By Phyllis Gregg, Presiding Bishopric Office Director

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

I literally rushed into the grocery store, my mind solely focused on my list: canned tomatoes, shredded cheese, onions, and a few other things. We had forgotten some items for our family dinner, and there wasn’t much time.

As I basically ran through the aisles, I noticed a woman standing near the canned goods. She looked somewhat anxious, glancing around as if searching for something. For a brief second, I wondered if she needed help. But I just didn’t have time. I was almost done getting the things on my list. So, I looked away and hurried past.

And then I just couldn’t. I turned around and walked back. “Hi, do you need help with something?” She smiled in relief. “I’ve been trying to get that can of tomatoes up there. It’s the brand I like, but it’s just too high for me.” She laughed a little. “I wanted to ask someone for help, but I was too embarrassed,” she said.

I put my foot on the bottom shelf, reached up, grabbed the can, and handed it to her. Not even thirty seconds. That’s all it took. She smiled at me again. “Thank you. It seems so silly, but I was afraid to ask.”

How often do we get so caught up in our own worlds that we fail to see the needs of those around us? And why do we hesitate to ask for help, as if we’re sure no one would be willing to stop?

Love isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about seeing people, being present in the moment, and stopping even when there’s so much to do.

In Romans, Paul reminds us love is how we are supposed to navigate this world. It’s so easy to lose ourselves in the things and timing of life that we forget what it means to be in this together. Loving and helping each other should never be inconvenient.

Prayer Phrase

“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).

Spiritual Community

Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.