181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
The most important divine attribute that members should desire and seek to possess, said Elder M. Russell Ballard, is the gift of charity — the pure love of Christ.
"From this gift springs our capacity to love and to serve others — as the Savior did."
It was Jesus who declared that His disciples must have "love one to another" (John 13:34-35).
"The love the Savior described is an active love," he said. "It is not manifested through large and heroic deeds, but rather through simple acts of kindness and service. There are a myriad of ways and circumstances in which we can serve and love others."
First, charity begins at home. "The single most important principle that should govern every home is to practice the Golden Rule — the Lord's admonition that 'all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.' Take a moment and imagine how you would feel if you were on the receiving end of thoughtless words or actions. By our example, let us teach our family members to have love one for another."
The Church, added Elder Ballard, also offers ample opportunities to serve.
"Our wards and branches should be places where the Golden Rule always guides our words and actions toward each other. By treating each other kindly, speaking words of support and encouragement, and being sensitive to each other's needs we can help create loving unity among ward members. Where charity exists, there is no place for gossip or unkind words."
Service in communities also represents a pure expression of love and concern for those in need.
"Many of you have put on 'helping hands' T-shirts and worked tirelessly to relieve suffering and improve you communities. Young single adults in the Sendai Japan Stake recently provided invaluable service in searching for members in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami."
Elder Ballard declared there are countless ways to serve. "Through our heartfelt kindness and service we can make friends with those whom we serve. From these friendships come better understanding of our devotion to the gospel and a desire to learn more about the Church."
Missionary service is another way to serve Heavenly Father's children. The future growth of the Church, he said, 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."
In all forms of service, it is essential to be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. That still, small voice allows one to know who needs help and how to help.
"Great things are wrought through small and simple things," he said. "Like the small flecks of gold that accumulate over time into a large treasure, our small and simple acts of kindness and service will accumulate into a life filled with love for Heavenly Father, devotion to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and a sense of peace and joy each time we reach out to one another."
