centering our lives on Jesus Christ, of keeping the covenants we've made, and of listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It was a wonderful evening, and our tradition of going out for a treat afterwards made it even more special!

What it means to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints: I Minister

                As part of Christ's church, I'm part of His work. I love Him and am glad I can help Him by ministering. From earliest recorded history, disciples of Christ have been ministers. I, too, am a minister.

                Disciples of Jesus Christ have always followed His example and helped Him in His work by ministering to others. As one prophet invited those he taught, "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…and mourn with those that mourn…If this is your desire, what have ye against being baptized?"

                When I was baptized, I committed to do as Jesus does: lift the burdens of others, mourn with those who mourn, give comfort to the suffering. When our Savior atoned for us He experienced every pain, fear, and sorrow that we will ever feel so that He would truly know how to run to us in our time of need. As I have empathy for others, I am in a small way following Christ and running to others in their need.

                I can minister through service like feeding and clothing, and I can also minister to others through something as simple as my words, as the apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:29. I want grace— or Divine help— from the Savior. I hope He will give me the benefit of the doubt. I, too, can minister grace to others and encourage, uplift, and strengthen them through my words.

                Ministering is the best way I know of showing my Savior the love and gratitude I have for Him. He loves the people I see around me, and when I care for them He feels it. I don't need to ask "when saw we thee hungry and fed thee?" He has made it clear that when I'm serving others, I'm serving Him. I am glad to be a member of His church, be on His team, be doing His work, and be following Him!