The Ripple Effect: How Love Makes Us Unstoppable Disciples

Brothers and sisters, I was thinking the other day about the sheer, beautiful energy of connection. It struck me that sometimes we get so focused on the *skills*—the perfect talk track, the flawless doctrinal answer, the strategic approach to getting a meeting—that we risk forgetting the fundamental engine that powers the whole effort: love.

We talk so much about preparation, about being ready for the field, that we sometimes treat it like a checklist. We study the scriptures, we refine our testimonies, we run through mock missionary discussions until we sound like seasoned veterans. And that’s vital work! But what if the most powerful preparation is simply remembering *why* we are doing this?

I was reminded of a talk I saw recently, where a leader spoke about the incredible power of genuine connection. It brought to mind the feeling of walking into a place—whether it’s a new ward, a challenging stake, or a vibrant city like Bucaramanga—and feeling that immediate, overwhelming warmth from people who don't even know your name yet. That feeling, that sense of being seen and welcomed, is the Spirit whispering that we are meant to be conduits of that same love.

It’s easy to get caught up in the 'what'—what we need to say, what we need to accomplish. But the speaker highlighted something crucial: no matter how competent, how brilliant, or how hard-working we are, if we aren't acting out of love, we are nothing. Nothing!

This isn't just nice advice for a Sunday devotional; it's the bedrock of the work. When we approach our discipleship, whether we're studying in a Book Club in HolyPlaces or actively engaging in the field, we must remember that our primary motive must be Christlike love. It’s the love that makes you stop, even when you’re busy, and just say, 'Hi.' It’s the willingness to step outside your comfort zone, just like the student who approached the speaker in the library, simply because he thought he might learn something.

The Internet Missionary Mindset: Love First

As we all strive to be better disciples, whether we’re preparing for a mission, serving as returned missionaries, or simply living our daily lives as Latter-day Saints, let’s make this our guiding principle. Being an internet missionary isn't about posting perfect scripture quotes; it’s about leaving positive, loving impressions online. It’s about the willingness to engage in thoughtful conversation, even when it feels a little awkward or out of our element.

If you are currently in mission prep, I encourage you to take this lesson and apply it to your daily interactions. Don't just practice the *talking*; practice the *connecting*. When you talk to your companions, or when you are in your missionary discussions, ask yourself: Am I leading with knowledge, or am I leading with genuine care? Is my motive rooted in the desire to help someone find the truth, or am I trying to prove something to myself?

For those of us who are already in the field, remember the power of the simple 'hello.' It costs nothing, but it can change someone’s day—and perhaps, change their eternal trajectory. Let's commit to being the people who make people feel seen, just like those people in Bucaramanga felt when they greeted the missionaries.

A Little Practice for Our Discipleship

To help us keep this principle front and center, I want to invite you all to join our next Disciple Challenge this week. We’ll be focusing on identifying three opportunities where we can initiate a genuine, non-transactional conversation with someone we usually overlook. No pressure, just an invitation to practice that spontaneous, loving outreach.

If you want to dive deeper into the mechanics of building these connections, I highly recommend revisiting the concepts of 'charity' in the scriptures. If you haven't already, check out the recent insights posted in the social scripture study feed within LivingBook related to Moroni 7:47. It’s a wonderful reminder!