How Do We Minister like the Savior?

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the Savior healing a man

He Healed Many of Diverse Diseases, by J. Kirk Richards, may not be copied

The Savior invited His disciples to minister to others as He did (see 3 Nephi 18:30; 27:21). When He visited the Nephites, He ministered to them one by one (see 3 Nephi 11; 17). He ministered to them because He loved them and genuinely wanted them—and each one of us—to be happy, to have hope, and to receive His relief.

So when trying to become a better minister and disciple of Jesus Christ, where should we start?

The Lord’s perfect example shows us that ministering, at its heart, is much more than just a Church assignment. Ministering is caring for others as the Savior would. Ministering is part of keeping our baptismal covenant (see 2 Nephi 31:13–14; Mosiah 18:10, 13; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37). President Russell M. Nelson has taught us that “one of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people” (“Peacemakers Needed,” Liahona, May 2023, 98).

As we strive to fill our hearts with more genuine compassion, we will find that we’ve become closer to the Savior—and closer to being like the Savior. How can you build your compassion, pray for others, and minister like the Savior?

Ways the Savior Ministered	Can you emulate the Savior by …
“My bowels are filled with compassion towards you” (3 Nephi 17:6).	... having true compassion toward the people you serve?
“Bring them hither and I will heal them” (3 Nephi 17:7).	… supporting the sick and afflicted?
“We heard him pray for us unto the Father” (3 Nephi 17:17).	… praying for others?
“Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full” (3 Nephi 17:20).	… being joyful when those you minister to receive and respond to your service?
“He took their little children, one by one, and blessed them” (3 Nephi 17:21).	... caring about people as individuals and serving them one by one?