Introduction

Super Bowl LVIII featured a clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, with the latter emerging victorious. While the game itself was a spectacle, the real buzz surrounded one of the most intriguing and controversial commercials aired during the event. Produced by the group “He Gets Us,” the ad depicted individuals washing the feet of other, a powerful symbolism rooted in Christ’s directive to “love thy neighbor.”¹

Foot washing requires one to lower themselves, even kneel before another person. While the posture seems subservient at first, it truly represents an act of kindness and generosity that makes the actions of the foot washer noble. That was always the way of Jesus — put others first and himself last. He had previously taught, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12. He was now putting that very teaching into practice.

By depicting this act of humility and service, the commercial sought to convey a poignant message about treating one another with compassion, even those with whom we might disagree. Just as Christ washed the feet of his Disciples, the creators of “He Gets Us” aimed to inspire viewers to embrace a similar mindset of selflessness and understanding.

The commercial’s thought-provoking imagery and underlying message struck a chord, igniting a firestorm of discussion and debate. Some lauded its powerful symbolism and call for unity, while others criticized it as a misguided attempt at proselytizing. Regardless of one’s stance, the ad undoubtedly succeeded in capturing attention and sparking a broader conversation about the role of faith and values in modern society.

King Benjamin’s teachings in Mosiah 2:10-26 provide profound insights into the true nature of service and its divine significance. When we ponder his words, we come to understand that serving others is not merely a noble act, but a sacred duty inextricably linked to our service to God Himself. King Benjamin’s declaration, “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17), resonates deeply, reminding us that every act of kindness, every selfless deed, is a reflection of our reverence for the Divine.

King Benjamin’s unwavering commitment to serve with all his “might, mind and strength” (Mosiah 2:11) serves as a powerful example of the dedication and wholehearted devotion required in true service. If we were to ask him the reasons behind his tireless efforts, we can imagine him responding with a fervent conviction that serving others is the highest calling, a privilege bestowed upon us to emulate the selfless love of our Heavenly Father.

As we study these verses, we are inspired to elevate our service to a more meaningful level, transcending mere obligation and embracing it as a sacred responsibility. King Benjamin’s teachings remind us that our acts of service are not merely transactional exchanges but profound expressions of our love for God and our fellow beings. When we serve others, we become instruments of divine love, channels through which God’s compassion flows into the world.

Experiences of selfless service often bear witness to the truthfulness of King Benjamin’s words. When we have reached out to uplift others in their time of need, we have felt the warmth of divine approval, a deep sense of purpose, and a connection to something greater than ourselves. These experiences reinforce the profound truth that serving others is not only a commandment but a path to personal growth, spiritual enrichment, and a deeper understanding of our divine potential.

Ultimately, King Benjamin’s teachings in Mosiah 2:10-26 serve as a clarion call to embrace service as a way of life, a sacred duty that transcends mere obligation and becomes a manifestation of our love for God and our fellow beings. By heeding his words and seeking inspiration to serve others, we not only fulfill a divine commandment but also elevate our souls, drawing closer to the divine essence of selfless love that resides within us all.

Standing at the Edge of Faith: Christian Altruism

Christian Altruism is rooted in a deep faith and commitment to God, as opposed to the humanism philosophy which encourages good deeds solely for the benefit of humanity. The Bible provides numerous passages on the importance of altruism, highlighting its significance in the Christian faith, such as Jesus’ teachings on loving one’s neighbor and the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Book of Mormon also emphasizes the concept of charity and selflessness, with King Benjamin stating that when one serves their fellow beings, they are only serving God².

The teachings of LDS prophets, such as Robert D. Hales³, further reinforce the notion of Christian altruism, stressing the need for disciples of Christ to embody altruism in their everyday lives. President Nelson has stated that our Savior teaches us to be like Him, doing nothing except for the benefit of the world. Christian altruism extends beyond individual acts of kindness, encompassing the spirit of generosity within Christian communities and churches, which prioritize activities and programs that serve others.

