President Joseph Smith on ministering with love and tenderness

Joseph Smith (December 23, 1805-June 27, 1844) was given the apostolic authority when the Church of Jesus Christ was organized on April 6, 1830 and he was designated the first president of the church at age 24. He was martyred in 1844 at age 38.

"Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand and watch over them with tenderness. When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what power it has over my mind, while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the harsh feelings and depress the human mind.

"It is one evidence that men are unacquainted with the principle of godliness, to behold the contraction of feeling and lack of charity. The power and glory of Godliness is spread out on a broad principle to throw out the mantle of charity."

- Joseph Smith, Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, June 9, 1842; see also History of the Church, 5:23–24
Click here to read the full address from the Joseph Smith Papers project

This excerpt comes from an address by Joseph Smith to one of the early meetings of the Relief Society. He spoke very personally about how he responded to the actions of others toward him. If our goal or hope is to encourage others to "forsake sin" in any way, to come unto Christ, this is a lesson we should ponder:

The language Joseph used is so expressive. We don't just talk to people, instruct or counsel them—we "take them by the hand" and we "watch over them with tenderness." As we "show kindness and love" to others, it has power over their minds. As we spread out the "mantle of charity" in our interactions with others, we discover "the power and glory of Godliness" is also being spread. Such wonderful descriptions of true ministering with Christlike charity.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Gerrit W. Gong on caring for one another as shepherds

Elder Gerrit W. Gong (born December 23, 1953) was called as a Seventy in April 2010, then to the Presidency of the Seventy in October 2015. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in April 2018.

"Our Good Shepherd seeks and gathers us into His one fold. He asks, 'What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?' (Luke 15:4, emphasis added; see also Doctrine and Covenants 18:15.)

"Our Savior reaches out to the one and to the ninety-and-nine, often at the same time. As we minister, we acknowledge the ninety-and-nine who are steadfast and immovable, even while we yearn after the one who has strayed. Our Lord seeks and delivers us 'out of all places' (Ezekiel 34:12), 'from the four quarters of the earth' (1 Nephi 22:25). He gathers us by holy covenant and His atoning blood. (See Hebrews 13:20.) ...

"Today our Savior desires that what we do and who we are becoming will invite others to come, follow Him. Come find love, healing, connection, and covenant belonging in Him, including in God’s holy temple, where sacred ordinances of salvation can bless all family members, thus gathering Israel on both sides of the veil."

- Gerrit W. Gong, "Good Shepherd, Lamb of God," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

One of the most important functions of every shepherd, working under the direction of The Good Shepherd, is to seek out and care for those who are wandering and lost. That's what He does for us.

It's important to note that ""Our Savior reaches out to the one and to the ninety-and-nine, often at the same time." The 99 are not neglected in His love and concern; they too are blessed by His care and protection. But the one who is lost must be found, and that may require extra seeking. Note that He reaches out to us; we must respond.

And then we, as true under-shepherds, must go and do likewise—caring and ministering for both the 99 and the 1 as we "invte others to some, follow Him."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Gerrit W. Gong on following the Savior's example as shepherds

Elder Gerrit W. Gong (born December 23, 1953) was called as a Seventy in April 2010, then to the Presidency of the Seventy in October 2015. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in April 2018.

"As the 'Shepherd of Israel' (Psalm 80:1), Jesus Christ exemplifies how shepherds in Israel minister in love. When our Lord asks if we love Him, as He did with Simon Peter, our Savior implores: 'Feed my lambs.… Feed my sheep.… Feed my sheep.' (John 21:15–17.) The Lord promises that when His shepherds feed His lambs and sheep, those in His fold 'shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking' (Jeremiah 23:4).

"Our Good Shepherd cautions that shepherds in Israel must not slumber (see Nahum 3:18), nor scatter or cause the sheep to go astray (see Jeremiah 23:1; 50:6, 44), nor look our own way for our own gain (see Isaiah 56:11; Ezekiel 34:2–6). God’s shepherds are to strengthen, heal, bind up that which is broken, bring again that which was driven away, seek that which was lost. (See Ezekiel 34:2–6)

"The Lord also warns of hirelings, who 'careth not for the sheep' (John 10:13), and 'false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves' (3 Nephi 14:15).

