Sacrifice Brings Blessings T o love a n d serve G o d m e a n s that w e m u s t sacrifice our o w n immediate interests. T h i s is a difficult test. T h r o u g h sacrifice w e s h o w that w e are w i l l i n g to put the things of G o d first i n our l i v e s . W e m a y not be a s k e d to sacrifice all things. B u t w e s h o u l d be sincerely w i l l i n g to give w h a t e v e r is r e q u i r e d . T h r o u g h sacrifice w e can k n o w the joy of g i v i n g a n d can feel the influence of the H o l y G h o s t g r o w i n g stronger i n our lives.
Additional Study W i l l i n g n e s s to sacrifice is essential to gaining eternal life: M a t t h e w 10:39; M a t t h e w 16:24-26; R o m a n s 8:18; P h i l i p p i a n s 3:8 T h e L o r d requires the sacrifice of a broken heart a n d a contrite spirit: L u k e 14:33; O m n i 1:26 (p. 142); 3 N e p h i 9:19-20 (p. 425)
The L a w of the Fast T h e l a w of the fast also helps u s put the things of G o d above our w o r l d l y cares a n d desires. T o fast means to go completely w i t h o u t food a n d d r i n k for a period of time (usually t w o meals). F a s t i n g helps us g r o w spiritually a n d brings us closer to G o d . It s h o u l d be accompanied by sincere p r a y e r for ourselves a n d others. T h r o u g h the l a w of the fast w e are also able to help those i n n e e d . W e contribute the m o n e y or food s a v e d by fasting to the C h u r c h for the care of the needy. T h u s , the l a w of the fast helps us become selfless, enables us to share i n the L o r d ' s w o r k , a n d helps us become more like h i m .
Additional Study T h e L o r d has described a n acceptable fast: I s a i a h 58:3-7; 3 N e p h i 13:16 (p. 434) W e receive m a n y blessings f r o m fasting: E z r a 8:23; P s a l m 35:13; I s a i a h 58:8-12; A l m a 5:46 (p. 221); H e l a m a n 3:35 ( p . 374) 2