The new commandment given by Jesus in John 13:34-35, to love one another as He has loved us, is a central tenet of Christian altruism. This commandment challenges disciples to go beyond simple acts of kindness and service, and instead calls for a deep and sacrificial love for one another. It requires humility and selflessness, qualities that are essential to true discipleship. By following this new commandment, disciples not only demonstrate their discipleship to others but also become a light in the world, reflecting the love and character of Christ.

True Christian altruism is rooted in the love for God and others, as emphasized in Jesus’ teachings. The commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves challenges us to put others before ourselves, care for their needs, and extend forgiveness and grace. Obedience to Christ’s teachings, including loving our enemies, showing mercy, and seeking justice, is also crucial for living a truly altruistic life. Faith is another essential component, as it enables us to trust in God’s provision, believe in the inherent worth and dignity of all people, and persevere in the face of adversity.

Christian altruism goes beyond simple acts of kindness or charity; it seeks to address the root causes of suffering and injustice. It calls us to be advocates for the marginalized, to seek justice for the oppressed, and to be a voice for those who have been silenced. This requires boldness and a willingness to stand up for what is right, even when it is unpopular or goes against societal norms.

The Apostle Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 13 emphasize that charity, or love, is the greatest spiritual gift. This passage highlights the importance of love and selflessness in the Christian faith, reminding us that other spiritual gifts pale in comparison to the power of love. Christian unity and fellowship are also crucial aspects of Christian altruism, as they enable believers to support and uplift one another, both in their temporal and spiritual needs.

The baptismal covenant described in Mosiah 18 serves as a foundation for Christian altruism, instructing believers to bear one another’s burdens, mourn with those who mourn⁴, and comfort those in need. This covenant establishes a sense of community and encourages a spirit of cooperation and love, extending beyond the confines of local congregations or communities to all people in need.

Applying the principles of Christian charity and altruism into our own lives requires a holistic approach. It involves letting go of bias and prejudice, embracing humility, cultivating fellowship, and relying on God’s grace. By doing so, we can reflect Christ’s love and bring hope and healing to those in need, fulfilling our calling as followers of Jesus Christ.

Standing at the Edge of Faith: Falling over the Edge of Christian Altruism

There is a delicate balance between healthy Christian altruism and toxic altruism. Standing at the edge of faith, Christians are called to care for others and show selflessness, but it can be easy to fall over the edge into toxic altruism. Toxic altruism occurs when individuals become so focused on the needs of others that they neglect their own well-being. In their efforts to be caring and giving, they often put their own needs on the backburner, leaving themselves vulnerable to feeling overwhelmed.

Ignoring one’s own needs can lead to burnout and resentment. Individuals may feel obligated to help everyone, taking on more than they can handle. This fear of disappointing others or not living up to societal expectations can drive them to constantly give of themselves, even when they are running on empty. As a result, they become increasingly angry and resentful, not only towards others but also towards themselves for not setting healthy boundaries.

Avoiding one’s own needs also prevents individuals from taking care of themselves in a holistic way. They neglect their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being as they prioritize the needs of others. This neglect can take a toll on their mental health and overall happiness. Over time, they may find themselves feeling burned out and depleted, struggling to find joy in the very acts of kindness they once loved.

Christian altruism should be rooted in love, not in duty or obligation. While it is admirable to serve others, individuals must also recognize their own limitations and the importance of self-care. By taking care of themselves, they can better serve and care for others in a healthy and sustainable way. This highlights the importance of loving oneself as well as loving one’s neighbor, as Jesus commanded.

Finding a balance between caring for others and caring for oneself is essential in maintaining healthy Christian altruism. This requires self-reflection, setting boundaries, and learning to prioritize one’s own needs without guilt or shame. By doing so, individuals can avoid falling over the edge of toxic altruism and continue to live out their faith in a way that is empowering, sustainable, and truly beneficial to themselves and those around them.