"Our Good Shepherd rejoices when we exercise individual moral agency with intention and faith. Those in His fold look to our Savior in gratitude for His atoning sacrifice. We covenant to follow Him, not passively, blindly, or 'sheepishly,' but instead desiring with all our hearts and minds to love God and our neighbor, bearing one another’s burdens and rejoicing in one another’s joys. As Christ freely dedicated His will to the will of the Father, so we reverently take upon us His name. We gladly seek to join His work of gathering and ministering to all of God’s children.

"Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is our perfect Good Shepherd. Because He has laid down His life for us and is now gloriously resurrected, Jesus Christ is also the perfect Lamb of God. (See 2 Nephi 9:10–12.)"

- Gerrit W. Gong, "Good Shepherd, Lamb of God," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Gong's address considered our dual roles as sheep in the fold of the Shepherd, and as shepherds assisting in His great ministry to bless lives. Considering the example and characteristics of the "perfect Good Shepherd," he challenges us to likewise serve and bless as we seek to find and rescue the lost sheep and lambs.

One of our beautiful hymns, "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd," teaches this message powerfully. The words are worth reviewing:

1. Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the sheep of his fold;
Dear is the love that he gives them,
Dearer than silver or gold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are his "other" lost sheep;
Over the mountains he follows,
Over the waters so deep.

(Chorus)
Out in the desert they wander,
Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens,
Bringing them back to the fold. (4th verse only: we'll hasten,)

2. Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the lambs of his fold;
Some from the pastures are straying,
Hungry and helpless and cold.
See, the Good Shepherd is seeking,
Seeking the lambs that are lost,
Bringing them in with rejoicing,
Saved at such infinite cost.

3. Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the "ninety and nine";
Dear are the sheep that have wandered
Out in the desert to pine.
Hark! he is earnestly calling,
Tenderly pleading today:
"Will you not seek for my lost ones,
Off from my shelter astray?"

4. Green are the pastures inviting;
Sweet are the waters and still.
Lord, we will answer thee gladly,
"Yes, blessed Master, we will!
Make us thy true under-shepherds;
Give us a love that is deep.
Send us out into the desert,
Seeking thy wandering sheep." (Hymns #221)

Two phrases in particular are profound to me. First from verse 2:

See, the Good Shepherd is seeking,
Seeking the lambs that are lost,
Bringing them in with rejoicing,
Saved at such infinite cost.

The Savior's action in rescuing those lambs includes the "infinite cost" of His Atonement on their behalf. There is no greater blessing, no more profound gift in all of eternity.

The second phrase relates to our charge:

"Make us thy true under-shepherds;
Give us a love that is deep.
Send us out into the desert,
Seeking thy wandering sheep."

The description "under-shepherd" does not appear directly in the scriptures, but the concept is profound. As we labor faithfully in His work of ministry, we truly are functioning as a shepherd, fulfilling the role that He would fill in our place. It's a profound responsibility!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on having Christlike compassion

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"When the sacred hour comes to present our sacrificial gift to the Lord, we do have our own sins and shortcomings to resolve; that’s why we’re there. But we might be more successful in such contrition if we are mindful of the other broken hearts and sorrowing spirits that surround us. Seated not far away are some who may have wept—outwardly or inwardly—through the entire sacramental hymn and the prayers of those priests. Might we silently take note of that and offer our little crust of comfort and our tiny cup of compassion—might we dedicate it to them? or to the weeping, struggling member who is not in the service and, except for some redemptive ministering on our part, won’t be there next week either? or to our brothers and sisters who are not members of the Church at all but are our brothers and sisters? There is no shortage of suffering in this world, inside the Church and out, so look in any direction and you will find someone whose pain seems too heavy to bear and whose heartache seems never to end. One way to 'always remember him' (Moroni 4:3, 5:2) would be to join the Great Physician in His never-ending task of lifting the load from those who are burdened and relieving the pain of those who are distraught."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Behold the Lamb of God," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

We do attend Church meetings to be strengthened and edified. Elder Holland suggests that might occur more readily when our focus is less on ourselves and our personal needs, and more on the challenges of those around us.

