A Heart for the Suffering

And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me; and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and his counselors, two of the elders, or high priests, such as he shall appoint or has appointed and set apart for that purpose.

Doctrine & Covenants 42:31

For many years we talked about the three-fold mission of the Church: proclaim the Gospel, perfect the saints, and redeem the dead.  Now in the most recently updated handbook of the Church, instead of them being called missions, they are referred to as purposes of the Church. And instead of there being just three purposes, a fourth has been added: "to care for the poor and needy". Of course, anyone who is familiar with the efforts of the Church has always seen this important work going on in the Church. In the early days, the Law of Consecration was practiced through the “United Order” to help care for those in need.  And today through Fast offerings and other charitable contributions, there is no limit to how much we can give to help others.

The Lord has always shown a special place in His heart for the poor and suffering. As Christ’s disciples, there are many ways we can help the poor and suffering. Two ways are by contributions to Fast offerings and to the Humanitarian Aid Fund. 

How much should we give?  C.S. Lewis taught, “If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditure excludes them.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Today’s Takeaway: How are you and your family doing with this important purpose God has given to his true disciples? Is there a small bit more you can give to help relieve the suffering in the world? A little goes a long way.