The spiritual discipline of solitude, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, is essential in deepening one’s relationship with God and aligning one’s heart with His will. However, it’s important to avoid becoming so preoccupied with spiritual development that the needs of others are neglected. Spiritual discernment and healthy boundaries are crucial in distinguishing genuine needs from potential manipulation or guilt.

There is a need for spiritual discernment in healthy Christian altruism. Not all people who come to individuals for help are honest, and it is crucial to rely on the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit to differentiate between genuine needs and potential hazards of manipulation and guilt. Establishing healthy boundaries is also essential in maintaining a balance between caring for others and caring for oneself.

The Apostle Paul’s instructions to the church in Thessalonica are then discussed, highlighting the importance of ministering towards self-sufficiency rather than enabling dependency. Paul’s message encourages the Thessalonians to rebuke and correct those who behave disorderly, not by simply providing for their immediate needs, but by guiding them towards personal growth and development.

The concept of self-reliance as a gospel principle. In the October 2017 issue of the Ensign⁵ highlights the importance of self-reliance within the Christian context. This concept is strongly emphasized, as self-reliance is believed to bring greater blessings, peace, hope, and progress to individuals and their families. Self-reliance is not an end in itself but a means to a greater end, as it allows individuals to grow closer to God while also gaining the skills and resources needed to navigate life’s challenges.

Maintaining a balanced mindset and setting healthy boundaries are crucial when practicing Christian altruism. Without these safeguards, we risk losing our sense of self and becoming consumed by the needs of others. To prevent this, we can implement several key strategies.

First, carve out time for personal solitude and reflection. This introspection allows us to act from a place of genuine compassion rather than an unhealthy need to please others. It helps us maintain healthy boundaries and prevents us from becoming overwhelmed.

Second, practice spiritual discernment. Instead of saying yes to every request or opportunity, prayerfully consider where God is truly calling you to serve. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and align your actions with God’s will. This prevents overcommitment and unhealthy self-sacrifice.

Third, develop strategies for self-reliance. While helping others is noble, we must also prioritize our own well-being. Recognize your limits and set boundaries. By being self-reliant, you can give generously without depleting yourself.

Fourth, understand the difference between enabling and empowering. Enabling creates dependence, while empowering equips others to help themselves. Empower others to foster independence and growth, rather than perpetuating unhealthy reliance.

Finally, seek wise counsel. Surround yourself with trusted mentors and advisors who can provide perspective and guidance. They can help you discern when your altruism may be crossing boundaries and realign your actions with healthy Christian principles.

By implementing these strategies – personal reflection, spiritual discernment, self-reliance, empowerment over enabling, and seeking wise counsel you can avoid falling over the edge of Christian altruism. Your service to others can remain selfless and balanced, without sacrificing your own well-being.

Standing at the Edge of Faith: Three Tenets of Christian Altruism

Christian ministry is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. This faith emphasizes the significance of mindfulness, bearing witness, and compassionate action as the foundation for Christians to positively impact the world. Mindfulness involves being fully present and conscious of one’s thoughts, words, and actions, enabling Christians to respond with love and understanding.

Bearing witness is another crucial principle of Christian altruism, as it encourages believers to acknowledge the suffering and injustices in the world. By bearing witness, Christians can bridge the gap between empathy and action, advocating for change and rectifying social and moral imbalances. Compassionate action, on the other hand, is the fullest expression of Christian love, involving acts of kindness, mercy, and love.

The intertwining of mindfulness, bearing witness, and compassionate action creates a powerful framework for Christian ministry. Mindfulness allows Christians to approach their ministry with intentionality and purpose, ensuring their actions are rooted in love and compassion. Compassionate action, the tangible expression of Christian love, brings about transformative change and healing.

Jesus Christ exemplified the importance of mindfulness, keeping an open mind, and doing no harm in all interactions. As followers of his path, Christians must learn to be present, actively listen, and respond with empathy and love. Keeping an open mind fosters trust and acceptance, where individuals feel comfortable sharing their struggles and seeking spiritual guidance.

