Why Compassionate Service?

A quick search in the scriptures for the word "compassion" leads us to several references, most of which describe our Savior being moved with or by compassion for people he then blesses and/or serves. 

The word means "with-suffering" or to suffer with (another). When we serve our brothers and sisters are we suffering with them? In other words, does our service to other people mean that we share their burdens? As we yoke ourselves to others, do we "...mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort" as we read in Mosiah 18:9? Yes! 

And what influence does that have on our lives? Not only is service with compassion one of the best, most effective, and quickest ways to find relief from our own sufferings and fill us with gratitude, it is one of the clearest ways we can share our testimonies of the Savior. If you continue with verse 9 of Mosiah, we read that this behavior is one way in which we "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life." 

That's quite a promise! What a privilege it is to have our God in Heaven trust us with this life-saving work! The world is full of people whose loads seem too heavy to bear, who are heartbroken or sick, poor or lonely, stressed or despairing, and are in need of our love and help. No one of us can do it all, but we can all do something. Each of us can do our part and offer what we can, whether it's a listening ear, a much-needed hug, a ride somewhere, a welcome meal, a lesson, a smile, a skill shared, or whatever it is we have to give. 

Sometimes, sisters, we may genuinely feel that we cannot fit one more thing in our schedules, or can't keep the tears out of our eyes long enough to have a conversation with another person because of the difficult trials we are facing ourselves. In those times, could we allow ourselves to seek out and accept help from another? Could you invite another to suffer with you, knowing that both parties may be blessed? By emulating Jesus Christ as we serve each other, not only can we find relief from our own pain, but forgiveness for our sins as we help to lift and bless each other.

Thank you for all you do for each other, your friends and families, and the larger communities you are a part of. I feel privileged to be numbered among you. See Mosiah 2 and Romans 12 for some elegant and powerful words about the power of service to save.

Carrie Cox, Compassionate Service Co-chair