True Christian discipleship involves turning our focus outward, and loving others as He loves us. That is a powerful reminder about the nature of worship. We worship best by emulating; and the unselfish service of Christlike charity is the highest form of both emulation.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder David A. Bednar on being sensitive to the needs of others

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"Perhaps the greatest indicator of character is the capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to other people who are experiencing the very challenge or adversity that is most immediately and forcefully pressing upon us. Character is revealed, for example, in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress. Thus, character is demonstrated by looking and reaching outward when the natural and instinctive response is to be self-absorbed and turn inward. If such a capacity is indeed the ultimate criterion of moral character, then the Savior of the world is the perfect example of such a consistent and charitable character."

- David A. Bednar, "The Character of Christ," BYU-Idaho Religion Symposium, January 25, 2003
Click here to read the full talk

There are many different definitions of "character" that might be employed. Elder Bednar's suggestion is an interesting one. How readily does a person see through his (or her) own challenges in order to recognize that others around him may be dealing with that same challenge? And then is he able to offer support and encouragement, in spite of the burden that is being borne?

As in so many other things, we are invited to follow the example of the Savior; and we will be blessed as we do.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

President James E. Faust on the influence of love and kindness

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"No matter what circumstances you sisters experience, your influence can be marvelously far-reaching. I believe some of you have a tendency to underestimate your profound capacity for blessing the lives of others. More often than not, it is not on the stage with some public pronouncement but in your example of righteousness and the countless gentle acts of love and kindness done so willingly, so often on a one-to-one basis."

- James E. Faust, "You Are All Heaven Sent," General Relief Society Meeting, October 2002
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Faust shared this message at the General Relief Society Meeting held in connection with the October 2002 General Conference. He was speaking to an audience of sisters, and addressed their specific gifts, opportunities, and challenges. But perhaps many brothers can also seek to learn from this counsel—the doctrines and principles certainly apply equally!

We all do sometimes underestimate our own ability to do good in the lives of others. As we strive to open up, reach out, and lift others, our efforts are magnified and amplified, and God's most important work can be accomplished. It is often through "gentle acts of love and kindness" that we truly bless and strengthen one another.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on reaching out to others in love

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015. This talk was given when he served in the presidency of the Seventy.

"To sustain our leaders is a privilege; it comes coupled with a personal responsibility to share their burden and to be disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"President Monson has said:

"'We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us....

"'"...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these..., ye have done it unto me" [Matthew 25:40].' (Thomas S. Monson, 'What Have I Done for Someone Today?' Ensign, Nov. 2009, 86, 87.)

"Will we respond with love when an opportunity is before us to make a visit or a phone call, write a note, or spend a day meeting the needs of someone else? Or will we be like the young man who attested to following all of God’s commandments:

"'All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

"'Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.' (Matthew 19:20–21.)

"The young man was being called to a greater service at the side of the Lord to do the work of the kingdom of God on earth, yet he turned away, 'for he had great possessions.' (Matthew 19:22.)

"What of our earthly possessions? We can see what a tornado can do with them in just minutes. It is so important for each of us to strive to lay up our spiritual treasures in heaven—using our time, talents, and agency in service to God."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "The Joyful Burden of Discipleship," General Conference April 2014
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Rasband reminds us of our commitment to sustain our leaders and follow their counsel and example, and then quotes President Monson's instructions about serving and blessing others.  There are so many ways to serve: "We are surrounded by those in need of our attention"! How eager we should be to reach out to them with help and encouragement. But too often we cling to possessions we might be able to share, and our time and energy in giving to others:

We should remember our commitments and covenants to bear one another's burdens and to love our neighbors. It would be well for us all to evaluate our personal lives in this regard!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Gary E. Stevenson on the sacred privilege of being a shepherd

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (b. August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"As children of a loving Heavenly Father and as sheep in His flock, we enjoy the blessing of being individually ministered to by Jesus Christ. Simultaneously, we have a responsibility to provide ministering assistance to others around us as shepherds ourselves. We heed the words of the Lord to 'serve me and go forth in my name, and … gather together my sheep' (Mosiah 26:20).