Jesus Christ also demonstrated the vital principle of doing no harm. This principle is a cornerstone of Christian altruism, a belief that Christians should not cause harm but rather use their influence to bring healing, restoration, and empowerment to those in need. Christians must respect and meet people where they are, recognizing their unique journey and offering hope and transformation. This approach requires humility and a deep understanding that everyone is on their own path.

Christian altruism emphasizes the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. By surrendering their desires and agendas, Christians can rely on divine wisdom and discernment, positioning themselves as vessels of God’s love, grace, and healing. By embracing these principles, Christians can authentically live out their faith and be true agents of love, compassion, and hope in a broken world.

Standing at the Edge of Faith: Genuine Christian Empathy

Genuine empathy is not just a feeling; it’s a deeply personal and relational experience that requires being sensitive to the needs and suffering of others, engaging in their pain as if it were our own. Christian empathy is rooted in the belief that every person is created in God’s image and possesses inherent worth. It recognizes that we are all connected as members of the human family, and our collective well-being depends on how we treat and care for one another.

Christian empathy is an active engagement with others, involving a willingness to step out of our comfort zones and enter into the lives of those hurting or in need. It requires the ability to listen attentively, understand without judgment, and offer practical support and encouragement. It means being truly present, both physically and emotionally, seeking to meet the needs of others in meaningful ways.

A key aspect of genuine Christian empathy is the connection to feeling another person’s pain and suffering. It’s not just offering words of comfort or sympathy but actively participating in the joys and sorrows of others. Jesus, the ultimate example of empathy, demonstrated this throughout his ministry. He wept with those grieving, touched the lepers and outcasts, and listened to the marginalized. He didn’t just talk about love and compassion; he lived it out in his encounters with others.

In a world often dominated by self-interest and indifference, genuine Christian empathy stands out as a radical and countercultural practice. It challenges us to see beyond ourselves and engage with the pain and suffering of others. It calls us to be moved by compassion and respond with genuine acts of love and care, inspiring us to make a positive difference in the lives around us.

Ultimately, genuine Christian empathy expresses the love and grace God has shown us. It’s a response to God’s call to love our neighbors as ourselves and extend the same compassion and understanding we have received. It’s an invitation to step into another’s shoes, feel their pain and suffering, and be a source of comfort, support, and healing. Let us embrace genuine Christian empathy and be transformed by its power to bring hope and restoration into the lives of others.

Standing at the Edge of Faith: Falling over the Edge – Empathetic Distress

Empathetic distress can leave us emotionally drained and unable to function effectively. When we’re overwhelmed by the pain and suffering of others, it can lead to emotional numbness, detachment, and abandoning our self-reliance. This dangerous state removes our ability to navigate life and help others, causing dysfunction and harm. It’s crucial to recognize and address empathetic distress before it becomes too much to bear.

The weight of emotions we carry can feel suffocating, leading to burnout, physical and mental depletion. This exacerbates our emotional distress, pushing us closer to the edge. We may start experiencing secondary trauma, where the trauma of those we assist directly impacts our mental health. This secondary trauma feeds into the cycle of empathetic distress, trapping us in emotional upheaval, hindering our ability to offer genuine support.

Vicarious trauma occurs when we internalize the experiences and emotions of those we empathize with, feeling their trauma as our own. This can lead to profound psychological and emotional distress, blurring the boundaries between our pain and others’. Vicarious trauma impacts our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, manifesting in somatic symptoms, emotional exhaustion, and spiritual disconnection.

Empathetic distress can stunt our faith and spiritual growth, fostering shame, guilt, and spiritual bondage. It can make us spiritually numb, blind, and disconnected from God and our spiritual community. To overcome this, we must intentionally seek healing and restoration, rekindling our connection with God and our spiritual community.

