Being the Hands of Christ

Twice a year, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold a conference that is broadcast world-wide so that all members who can, are able to hear the messages that are shared. I love these times of year. The last one fell on Easter weekend, it's always the first weekend of April and October. There are always messages of hope and love, of tender mercies, renewal, of Jesus Christ. I come away refreshed, having had the opportunity for evaluation of where I am compared to where I want to be in the way I'm living my life. I read the messages when they come out in print form a month later. In today's world, I can watch them over and over again, soon after conference is over. I always have a favorite talk. One that both humbles and makes my heart sing. This conference, as well as last, it belonged to President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. I've posted a few highlights of his message, as well as the video in its entirety. It's worth the 17 minutes, really.

"When I think of the Savior, I often picture Him with hands outstretched; reaching out to comfort, heal, bless, and love. And He always talked with — never down to — people. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation. This is what He did during His mortal life; it is what He would be doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. … As we emulate His perfect example we can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart."

"True love requires action ... We can speak of love all day long — we can write notes or poems that proclaim it, sing songs that praise it and preach sermons that encourage it — but until we manifest that love in action, our words are nothing but 'sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal' (1 Corinthians 13:1). … Christ knows how to minister to others perfectly. When the Savior stretches out His hands, those He touches are uplifted and become greater, stronger and better people as a result. If we are His hands, should we not do the same?"

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