Jean B. Bingham
April 2018 | Ministering as the Savior Does
Sister Bingham explained what “ministering” looks like, giving several examples of ways that we can serve and love others.
Service to others is a demonstration of discipleship, gratitude and love for God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
“Sometimes we think we have to do something grand and heroic to ‘count’ as serving our neighbors.” “Yet simple acts of service can have profound effects on others — as well as on ourselves.”
In addition to the Savior's supernal gifts of the Atonement and Resurrection, “He also smiled at, talked with, walked with, listened to, made time for, encouraged, taught, fed and forgave. “He served family and friends, neighbors and strangers alike, and He invited acquaintances and loved ones to enjoy the rich blessings of His gospel.”
Ministering can be done in a variety of individualized ways, “What does it look like?”
Sister Bingham gave several illustrations, including leaders counseling about individuals and families as assignments are given to minister.
“It looks like going for a walk, getting together for a game night, offering service or even serving together.” “It looks like visiting in person or talking on the phone or chatting online or texting. It looks like sharing a scripture or quote from a conference talk that would be meaningful to the individual. It looks like discussing a gospel question and sharing testimony to bring clarity and peace. It looks like becoming part of someone’s life and caring about him or her. It also looks like a ministering interview in which needs and strengths are discussed sensitively and appropriately. It looks like the ward council organizing to respond to a larger need.”
Combining Relief Society efforts with the now-restructured elders quorum “will bring a unity that can yield astonishing results.”
“Ministering becomes one coordinated effort to fulfill the priesthood duty to ‘visit the house of each member’ and ‘to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them,’ as well as to achieve the Relief Society purpose to help one another prepare for the blessings of eternal life
“Working together under the direction of the bishop, elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies can be inspired as they seek the best ways to watch over and care for each individual and family.”
“After all is said and done, true ministering is accomplished one by one with love as the motivation.” In that way, “miracles will happen, and we will find ways to bring our ‘missing’ sisters and brothers into the all-inclusive embrace of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
