Serving and Ministering to Others

The steps

Go at your own pace. Read each scripture in context if you can, and come back to any step as often as you need.

1. 1

   Step 1: Notice people

   Pay attention to the people around you: who is lonely, new, sick, grieving, or overwhelmed?

   Scripture

   • “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

   Reflect

   Who have I seen lately who might be struggling quietly?

   Try this

   Write down the names of two or three people you could reach out to.

   Write your response

   Write down the names of two or three people you could reach out to.

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2. 2

   Step 2: Pray for chances to help

   Ask Heavenly Father to show you who needs you and how to help. Then watch for answers during the day.

   Scripture

   • “Here am I; send me.”

   Reflect

   Am I willing to be interrupted to help someone?

   Try this

   Each morning this week, pray to be led to someone you can help.

   Write your response

   Each morning this week, pray to be led to someone you can help.

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3. 3

   Step 3: Start close to home

   Ministering often starts with family, neighbors, coworkers, and the people in your congregation.

   Scripture

   • “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

   • Mosiah 18:8–9

   Reflect

   Is there someone in my own home or street I've overlooked?

   Try this

   Do one kind thing for a family member or neighbor today without being asked.

   Write your response

   Do one kind thing for a family member or neighbor today without being asked.

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4. 4

   Step 4: Listen and ask what would help

   Instead of guessing, ask. Listen first. Sometimes what people need most is to be heard, not fixed.

   Scripture

   • “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

   • “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak”

   Reflect

   When has someone helped me most just by listening?

   Try this

   Ask someone, "What would actually help you this week?" and listen to the answer.

   Write your response

   Ask someone, "What would actually help you this week?" and listen to the answer.

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5. 5

   Step 5: Serve quietly

   Serve without seeking credit. Quiet service keeps the focus on the person and on God.

   Scripture

   • Matthew 6:3–4

   Reflect

   Do I ever serve hoping to be noticed? How would quiet service feel different?

   Try this

   Do one anonymous act of kindness this week.

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   Do one anonymous act of kindness this week.

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6. 6

   Step 6: Keep going, and care for yourself too

   Ministering is ongoing, not one visit. Keep checking in. And serve at a pace you can keep. Running faster than your strength allows helps no one for long.

   Scripture

   • “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

   • Mosiah 2:17
   • Mosiah 4:27

   Reflect

   What pace of service can I keep up with joy, not exhaustion?

   Try this

   Set a simple reminder to check in again on someone you helped.

   Write your response

   Set a simple reminder to check in again on someone you helped.

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