Poor Little Ones
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does Elder Becerra mean by "poor little ones"?
- How does Elder Becerra's father's example influence his perspective on ministering?
- What can we learn from the story of Peter and John healing the lame man at the temple?
- How can we be more effective in our ministering efforts?
- What does Elder Becerra suggest about those who are not currently fully engaged in the Church?
Topics
Understanding and Ministering to the "Poor Little Ones"
Elder Becerra shares his father's example of compassionately ministering to those in need, which he refers to as "poor little ones". He emphasizes that all people are children of God and many are searching for purpose and are concerned for their future and their families. His father's example instilled in him a spirit of compassion and a desire to help those in need.
As a boy, I remember driving in the car with my father and seeing individuals on the roadside who had found themselves in difficult circumstances or who needed help. My father would always make the comment "Pobrecito," which means "poor little one."
In Preach My Gospel it states: "You are surrounded by people. You pass them on the street, visit them in their homes, and travel among them. They are all children of God, your brothers and sisters. … Many of these people are searching for purpose in life. They are concerned for their future and their families"
- What did Elder Becerra's father teach him about ministering to others?
- How can we develop a spirit of compassion for those in need?
- How can you show compassion and provide assistance to the "poor little ones" you encounter in your daily life?
- What can you do to better recognize the needs of those around you?
The Healing of the Lame Man and Seeing Potential in Others
Elder Becerra discusses the account of Peter and John healing a lame man at the temple, focusing on Peter's ability to see past the man's weaknesses and discern his faith. This story illustrates the power of looking at others with compassion and a desire to help, which can lead to miraculous changes in their lives.
In the Bible we find a wonderful example of caring for a poor little one: "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us."
As Peter looked at this man, he saw him differently than others. He looked past his inability to walk and his weaknesses and could discern that his faith was adequate to become healed and enter into the temple to receive the blessings he was seeking.
- What can we learn from Peter's interaction with the lame man?
- How can we better see the potential in others, despite their current circumstances or weaknesses?
- How can you apply the principle of "fastening" your eyes on others to see their potential in your own ministering efforts?
- What can you do to help others realize their potential and receive the blessings they are seeking?
The Importance of Consistent and Intentional Ministering
Elder Becerra shares experiences from his service as an Area Seventy, emphasizing the importance of consistent and intentional ministering. Through prayerful consideration and the guidance of the Spirit, we can be led to those who are most in need of our help.
While serving as an Area Seventy, I reserved each Tuesday night to do ministering visits with the stake presidents in my area of responsibility. I invited them to make appointments with those who were in need of an ordinance of the gospel of Jesus Christ or who were not currently keeping the covenants they had made. Through our consistent and intentional ministering, the Lord magnified our efforts and we were able to find individuals and families who were in need.
He demonstrated that as we minister, we should be led by revelation to those who are most in need, as opposed to just going down a list or visiting individuals in a methodical way. We should be led by the power of inspiration.
- What does Elder Becerra teach about the importance of consistency in ministering?
- How can we be more intentional in our ministering efforts?
- How can you make your ministering efforts more consistent and intentional?
- How can you better seek the guidance of the Spirit in your ministering efforts?
The Necessity of Each Member of the Church
Elder Becerra emphasizes the importance of every member of the Church, regardless of their current state of strength or struggle. He uses the Apostle Paul's teachings to illustrate that each member is necessary for the edification of the entire body of Christ. He encourages us to consider who we might be missing in our congregations that could strengthen us and make us whole.
The Apostle Paul taught a key element in our ministering. He taught that we are all "the body of Christ, and members in particular" (1 Corinthians 12:27) and that each member of the body is needed in order to ensure that the entire body is edified.
Hence, in each ward and branch we need everyone—those who may be strong and those who are perhaps struggling. All are necessary to the vital edification of the entire "body of Christ." I often wonder who we are missing in our various congregations that would strengthen us and make us whole.
- What does Elder Becerra teach about the importance of each member of the Church?
- How can we better recognize and value the contributions of all members, regardless of their current state of strength or struggle?
- How can you better value and include those who may be struggling in your ward or branch?
- Who might be missing from your congregation that could strengthen it and make it whole?
The Invitation to Those Not Fully Engaged in the Church
Elder Becerra addresses those who are not currently fully engaged in the Church, echoing the invitation of President Russell M. Nelson to return to the covenant path. He emphasizes that there is a place for everyone in the Church and that returning to full participation will bring blessings to them and future generations.
For a moment I would like to speak to each one of them. Elder Neal A. Maxwell has taught that "such individuals often stay proximate to—but do not participate fully in—the Church. They will not come inside the chapel, but neither do they leave its porch. These are they who need and are needed by the Church, but who, in part, "live without God in the world"
Now, if you have stepped off the path, may I invite you with all the hope in my heart to please come back. Whatever your concerns, whatever your challenges, there is a place for you in this, the Lord’s Church. You and generations yet unborn will be blessed by your actions now to return to the covenant path
- What does Elder Becerra suggest about those who are not currently fully engaged in the Church?
- What blessings are promised to those who return to the covenant path?
- How can you reach out to those who are not currently fully engaged in the Church?
- What can you do to help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members in your ward or branch?
