Doctrine & Covenants 81:5 says:
"Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."
This verse is a powerful call to serve others, fulfill your responsibilities, and help those who are struggling. Let’s break it down with simple, real-life examples and support it with quotes from prophets, apostles, and a motivational speaker.
🔹 "Be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you"
Meaning: Be reliable in the role or calling God has given you—whether it's a Church calling, being a parent, a student, an employee, or just a disciple of Christ.
Everyday Example:
A Sunday School teacher consistently prepares lessons, even when only one child shows up.
A dad wakes up early every day to go to work and provide for his family, even when he's tired.
Quote – President Russell M. Nelson:
“The Lord loves effort. He blesses our best efforts.”
(Worldwide Youth Devotional, June 2018)
🔹 "Succor the weak"
Meaning: Help people who are struggling—physically, emotionally, spiritually, or financially.
Everyday Example:
You notice a friend is overwhelmed with school or work, so you offer to bring them lunch or just listen without judging.
You check on someone who hasn’t been at church in a while and let them know they’re loved.
Quote – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:
“When we speak of faith, the faith that can move mountains, we are not speaking of faith that can move mountains of rock, but faith that can move mountains of misery, pain, or heartbreak.”
("The First Great Commandment," Oct. 2012)
🔹 "Lift up the hands which hang down"
Meaning: Encourage people who are discouraged or exhausted.
Everyday Example:
A coworker is having a hard day, so you leave a kind note or give them a genuine compliment.
You see someone who feels like giving up and remind them of their worth and potential.
Quote – President Thomas S. Monson:
“We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers on this mortal journey.”
("Charity Never Faileth," Oct. 2010)
🔹 "Strengthen the feeble knees"
Meaning: Support others to keep going, to walk the hard road with faith.
Everyday Example:
You help a friend going through a faith crisis by inviting them to church activities or just spending time with them so they don’t feel alone.
You help someone struggling financially by sharing a meal or donating quietly.
Motivational Quote РBren̩ Brown:
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.”
💡 Final Thoughts
D&C 81:5 is a blueprint for discipleship in action. It’s not about grand gestures—it’s about small, consistent efforts to lift and love others.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf summed it up beautifully:
“As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.”
("Happiness, Your Heritage," Oct. 2008)
