Whenever I reflect on ministering, my thoughts turn to the Atonement of Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, amidst profound agony, Christ faced the daunting task of bearing human sins, diseases, trials, and temptations. The weight of His mission was immense, and He prayed to the Father, asking if the bitter cup could be removed. Seeing His suffering and understanding the burden He bore, our Heavenly Father sent angels to provide comfort and strength, enabling Him to fulfill His divine mission.
Similarly, as His children, our brothers and sisters face their own trials and tribulations, pain, and suffering. Though these challenges pale in comparison to the Atonement, our Heavenly Father desires to send us as His angels to minister to those in need. In Mosiah 23:18, we read, “Therefore they did watch over their people, and did nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness.” This scripture calls us to fulfill our duty to watch over our brothers and sisters, providing support, guidance, and strength through one-on-one ministering.
Ministering is more than a program; it's a personalized calling. As children of our Heavenly Father, each of us faces different challenges and approaches life in our own way. Ministering should reflect this diversity. Guided by the spirit, we can serve our brothers and sisters according to their individual needs. Ministering can be accomplished in many ways, such as in person, over the phone, at church, through social media, or via video calls. These are all righteous avenues through which the spirit can guide our ministering efforts. By following the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we receive personalized inspirations to address the specific needs of families and individuals.
I recall a time when ministering profoundly impacted my family and me. When my younger daughter was in the ICU for a month, we faced a harrowing adversity, feeling helpless and despondent. During this difficult time, church members visited and called, offering words of comfort and prayers. Their presence was a beacon of hope, helping us endure the pain with renewed strength precisely when we needed it most. They were our ministering angels, and without them, our plight would have been unbearable.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland eloquently stated:” In spite of what we all feel are our limitations and inadequacies—and we all have challenges—nevertheless, may we labor side by side with the Lord of the vineyard, giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand with His staggering task of answering prayers, providing comfort, drying tears, and strengthening feeble knees.' Through ministering, we become essential instruments in the hands of our Heavenly Father.
Despite life's hurdles, I've learned as a disciple of Christ that ministering to others can elevate and edify us. By becoming an integral part of someone’s life and reaching out to those in need, I’ve gained the strength to overcome my own challenges and experienced personal refinement. His pure love and joy have filled my heart. To bless others through ministering, we must engage with genuine intent, offering our time, attention, and spiritual insights. This personal approach not only helps those we serve but also strengthens our own spiritual foundations. As we walk this path, we grow closer to the Savior, becoming beacons of His love and grace in the lives of others.
We are engaged in a spiritual battle against Satan and the allurements of the world. Heavenly Father calls upon us to be His comforting hand, a listening ear, a source of shared joy, an uplifting presence, shoulders to lighten burdens, an encouraging support, a smile of unity, hearts ready to serve, and true friends nurturing the word of God. Through the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we can receive inspiration and revelations on how we can fulfill these roles effectively. In the humility, I invite each of you: let us all be like those angels who ministered unto Christ to our fellow brothers and sisters. Embracing this role, our actions will testify our discipleship of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Reference –
Jeffery R. Holland, “Be with and strengthen them” Ensign or Liahona April 2018.
