TALK!

I have a talk today and I'm not that scared. I hope it goes well! It is about the blessings that come when we serve unselfishly within our families and toward others. Here it is:

Good morning. I was asked to speak on what blessings come when we act unselfishly within our families and toward others. First, I had to identify what unselfishness was. Unselfishness is taking others into consideration before yourself. When I think of unselfishness, I think of service. Some people think of service as doing something for someone else, but really only in the interest of yourself. That is called enlightened self-interest. For example, you could think that you are doing service by raking somebody’s yard, but you just want your neighborhood to look better, and you property value to go up.

Although selfless service is taking others into consideration, you also receive blessings for being unselfish. Elder Russell C. Taylor remembers a woman who had crippling arthritis in her hands, but every week went to type in names at the genealogy center in Denver. Even though she had arthritis, she was able to type in names efficiently and quickly, which was a blessing of unselfish service.

One of the examples of unselfishness is the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10. The story goes that a man was robbed by thieves and left half dead on the side of the road. A priest, and a Levite both noticed, but walked around him. Along came a Samaritan who took him in and left him to heal at an inn, giving the keeper some money to pay for the expenses. The blessings that he received were the joy of doing something good for someone else in need.

Elder Robert K. Dellenbach said that if we are caring, if we are charitable, if we are obedient to God and follow His prophets, our sacrifices will bring forth the blessings of heaven. Joseph Smith’s life was an example of unselfish sacrifice for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though the Prophet Joseph suffered greatly, he remained optimistic and overcame many persecutions.

Unselfish acts of service may include: bringing food to the sick, teaching someone a skill, or taking care of children.

The pioneers were good examples of unselfishness. Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: “We praise what the pioneers’ unselfishness and sacrifice have done for us, but that is not enough. We should also assure that these same qualities are guiding principles for each of us.”

Kindness, love, patience, and understanding will grow as you serve unselfishly. Also, jealousy, envy, and greed will decrease or disappear. You will also be cheerful, kind, and full of peace. In addition, those who serve unselfishly will have a better understanding of the personality and attributes of God, and always seek to please Him. Unselfishness helps us to forget our personal desires, pride, and ingratitude. People who are unselfish are not easily discouraged, fatigued, or frustrated because they have the promise of peace in their mind, and the companionship of the Holy Ghost who will never leave them. They will also want to do more good for others.

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of unselfishness. He performed miracles and other services and expected no reward. Examples being healing the 10 lepers, making the blind see, and the lame walk. He also died on the cross and bled in the Garden of Gethsemane. Sometimes you don’t receive a reward, except the joy of doing something for someone else.  

Even if we don’t get a reward, we can still act unselfishly towards others and in our families. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.