When We Serve Others, We Serve God

By Sandra Tanner and Cristina Franco

Happiness comes when we obey God’s commandments. Jesus Christ taught the first and the second commandments. He said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.” Then He said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37, 39). We can obey these commandments by serving others. That means we do something kind for them. When we serve others we can be happy.

Jesus showed us how to do this. He came to earth to help us. Everywhere He went He helped people. He taught people the gospel. He visited and blessed people who were sick. He helped people who had disabilities. He was a friend to the lonely. By serving others, Jesus did what Heavenly Father wanted Him to do. In Mosiah 2:17 we learn that when we serve someone else we are really serving God.

President Thomas S. Monson encourages us to serve others. Children around the world serve those in need, and their happiness shines through when they share their stories.

Max said: “At my preschool I helped clean the tables and chairs for my teachers. It made me feel good to help someone without being asked first.”

Carson and Kyleigh said: “When our grandma was in the hospital we decided to give her a special gift by cleaning her house really well before she got home. It made us feel really good to do this for her.”

Brittish said: “When my mom broke her leg she needed to use a wheelchair. I helped with my three brothers and sister at home, and I was able to help my mom get the things she needed. Service makes me feel great!”

When we obey the commandment to love and serve others we are serving God and we are blessed with happiness. Try it yourself and see that this is true!

November 2010 Scripture Journal

Read Mosiah 2:17.

Pray to Heavenly Father to help you understand that when you serve others you are showing your love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Memorize Mosiah 2:17.

Choose one of these activities, or create your own:

Help someone else memorize this scripture.
Cut out the disc on page 40. Every day this month, drop a coin or button onto the disc. Do something to serve the person the coin lands on. If it lands on “Your Choice,” you can pick the person you would like to serve.
Learn to look for ways to help others. It can be as simple as giving someone a smile or a hug, or saying hello.
Doing acts of service can help you complete goals found in the Faith in God guidebook.

How does what you have done help you understand this scripture?

Write in your journal or draw a picture about what you have done.

Illustrations by Scott Peck

Mother

Father

Your Choice

Grandparent or Relative

Friend

Brother or Sister

Illustration by Scott Peck