Christ’s example of solitude, prayer, and meditation provides strategies to overcome empathetic distress. Prayer enables us to focus our emotions and connect with divine strength and wisdom. Praying for others brings their pain before God for comfort and healing. Meditation allows us to step back, observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment, and respond with intentionality and compassion.

Seeking wise counsel is essential for processing empathetic distress. Confiding in a trusted confidante allows us to gain insight, feedback, and encouragement. They can offer guidance, remind us of our strengths, and provide a safe space to express our emotions openly.

Establishing realistic expectations and boundaries is crucial. We must recognize our limitations and set boundaries to prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion. This means detaching from chronic sufferers who refuse to take responsibility, prioritizing our well-being, and learning to say no when necessary.

To combat empathetic distress, implement these key strategies: self-awareness, personal inventory of limitations, empowering rather than rescuing, spiritual discernment to recognize chronic sufferers, and realistic expectations. By embracing these strategies boldly, we can foster healthier relationships, self-care, and navigate the challenges of empathy with wisdom and resilience.

Summary of Thought

Mosiah 2:10-26, within the Book of Mormon, presents a rich discussion on the nature of discipleship and service, as exemplified by King Benjamin. His teachings revolve around serving with all our might, mind, and strength, and they frame service as a fundamental expression of our faith in Christ. In my many years as a drug and alcohol counselor, I found these principles not only relevant but essential in practicing true Christian discipleship.

King Benjamin emphasizes that service to others is service to God. This connection underscores that acts of kindness extend beyond human appreciation; they are divine in nature. This echoes the teachings of Christ, who exemplified service by ministering to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those around Him. His example teaches us that to be His disciples, we must do more than believe—we must act.

In the realm of service, it’s vital to approach our efforts with genuine Christian altruism. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints outlines that serving others is a manifestation of our love for God and His children. However, in my career, I learned the importance of serving wisely. Toxic altruism, where our desire to help can actually cause harm or enable unhealthy dependencies, is a real risk. It is here that the spiritual disciplines of solitude and prayer become crucial. They provide us with the space to reflect on our motivations and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning between empowering and enabling behaviors.

Furthermore, as we serve, it’s essential to cultivate self-reliance and encourage it in those we help. This fosters long-term sustainability rather than short-term relief. Serving others also requires keen spiritual discernment, mindfulness, and an understanding of our own and others’ limits to prevent empathetic distress or vicarious trauma.

As we strive to serve effectively, operating out of compassion and empathy is non-negotiable. These qualities enable us to connect authentically with others, sharing in their burdens and triumphs. True empathy allows us to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those in need, reflecting the love Christ has for us. However, it’s equally important to maintain healthy boundaries to avoid emotional burnout—something I personally encountered towards the end of my counseling career.

During those challenging times, I learned the hard way that self-care is not selfish but essential in ministering effectively. Seeking wise counsel and grounding ourselves in prayer and scripture can rejuvenate our spirits and guide us in our service endeavors. This approach not only aids in our own spiritual growth but also enhances our ability to bear witness of Christ’s love and the profound message of the Gospel.

In sum, Mosiah 2:10-26 does not merely call for service—it calls for wise, compassionate, and self-aware discipleship. As disciples of Christ, our challenge is to serve diligently and discerningly, improving not just the lives of those we serve, but also our own, drawing us closer to the Savior in the process.

ENDNOTES

1. see this post: What was Foot Washing and what does it Symbolize ↩︎
2. See Susan Easton Black, “King Benjamin: In the Service of Your God” in The Book of Mormon: Mosiah, Salvation Only Through Christ eds. Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate, Jr. (Provo: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1991), 37–48. ↩︎
3. See his General Conference Address Becoming a Disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ ↩︎
4. Leading Saints article published on July 2, 2019, gives insight to how we are to mourn with those who mourn. Mourning With Those Who Mourn: A Sacred Opportunity ↩︎
5. An article entitled “Let Us Be Self-Reliant and Independent” ↩︎