Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on loving and caring for each other

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"It has been my experience that some of the most powerful promptings we receive are not only for our own benefit but also for the benefit of others. If we are thinking only of ourselves, we may miss some of the most powerful spiritual experiences and profound revelations of our lives.

"President Spencer W. Kimball taught this concept when he said: 'God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.' (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 82.) Brothers and sisters, we each have a covenant responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of others and serve as the Savior did—to reach out, bless, and uplift those around us.

"Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we’re on our knees but while we’re on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us. Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits, remove the scales from our spiritual eyes, and open the windows of heaven. By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer, we often find the answer to our own."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Waiting on the Road to Damascus," General Conference April 2011
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In a gospel that focuses on doing good to others and loving our fellowmen, we would expect that "some of the most powerful promptings we receive" will be to direct and instruct us on how to serve and bless those we have contact with. President Uchtdorf urged us to be seeking those promptings actively as we are involved in the Lord's work of discipleship.

Truly, one of the most fundamental aspects of our belief system is this: "we each have a covenant responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of others and serve as the Savior did—to reach out, bless, and uplift those around us." As we minister in callings and assignments, and as we simply show love and care for others, inspiration and revelation will increase and so will our ability to bless and serve. And in the process, our own needs and questions will be answered and responded to.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)