Awareness Wednesday :: Service With Intent

Imagine you have been caught in an embarrassing situation. You are seeking help. Life has been hard, and you cannot get ahead, no matter how hard you try. Maybe you have simply been the victim of circumstance: job loss, or poor health. Maybe you’ve made poor decisions that have spiraled beyond your control. Or maybe you are a survivor of abuse and the cruel actions of others. For whatever reason, you find yourself standing in front of a group of people, and you are in need of mercy; you are in need of help.

How humbling, to have all your misfortunes, life choices, and abuses paraded in front of others as you wonder if they will give aid or pass judgment or, worse, look upon you as a thing to pity.

Last week for Awareness Wednesday, Molly Cannon Hadfield shared an article that presented a different view of how we serve — and how we might serve differently. “It isn’t easy to change the way we’ve been doing things for so long. For many families, going to a soup kitchen or shelter during the holidays is a long standing tradition. But not all traditions are good, helpful, or healthy, even if they are well intentioned. I think for a long time, our society hasn’t even thought to ask the question of how our giving might make the receiver feel. But slowly more and more organizations are adopting the philosophy that receiving help shouldn’t hurt or leave scars. It should be part of the healing process. That means that some of the way we’ve been doing things is going to have to change.”

In a tender example of true charity, our Savior, Jesus Christ, teaches us how to serve with the intention of healing. When the woman, caught in the act of adultery, was thrown — alone — at the feet of Jesus, the crowd was expecting to see a show. Instead of allowing her to be the focus of ridicule, Jesus “stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.” He drew the crowd’s focus, allowing the woman to compose herself. His first concern was the woman.

Continuing to command their attention, He then stood and offered the familiar statement, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” The chastened crowd dispersed. Jesus didn’t watch them leave; he was once again “stooped down” alongside the woman. It wasn’t until the prying and judgemental eyes had disappeared that he spoke tenderly to the woman.

He encouraged her and gave her hope. She left His presence rejoicing. His loving service had healed her soul.

How can we serve with the intent to heal? When we serve, what is our focus? Is it to check off a holiday goal? Is it to feel the spirit of giving? Is it planned with the intent to heal? What does service with the intent to heal look like?

“If ye love me, keep my commandments,” he said. And, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Jenny Rogers Moody is Lead Moderator for Mormon Women for Ethical Government.