"Who is a shepherd? Every man, woman, and child in the kingdom of God is a shepherd. No calling is required. From the moment we emerge from the waters of baptism, we are commissioned to this work. We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do. Alma emphasized: 'For what shepherd … having many sheep doth not watch over them, that the wolves enter not and devour his flock? … Doth he not drive him out?' (Alma 5:59.) Whenever our neighbors are in distress temporally or spiritually, we run to their aid. We bear one another’s burdens that they may be light. We mourn with those who mourn. We comfort those who stand in need of comfort. (See Mosiah 18:8–9.) The Lord lovingly expects this of us. And the day will come when we will be held accountable for the care we take in ministering to His flock. (See Matthew 25:31–46.)"

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Shepherding Souls," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's a wonderful thing to feel the power and blessing of being "individually ministered to by Jesus Christ" as one of His sheep. Our spiritual life and our temporal life are both so enriched as we are strengthened and sustained by His loving care. It's a sacred obligation to then pass on that loving kindness to those around us, as we also serve and minister as shepherds to those placed in our path:

I've always loved the way President Spencer W. Kimball taught this important point:

"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 in the kingdom. The people of the Church need each other’s strength, support, and leadership in a community of believers as an enclave of disciples. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read about how important it is to '… succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees' (D&C 81:5)."
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Small Acts of Service," Ensign, December 1974

There is so much good we can do as we "run to [the] aid" of our neighbors. If we are willing and available, and if we are sensitive to promptings that will guide us, we will find countless opportunities to carry out this sacred duty.

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

President Henry B. Eyring on being nourished by the good word of God

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"Just as pondering the scriptures invites the Holy Ghost, so does daily pleading in prayer. If we do not ask in prayer, He will rarely come, and without our petition He is not likely to linger. 'And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach' (D&C 42:14). Heartfelt, constant pleading for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, with the pure intent to nourish our Father’s children, will surely bring blessings to us and to those we love and serve.

"The good word of God with which we must nourish is the simple doctrine of the gospel. We need not fear either simplicity or repetition....

"It takes a childlike heart to feel the promptings of the Spirit, to surrender to those commands, and to obey. That is what it takes to be nourished by the good word of God."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Feed My Lambs," General Conference October 1997
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This tender talk by President Eyring was addressed to the new converts in the Church, those who are lambs instead of sheep. "The Saints of God have always been under covenant to nourish each other spiritually, especially those tender in the gospel." How do we best care for one another? He suggests that as we sincerely plead for the Lord's spirit, we will be blessed with the Holy Ghost that will aid us in our ministering. And then we can pass that gift on to the tender lambs in our midst:

The phrase "nourished by the good word of God" which President Eyring uses throughout the talk ,was first used by Jacob as he expounded on the parable of the vineyard—see Jacob 6:7. But much later, Moroni used the same words to describe how new believers should be cared for:

"And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith." (Moroni 6:4, emphasis added)

What a beautiful description that is of how we should love and sustain one another! As we learn to focus on "the simple doctrine of the gospel" without concern about repetition or simplicity, we will find continuing blessings for ourselves and for those we strive to serve.

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

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on having integrity in following Christ

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. February 6, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"How would you describe your integrity to the cause of Jesus Christ? The Lord said of Hyrum Smith, the Prophet Joseph’s brother, 'And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord.' (D&C 124:15.)

"I assure you, no accumulation of wealth, recognition, position, or popularity can supplant a heart full of love for the Lord’s ways and God’s children. 'Lovest thou me?' the Savior asked His disciples when they had gone 'a fishing.'

"Peter responded, 'Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.'

"And the Lord said, 'Feed my sheep.... Feed my sheep.' (John 21:16–17)

"Integrity of purpose to the Lord’s work is to love as He loved, essentially to feed His sheep with kindness.

"When Jesus called from the shore to the disciples, who had returned to fishing, He told them to throw their nets on the right side. (See John 21:6.) So it is with us. We are most successful when we do things the Lord’s way, as He has told us. We are here to feed His sheep. You have people who depend on you, who need you, and who will be blessed by your attention. Leave here today recognizing that your morality, your ethics, and your honesty are driven by the way you treat people."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Integrity of Heart," BYU devotional, March 13, 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The Lord's tribute to Hyrum Smith, quoted by Elder Rasband, has always been very moving to me. To be loved by the Lord because of the "integrity of [your] heart" would be a incomparable tribute. That verse elaborates that the integrity lies in the fact that Hyrum "loveth that which is right before me." When our personal focus is so fixed on the things of eternal importance, we too will receive the blessings from God that are promised to those who love Him above all else. Truly, "Integrity of purpose to the Lord’s work is to love as He loved, essentially to feed His sheep with kindness."

