Service

“The Lamb of God, also known as the Good Shepherd, knows each of His flock. In our moments of need, He often sends earthly angels … to wrap and encircle us in the arms of His love.” (Becky Craven, Young Women General Presidency, “A Swaddle and a Heavenly Hug,” 2020 First Presidency Christmas Devotional)

“Even if we do not know how to relate to what others are going through, validating that their pain is real can be an important first step in finding understanding and healing.” (Reyna I. Aburto, Relief Society General Presidency, “Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!”, General Conference, October 2019)

“We can build, through service, a more perfect relationship with our Heavenly Father. Our love for and devotion to Him preempts the need for recognition or appreciation and allows His love to flow to and through us.” (Joy D. Jones, Primary General President, “For Him,” General Conference, October 2018)

“When we focus on all that God has done for us, our service flows from a heart of gratitude.” (Joy D. Jones, Primary General President, “For Him,” General Conference, October 2018)

“Can performing even a menial task become an opportunity to demonstrate our love and devotion to Him? I believe it can and will.” (Joy D. Jones, Primary General President, “For Him,” General Conference, October 2018)

“We can make each item on our to-do list become a way to glorify Him. We can see each task as a privilege and opportunity to serve Him, even when we are in the midst of deadlines, duties, or dirty diapers.” (Joy D. Jones, Primary General President, “For Him,” General Conference, October 2018)

“When serving our God becomes our main priority in life, we lose ourselves, and in due course, we find ourselves.” (Joy D. Jones, Primary General President, “For Him,” General Conference, October 2018)

“As we walk the path of discipleship, we will receive spiritual nudges to reach out to others.” (Michelle Craig, Young Women General Presidency, “Divine Discontent,” General Conference, October 2018)

“Never suppress a generous thought.” (Camilla Kimball, quoted in Michelle Craig, Young Women General Presidency, “Divine Discontent,” General Conference, October 2018)

“Whether they are direct promptings or just impulses to help, a good deed is never wasted.” (Michelle Craig, Young Women General Presidency, “Divine Discontent,” General Conference, October 2018)

“We seldom know the impact of our small acts of service.” (Michelle Craig, Young Women General Presidency, “Divine Discontent,” General Conference, October 2018)

“You and I can give what we have to Christ, and He will multiply our efforts.” (Michelle D. Craig, Young Women General Presidency, “Divine Discontent,” General Conference, October 2018)

“Resolving to follow promptings changes the way I think about ‘my time,’ and I see people not as interruptions but as the purpose of my life.” (Michelle D. Craig, Young Women General Presidency, “Divine Discontent,” General Conference, October 2018)

“Sometimes when I have an impression to do something for someone, I wonder if it was a prompting or just my own thoughts. But I am reminded that ‘that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.’ Whether they are direct promptings or just impulses to help, a good deed is never wasted, for ‘charity never faileth’–and is never the wrong response.” (Michelle D. Craig, Young Women General Presidency, “Divine Discontent,” General Conference, October 2018)

“Are we living the two great commandments–to love God and to love His children? Often that love is manifest as service.” (Cristina B. Franco, Primary General Presidency, “The Joy of Unselfish Service,” General Conference, October 2018)

“Whether our sheep are strong or weak, rejoicing or in anguish, we can make certain that no one walks alone. We can love them wherever they are spiritually and offer support and encouragement for the next step forward.” (Bonnie H Cordon, Young Women General President, “Becoming a Shepherd,” General Conference, October 2018)

“Turning your thoughts outward, instead of dwelling on your own problems, may not resolve all of these issues, but service can often lighten your burdens and make your challenges seem less hard.” (Bonnie L Oscarson, former Young Women General President, “Young Women in the Work,” General Conference, April 2018)

“One of the best ways to increase feelings of self-worth is to show, through our concern and service to others, that we have much of worth to contribute.” (Bonnie L Oscarson, former Young Women General President, “Young Women in the Work,” General Conference, April 2018)

“Raise your hands to volunteer and to put those hands to work when you see needs around you.” (Bonnie L Oscarson, former Young Women General President, “Young Women in the Work,” General Conference, April 2018)

“Miracles happen when the children of God work together guided by the Spirit to reach out to others in need.” (Reyna I. Aburto, Relief Society General Presidency, “With One Accord,” General Conference, April 2018)

“Our service to others is a demonstration of discipleship and our gratitude and love for God and His Son, Jesus Christ.” (Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, “Ministering as the Savior Does,” General Conference, April 2018)

“Simple acts of service can have profound effects on others–as well as on ourselves.” (Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, “Ministering as the Savior Does,” General Conference, April 2018)

“The Father “wants us to change our selfishness into service, our fears into faith.” (Neill F. Marriott, Young Women General Presidency, “Abiding In God and Repairing the Breach,” General Conference, October 2017)

