Steven Hultgren

Each year, during Easter weekend, Christians around the world celebrate what we consider to be the most significant event in human history — the atonement and resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ. 

Through his acts of unconditional love and selfless sacrifice, Jesus Christ not only overcame physical death so that each of us are able to do the same, but he also provided the way for each of us to overcome our human imperfections and shortcomings. As we reflect on the events of the final days of Christ’s earthly ministry we are filled with gratitude and joy. During this time, we may also feel inspired to strive to better follow Jesus’ perfect example in regard to how we live our lives.

Jesus Christ is our perfect example. He taught and exemplified how we are to conduct ourselves in this life and, perhaps most importantly, he taught us how we are to treat our fellow man. In chapter 22 of Matthew, we read that just days prior to his crucifixion the Pharisees questioned Jesus saying, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” and to this question Jesus replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” This principle of loving our neighbors and by doing so, showing our love to God is something that each of us can agree is vitally important. Finding common ground in our beliefs and standards is more important now than ever. Regardless of our religion, personal attributes, or political views, etc., we can each agree that greater kindness is needed in our world, in our community and in our homes.

Following his resurrection, Jesus came to his apostles on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Peter and many of his fellow apostles had returned to their prior occupational activity of fishing. In John chapter 20 we read that upon recognizing Jesus on the shore, Peter leapt from the boat and swam ashore. Once they were all gathered on the shore, Jesus asked the same question of Peter three times, “Simon (Peter), son of Jonas, Lovest thou me more than these?” To which Peter answered three times, “Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee” and each time Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep (lambs).”

Like Peter, we too are called upon to feed the Lord’s sheep. This “feeding” in other words means ministering to one another, supporting each other in our beliefs, faith and standards, uplifting one another, ensuring each other’s needs are met and giving meaningful service (that may include the literal feeding of food to those who need it). I imagine that following Jesus’ three questions, Peter had a moment of personal reflection in which he gave serious consideration to how he would be spending his time moving forward. Time is a finite and invaluable resource. There are only so many hours in a day and time is something that each of us has wished we had more of in our day. 

We may wonder how we can possibly find time to serve and uplift others when we are struggling to accomplish our own responsibilities on a day-to-day basis. As the father of three very active daughters, I often question how I will possibly be able to maintain a career, complete my responsibilities as a bishop, give my family the attention they deserve and still have time to provide meaningful service to others. As I have wrestled with this question, at times having a less than charitable attitude, I have learned two undeniable truths. The first is that the most significant and impactful acts of kindness are often very simple acts that require very little of our time at all. Simple gestures such as a smile and friendly greeting, a message to let someone know that you are thinking about them and praying for them, simply calling a friend to let them know that you are aware of them and that you are, without question, here for them should they need someone or something. These simple acts do not take much time but can have a huge impact on someone’s day/week/month. The second truth I’ve found is that when I choose to make time for others, I still find plenty of time to accomplish my other responsibilities and I even have time to do things that I personally enjoy. As we serve one another, time seems to slow or expand. I find that my personal productivity substantially increases, and my overall attitude and outlook improve significantly as I experience the blessings and happiness that come from serving and the interactions that I have with others while doing so. 

We are fortunate to live in Powell. We are blessed to live in a community where neighbors look out for one another. Parents, teachers and coaches continuously want what’s best for our children and we are mindful of each other’s wellbeing. I am continuously inspired by the examples of so many individuals in our community who serve and uplift everyone around them. Folks in our community exemplify the charge to “feed” the Lord’s sheep. I too have been the recipient of your service and it means so much to me and my family. Even with that being the case, there are still many individuals who need support, encouragement and kindness — we all do. Each of us needs to experience simple acts of kindness and love daily. During this Easter season may we each resolve to strive to follow Jesus Christ’s example, show love to all of our neighbors, and take the time to accept his call to “feed” one another.

(Steven Hultgren is bishop of Powell’s first ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)