Sacrifice can result in joy when it is seen as a blessing
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The result of sacrifice can be joy, said Elder Won Yong Ko of the Seventy, illustrating his point by telling of a recent celebration in his native Korea.
Speaking in the Sunday afternoon session of general conference, Elder Ko said, "I think that the very first blessing coming from sacrifice is the joy that we can feel when we pay the price. Perhaps the very thought that the sacrifice itself could be a blessing becomes a blessing. When we have that kind of thought and feel the joy, we might have received a blessing already."
Elder Ko said that the Savior made the ultimate sacrifice to save the world, and others in the scriptures and modern Church history sacrificed their lives for the gospel; in the Church today, the sacrifices may be small in members' daily lives.
He said that was illustrated as members in Korea sacrificed their time and used their talents to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of Korea for the preaching of the gospel and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Smith.
Recalling the yearlong preparation for the celebration July 30-31, he spoke of the Primary children, young men and young women, young single adults, Relief Society sisters and others who practiced long, and often early hours at personal sacrifice. He also mentioned the time and monetary sacrifice of men and women who served missions in Korea and then returned to participate in the celebration.
Encouraging the Korean members in their preparations, "the Lord sent His prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley to Korea," Elder Ko said. He noted that the visit also required a sacrifice from President Hinckley who made Korea a stop on a long trip around the world.
"Brothers and sisters," Elder Ko said, "do not be afraid of sacrifice. Please enjoy the happiness and blessings from the sacrifice itself."
He noted that the blessings of sacrifice do not always come immediately, but by the Lord's calendar. But, he assured, the blessings do come.
"When we read the Book of Mormon while rubbing our sleepy eyes, let us remember that we are following the counsel of our prophet and receive the joy that comes from that knowledge," Elder Ko said. "We have many bills to pay; but when we pay tithing, let us feel joy for having the opportunity to donate something to the Lord.
"And then the greater blessing will be poured out on us. It will be just like our surprise and joy when we receive an unexpected gift."
Concluding, Elder Ko said, "I pray that we will all become saints willing to sacrifice and become eligible for the Lord's special blessings. The Lord will watch over us so that it will not be too difficult to endure any sacrifice."