Part of the test of integrity is whether we truly are willing to "do things the Lord's way" in every instance where we have instruction or guidance. That applies particularly to our efforts to minister to one another in love. So much is demonstrated "by the way you treat people." That is what Christian discipleship is all about.

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

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on maturing in our vision and our service

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Brothers and sisters, as the work of quorums and auxiliaries matures institutionally, it follows that we should mature personally as well—individually rising above any mechanical, function-without-feeling routine to the heartfelt discipleship articulated by the Savior at the conclusion of His earthly ministry. As He prepared to leave His still-innocent and somewhat-confused little band of followers, He did not list a dozen administrative steps they had to take or hand them a fistful of reports to be filled out in triplicate. No, He summarized their task in one fundamental commandment: 'Love one another; as I have loved you.... By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.' (John 13:34–35.) ...

"Brothers and sisters, we have a heaven-sent opportunity as an entire Church to demonstrate 'pure religion… undefiled before God' (James 1:27)—'to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light' and to 'comfort those that stand in need of comfort' (Mosiah 18:8–9), to minister to the widows and the fatherless, the married and the single, the strong and the distraught, the downtrodden and the robust, the happy and the sad—in short, all of us, every one of us, because we all need to feel the warm hand of friendship and hear the firm declaration of faith. However, I warn you, a new name, new flexibility, and fewer reports won’t make an ounce of difference in our service unless we see this as an invitation to care for one another in a bold, new, holier way, as President Nelson has just said. As we lift our spiritual eyes toward living the law of love more universally, we pay tribute to the generations who have served that way for years."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Be With and Strengthen Them," General Conference, April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Holland had the assignment in the recent general conference to speak, following President Nelson's announcement of changes to home and visiting teaching, and give elaboration and explanation about what that change meant. His remarks were wonderful and inspiring, helping to set the standard for a higher vision of what it means to minister to one another. As programs and practices change, and important key is the call for each of us to change and grow as well in both our vision or understanding, and in our actions of service and caring. The call to "love one another" has never been clearer, and has never been more crucial.

One thing that has not changed is the call to care for "all of us, every one of us, because we all need to feel the warm hand of friendship and hear the firm declaration of faith." Elder Holland spoke beautifully about the power that comes as we truly care and service. With the vision of the Savior's call, and His example, firmly in our minds and hearts, we now have the opportunity to go forth and bless one another in wonderful ways!

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

President M. Russell Ballard on faith in God's help as we serve

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"Given the reality of our human weaknesses and shortcomings, how do we move forward in supporting and sustaining each other? It begins with faith—real, sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in the Savior is the first principle of the doctrine and gospel of Christ....

"If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, the Lord can help us remove the mountains of discouragement and doubt in the tasks ahead of us as we serve with God’s children, including family members, Church members, and those who are not yet members of the Church.

"Brothers and sisters, life can be filled with faith, joy, happiness, hope, and love when we exercise the smallest amount of real faith in Christ—even a mustard seed of faith."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Precious Gifts from God," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Ballard's talk was the first one given after the sustainings at the beginning of conference on Saturday morning, well before Sunday's announcements of the emphasis on "ministering." But the theme of service to others and reaching out in love was strong in his message too in anticipation of that coming change. President Ballard described our innate weakness and hesitancy to do all we should, but emphasized the power that can come to do good as we exercise faith in Jesus Christ:

The key is not that faith makes the tasks easier or makes them go away; but that He can "remove the mountains of discouragement and doubt" that prevent us from serving well. That's a greater need, and a greater blessing, than we sometimes realize! The resulting promise of "faith, joy, happiness, hope, and love" that can fill our life is a remarkable one. We would be wise to find, develop, and expand that kind of faith in our lives.

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