“It is now, with our mortal limitations, that the Father asks us to love when loving is most difficult, to serve when serving is inconvenient, to forgive when forgiving is soul stretching. How? How will we do it? We earnestly reach for Heavenly Father’s help, in the name of His Son, and do things His way instead of pridefully asserting our own will.” (Neill F. Marriott, Young Women General Presidency, “Abiding In God and Repairing the Breach,” General Conference, October 2017)

“Numbering, however, is not really about numbers; it is about making certain each person feels the love of the Savior through someone who serves for Him. In that way, all can recognize that they are known by a loving Father in Heaven.” (Bonnie H Cordon, Young Women General President, “Becoming a Shepherd,” General Conference, October 2018)

“Sometimes it’s easy to miss some of the greatest opportunities to serve others because we are distracted or because we are looking for ambitious ways to change the world and we don’t see that some of the most significant needs we can meet are within our own families, among our friends, in our wards, and in our communities.” (Bonnie L. Oscarson, “The Needs Before Us,” General Conference, October 2017)

“As you reach out to serve and lift your brothers and sisters within your neighborhood or throughout this world that is in so much commotion, you will feel greater peace and healing and even progress.” (Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, “That Your Joy Might Be Full,” General Conference, October 2017)

“When I thought about myself, my situation, my suffering and pain, the world became very dark and depressing. When my focus turned to others, there was light, hope, strength, courage, and joy.” (Amy Wright, quoted in Bonnie H. Cordon, Primary General Presidency, “Trust in the Lord and Lean Not,” General Conference, April 2017)

“Not only are we here to save others but to save ourselves. And that salvation comes from partnering with Jesus Christ, from understanding His grace and His Atonement and His feelings of love for the women of the Church. That happens through things as simple as brushing someone’s hair; sending a note with an inspired, clear, revelatory message of hope and grace; or allowing women to serve us.” (Jenny Reeder, quoted in Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President, “Certain Women,” General Conference, April 2017)

“Think of the many ways you give life. It could mean giving emotional life to the hopeless or spiritual life to the doubter. With the help of the Holy Ghost, we can create an emotionally healing place for the discriminated against, the rejected, and the stranger. In these tender yet powerful ways, we build the kingdom of God.” (Neill F. Marriott, Young Women General Presidency, “What Shall We Do?” General Conference, April 2016)

“As we consider the ‘pressing calls’ of those who need our help, let’s ask ourselves, ‘What if their story were my story?’ May we then seek inspiration, act on impressions we receive, and reach out in unity to help those in need as we are able and inspired to do so.” (Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President, “I Was a Stranger,” General Conference, April 2016)

“Divine nature breathes into us the desire to serve others.” (Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary General President, “Discovering the Divinity Within,” General Conference, October 2015)

“When we serve in the name of the Lord, with purity of heart, we reflect the Savior’s love and give others a glimpse of heaven.” (Carol F. McConkie, Young Women General Presidency, “Here to Serve a Righteous Cause,” General Conference, October 2015)

“Our small acts of faith and service are how most of us can continue in God and eventually bring eternal light and glory to our family, our friends, and our associates.” (Neill F. Marriott, Young Women General Presidency, “Sharing Your Light,” General Conference, October 2014)

“First observe, then serve.” (Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President, “First Observe, Then Serve,” General Conference, October 2012)

“Sometimes we are tempted to serve in a way that we want to serve and not necessarily in the way that is needed at the moment… If we…ask, ‘Am I doing this for the Savior, or am I doing this for me?’ our service will more likely resemble the ministry of the Savior.” (Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President, “First Observe, Then Serve,” General Conference, October 2012)

“With so much need for relief and rescue in the lives of sisters and their families today, our Heavenly Father needs us to follow a higher path and demonstrate our discipleship by sincerely caring for His children.” (Julie B. Beck, Relief Society General President, “What I Hope My Granddaughters (and Grandsons) Will Understand about Relief Society,” General Conference, October 2011)

“When we have charity, we are willing to serve and help others when it is inconvenient and with no thought of recognition or reciprocation. We don’t wait to be assigned to help, because it becomes our very nature.” (Silvia H. Allred, Relief Society General Presidency, “Charity Never Faileth,” General Conference, October 2011)

“Providing service and extending charity toward others helps us overcome our own difficulties and makes them seem less challenging.” (Silvia H. Allred, Relief Society General Presidency, “Charity Never Faileth,” General Conference, October 2011)

“Use all your resources to do good, bringing relief and salvation to those around you, including your own family. The Lord will crown your efforts with success.” (Silvia H. Allred, Relief Society General Presidency, “Charity Never Faileth,” General Conference, October 2011)

“We must love one another and serve one another. This is, in fact, the essence of discipleship in the true Church of Jesus Christ.” (Silvia H. Allred, Relief Society General Presidency, “The Essence of Discipleship,” General Conference, April 2011)

“As we increase our own level of self-reliance, we increase our ability to help and serve others the way the Savior did.” (Silvia H. Allred, Relief Society General Presidency, “The Essence of Discipleship,” General Conference, April 2011)

