Key Points
- Giving to needy common principle
- Anxiously engaged in doing good
- Appreciate work by others
- Helping others shows the light of Christ
Helping the Poor and Distressed
by President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency
“God inspires many organizations and individuals to do much good. … More of us should be recognizing the good done by others and supporting it as we have the time and means to do so.”
Giving to the needy common principle
All Abrahamic religions and many other religions practice in giving to the poor and helping the distressed. The Church of Jesus Christ continues to do that as a body and through individual members.
Be anxiously engaged in doing good
Think beyond our borders. Provide fast offerings each month. Serve our fellow man.
Appreciate others doing good
Most humanitarian work is provided by those not part of our Church. Recognize that. Appreciate that. Cooperate with others not of our Church and who serve.
Helping others shows we have the light of Christ
That which is of God invites us to do good continually. Moroni 7:17. This light touches every man that comes to this world. D&C 93.2, John 1:9. We see these examples in others such as Sikhs, MedGlobal, and countless others.