Section 22. Providing for Temporal Needs and Building Self-Reliance

Members of the Church covenant to “bear one another’s burdens, . . . mourn with those that mourn . . . , and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:8–9). Caring for those who have temporal needs is part of God’s work of salvation and exaltation (see 1.2). This responsibility applies to all members of the Church as they minister to one another.

Church members are also counseled to strengthen their own self-reliance through diligent work and with the help of the Lord. Self-reliance is the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family. As members become more self-reliant, they are also better able to serve others.

With help from the Lord, members build self-reliance in the following ways:

• Develop spiritual, physical, and emotional strength.

• Gain education and employment.

• Improve temporal preparedness.

The Savior taught that “all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal” (Doctrine and Covenants 29:34). Members develop spiritual strength as they do the following:

• Exercise faith in Christ.

• Pray.

• Fast.

• Study the scriptures and the words of the living prophets.

• Obey the commandments.

• Attend sacrament meeting and other Church meetings.

• Provide service to others.

• Participate in sacred ordinances and strive to keep the associated covenants.

As members do these things, they receive guidance from the Holy Spirit on how to solve their problems and minister effectively to others.

See General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 22.0, Gospel Library