1 Thessalonians 1–3

Look at these images of Jesus Christ or think about other scripture accounts of His interactions with others. In your study journal, list words and phrases that describe what the Savior is doing for the individuals He interacts with.

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Jesus is sitting with a young boy on his lap. Outtakes include people inside the house at Capernaum, Philip, Jesus, John, Peter, Matthew, Jesus sitting at a table with some of the disciples shown and Mary Magdalene.

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Blind man gains sight. Outtakes include Jesus anointing his eyes, and going to the pool of Siloam.

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Jesus Christ is teaching in the temple and being approached by the chief priests, elders and scribes who ask Him the source of his authority. Christ questions them whether the baptism of John the Baptist was of heaven or of man. Outtakes include closeups of people in the crowd and of Caiaphas.

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Depiction of Jesus and the woman taken in adultery. They are both kneeling and she is holding his hand. Outtakes include angry men bringing the woman and throwing her to the ground, the woman huddled on the ground, the savior kneeling beside her, Jesus lifting her up to her feet, and the savior standing with her.

• If you had been one of the individuals with the Savior, what do you think you would have felt because of the Savior’s actions? Why?

• Looking at the list you made, which words or phrases would you want to apply when serving others? (You may want to mark or highlight words that are most meaningful to you.)

In the Church, we often refer to actions such as these as ministering.

Brother David L. Beck, former Young Men General President, taught:

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Final official portrait of David L. Beck, general president of the Young Men, April 2009. Released at the April 2015 general conference.

To minister means to love and care for others. It means to attend to their physical and spiritual needs. Put simply, it means to do what the Savior would do if He were here.

(David L. Beck, “Your Sacred Duty to Minister,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 56)

• What stands out to you in Brother Beck’s statement?

• Considering Brother Beck’s statement and the words you marked on your list, how well do you think you are doing at ministering to others?

You may have questions or concerns about ministering to others. Consider recording these in your study journal and looking for answers as you study 1 Thessalonians 1–3 today. You may also want to invite the Spirit to help you look for ways you can bless and influence others as you strive to minister as our Savior Jesus Christ did. Record your thoughts and impressions so you can prayerfully act on them.

During his second missionary journey, the Apostle Paul and his companions found success preaching to the people in Thessalonica, but Jewish leaders forced them out of the city (see Acts 17:1–9). Paul later learned that the Saints in Thessalonica had remained faithful and were sharing the gospel message, even though they faced persecution for doing so (see 1 Thessalonians 1:6–8). With gratitude for their faith and hope in Jesus Christ, Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonians (see 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3).

Carefully read 1 Thessalonians 2:7–14; 3:9–13. You may want to mark words and phrases you find that remind you of the love and care the Savior would have provided. Consider adding your insights to your list.

One truth we can learn about ministering from these verses is that as we minister to others in love, we can help them become better followers of Jesus Christ (see 1 Thessalonians 2:10–14).

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Photograph of actor portraying Jesus Christ in the Bible Videos.

Sometimes Church assignments will give you formal opportunities to minister. More often, you will have chances to minister during everyday interactions with family members, friends, and others.

President Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, shared some ideas for how to minister as Jesus Christ did. Watch the video “Ministering as the Savior Does” from time code 0:45 to 1:54, or read President Bingham’s words. You may want to add some of her suggestions to your ministering list.

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Official Portrait of Sister Jean B. Bingham. Photographed in 2017.

Sometimes we think we have to do something grand and heroic to “count” as serving our neighbors. Yet simple acts of service can have profound effects on others—as well as on ourselves. What did the Savior do? Through His supernal gifts of the Atonement and Resurrection … “none other has had so profound an influence [on] all who have lived and who will yet live upon the earth” [“The Living Christ,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org]. But He also smiled at, talked with, walked with, listened to, made time for, encouraged, taught, fed, and forgave. He served family and friends, neighbors and strangers alike, and He invited acquaintances and loved ones to enjoy the rich blessings of His gospel. Those “simple” acts of service and love provide a template for our ministering today.

(Jean B. Bingham, “Ministering as the Savior Does,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 104)

• What do Sister Bingham’s words teach you about ministering as Jesus Christ did?

• Why might it be important to remember that ministering can be accomplished through simple acts of service?

Review your list about what it means to minister, and add any additional thoughts from what you have learned today. Identify two or three words that could help you become more like Jesus Christ as you minister.

Prayerfully seek Heavenly Father’s help to know who He would have you minister to today and how you can do so. You may have already received promptings from the Spirit that you can act on right now.

If a specific person’s name doesn’t come to mind, consider praying for Heavenly Father’s assistance to recognize an opportunity to minister and act when it comes. Trust that He will guide you as you strive to minister as the Savior did.