The Second Commandment: "Love thy neighbor as thyself." These words, simple yet profound, encapsulate the essence of Christ's teachings on love and service. Today, as I reflected on John 14:15—"If ye love me, keep my commandments."—I was reminded that love is not merely a sentiment but an action, a commitment to living out Christ’s work in our daily lives.
Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Bay Area Rescue Mission. It was here that I witnessed firsthand the dedication and compassion of the staff, individuals who have devoted themselves to a noble cause. Their mission is clear: “To bring immediate and lasting change to the lives of homeless and needy people by breaking the cycle of homelessness and empowering self-sufficiency.” Their work is not just about providing shelter or food; it is about restoring dignity, offering hope, and giving people the tools they need to rebuild their lives.
This experience led me to ponder the words of Jesus in John 14:12: “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” Are we meant to expect miracles to suddenly eradicate homelessness and poverty? Perhaps the true miracle is not in grand, supernatural interventions but in the small, daily acts of kindness we extend to one another. We are the miracles.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, put it beautifully: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” Similarly, St. Augustine described love in action: “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. That is what love looks like.”
At the end of the day, I recognize that there are still countless individuals facing hardships beyond my comprehension. But I take solace in knowing that, in some small way, my efforts—no matter how seemingly insignificant—made a difference. Maybe someone’s burden was lightened, even just a little.
Author Maeve Binchy once said, “Happiness is in our own hearts. I have no regrets of anything in the past. I'm totally cheerful and happy, and I think that a lot of your attitude is not in the circumstances you find yourself in, but in the circumstances you make for yourself.”
This rings especially true when we choose to serve others. There is a deep, abiding joy that comes from giving, as Jesus Himself taught: “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
President Thomas S. Monson once reminded us, “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.” (Ensign, Nov. 2009, "What Have I Done for Someone Today?")
May we each take this call to heart. In a world often filled with need, we can be instruments of love, service, and healing. And in doing so, we not only fulfill Christ’s commandments but also find a joy deeper than words can express.
Good Evening
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