Service

Sometimes we see welfare as simply another gospel topic—one of the many branches on the gospel tree. But I believe that in the Lord’s plan, our commitment to welfare principles should be at the very root of our faith and devotion to Him. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing on the Lord's Way", General Conference, Oct 2011)

While it is important to have our thoughts inclined toward heaven, we miss the essence of our religion if our hands are not also inclined toward our fellowman. For example, Enoch built a Zion society through the spiritual process of creating a people of one heart and one mind and the temporal work of ensuring that there were “no poor among them.”(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing on the Lord's Way", General Conference, Oct 2011)

The lesson we learn generation after generation is that rich and poor are all under the same sacred obligation to help their neighbor. It will take all of us working together to successfully apply the principles of welfare and self-reliance. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing on the Lord's Way", General Conference, Oct 2011)

In the end you must do in your area what disciples of Christ have done in every dispensation: counsel together, use all resources available, seek the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, ask the Lord for His confirmation, and then roll up your sleeves and go to work. I give you a promise: if you will follow this pattern, you will receive specific guidance as to the who, what, when, and where of providing in the Lord’s way. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing on the Lord's Way", General Conference, Oct 2011)

Whether we are rich or poor, regardless of where we live on this globe, we all need each other, for it is in sacrificing our time, talents, and resources that our spirits mature and become refined. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing on the Lord's Way", General Conference, Oct 2011)

This work of providing in the Lord’s way is not simply another item in the catalog of programs of the Church. It cannot be neglected or set aside. It is central to our doctrine; it is the essence of our religion. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing on the Lord's Way", General Conference, Oct 2011)

Through our heartfelt kindness and service, we can make friends with those whom we serve. From these friendships come better understanding of our devotion to the gospel and a desire to learn more about us. ( M. Russell Ballard, "Finding Joy through Service", General Conference, April 2011)

In all of our service, we need to be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The still, small voice will let us know who needs our help and what we can do to help them.( M. Russell Ballard, "Finding Joy through Service", General Conference, April 2011)

The needs of others are ever present, and each of us can do something to help someone. Unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. (Thomas S. Monson,“What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2009, 85)

The prophet Moroni, speaking of our day, warned about the love of money and substance and suggested that we would love them more than we “love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted." If we are to be worthy Saints, we should minister to others and adhere to the Savior’s admonition to love God and our fellowmen. (Quentin L. Cook, "Are You a Saint?,” General Conference, Oct 2003)