Finding Joy through Loving Service

by Elder M. Russel Ballard

It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbors through acts of kindness and service--the way that the Savior would love and serve all of us if He were among us today.

The love the Savior described is an active love. It is not manifested through large and heroic deeds rather through simple acts of kindness and service.

First, charity begins at home. Let us teach our family members to have love one for another.

Another place is in the Church. By treating each other kindly, speaking words of support and encouragement, and being sensitive to each other's needs, we can create loving unity among ward members. Where charity exists, there is no place for gossip or unkind words. Ward members can unite in meaningful service.

Third, we can serve in our communities. Through our heartfelt kindness and service, we can make friends with those whom we serve.

The future growth of the Church will not happen through just knocking on strangers' doors. It will happen when the members, along with our missionaries, filled with the love of God and Christ discern needs and respond to those needs in the spirit of charitable service.

President Monson said, "...Unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives."

For the complete talk, go here.