“When love becomes the guiding principle in our care for others, our service to them becomes the gospel in action. It is the gospel in its finest moment. It is pure religion.” (Silvia H. Allred, Relief Society General Presidency, “The Essence of Discipleship,” General Conference, April 2011)

“The pure love of Christ is expressed as we give selfless service. Helping one another is a sanctifying experience which exalts the receiver and humbles the giver. It helps us become true disciples of Christ.” (Silvia H. Allred, Relief Society General Presidency, “The Essence of Discipleship,” General Conference, April 2011)

“Each sister is asked to seek out and help the poor and the needy among and around us. The “poor and the needy” includes those with spiritual and emotional needs as well.” (Silvia H. Allred, Relief Society General Presidency, “Steadfast and Immovable,” General Conference, October 2010)

“Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf. This is one duty we have in the Church where we are certain to have the help of the Lord if we ask for it. This is one responsibility that is certain to increase our faith and personal righteousness and strengthen our own homes and families as we become partners with the Lord.” (Julie B. Beck, Relief Society General President, “Relief Society: A Sacred Work,” General Conference, October 2009)

“We can know with certainty that our Father in Heaven knows us personally because He sends us to be His hands and heart to those in need.” (Julie B. Beck, Relief Society General President, “Relief Society: A Sacred Work,” General Conference, October 2009)

“There is no sister so isolated, and her sphere so narrow but what she can do a great deal towards establishing the Kingdom of God upon the earth.” (Eliza R. Snow, 1873, quoted in Barbara Thompson, Relief Society General Presidency, “Mind the Gap,” General Conference, October 2009)

“We need to take every opportunity to strengthen families and support one another to stay on the right path.” (Barbara Thompson, Relief Society General Presidency, “His Arm Is Sufficient,” General Conference, April 2009)

“Most often the help needed is in our own homes, neighborhoods, and communities. A kind word of encouragement, a note of thanks, a phone call, a loving smile, a helpful deed, and a reminder that God loves us are often what is needed most.” (Barbara Thompson, Relief Society General Presidency, “Now Let Us Rejoice,” General Conference, October 2008)

“Focusing on relief will always build sociality, whereas focusing on sociality may not always bring relief.” (Julie B. Beck, Relief Society General President, “What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable,” General Conference, October 2007)

“No matter what our individual circumstances are, we all have the opportunity to edify and nurture others.” (Silvia H. Allred, Relief Society General Presidency, “Feed My Sheep,” General Conference, October 2007)

“The true measure of our life is not how much we get but how much we give.” (Silvia H. Allred, Relief Society General Presidency, “Feed My Sheep,” General Conference, October 2007)

“Today, as the Church grows in 170 nations throughout the earth, determined service to others, even in difficult circumstances, is required of those who truly desire ‘to grow up unto the Lord.'” (Anne C. Pingree, Relief Society General Presidency, “To Grow Up unto the Lord,” General Conference, April 2006)

“Good works should not be done for the purpose of receiving recognition.” (Susan W. Tanner, Young Women General President, “I Am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up,” General Conference, April 2006)

“What does it mean to be an instrument in everyday terms? I think it means to nurture others.” (Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society General President, “Sweet Moments,” General Conference, October 2005)

“There are countless ways to be instruments in God’s hands. For example, be the kind of visiting teacher you’ve always wanted; ask a young single adult about what she likes to do rather than why she’s not married; share instead of accumulate; carefully choose your dress, speech, and choice of entertainment; smile at your husband or child who knows they’ve caused frustration and heartache; put your arm around a young woman; teach in nursery with a happy heart; show by your attitude that you are finding joy in the journey.” (Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society General President, “Sweet Moments,” General Conference, October 2005)

“In helping others we keep our own spirits alive.” (Kathleen H. Hughes, Relief Society General Presidency, “That We May All Sit Down in Heaven Together,” General Conference, October 2005)

“Our individual efforts to become instruments in the hands of God have not been easy and have stretched us spiritually, enriching our mortal journeys in the most personal, glorious ways.” (Anne C. Pingree, Relief Society General Presidency, “Knowing the Lord’s Will for You,” General Conference, October 2005)

“God knows the needs of His children, and He often works through us, prompting us to help one another. When we act on such promptings, we tread on holy ground, for we are allowed the opportunity to serve as an agent of God in answering a prayer.” (Kathleen H. Hughes, Relief Society General Presidency, “What Greater Goodness Can We Know: Christlike Friends,” General Conference, April 2005)

“If we are truly sisters, we should know each other’s needs.” (Kathleen H. Hughes, Relief Society General Presidency, “In Covenant with Him,” General Conference, October 2003)

“When we are truly converted, our focus shifts from self to others. We can find inner strength through service.” (Mary Ellen W. Smoot, recently released Relief Society General President, “Developing Inner Strength,” General Conference, April 2002)