In many areas where it is possible, young men of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints help collect fast offerings that are used to help those in need.
At the end of yesterday’s Fast Sunday, I took a few minutes to watch the newest video on lds.org on the blessings that come through fast offerings. I wanted to share the video here. Besides the moving reminder that our offerings can make a difference not just physically but emotionally and spiritually for those in need, I really loved how President Eyring reminds us that when we reach out and succor others, it is as if we are succoring the Savior Himself. I know that that is scriptural (“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” ~Matthew 25:40) but last night, hearing that hit me differently.
If the Savior was here, would I want to reach out to succor Him? If I had lived when He walked and could get tired, hungry, and thirsty, would I have wanted to help Him? I’d never really thought about that. I’d thought about how much I would want Him to help me. Which, of course, He would want to do. But I would hope that I would want to reach out and show my love to Him in some way. We can do this. Every day we can look and pray for opportunities to succor others, even in simple ways.
And we can also allow others to succor us when we need some love and support. Yesterday, I felt prompted to ask for some help. I’m feeling grateful for some friends who showed love and kindness to me as a result. It can be hard to ask for help, and it was. But I’m glad I did, and I’m grateful to feel from President Eyring’s message one reason why it’s important to let people serve me — because in doing so, I let them show their love to and serve the Lord.
