“While living in Africa, I sought advice from Elder Wilford
W. Andersen of the Seventy about helping Saints who live in poverty. Among the
remarkable insights he shared with me was this: The greater the distance
between the giver and the receiver, the more the receiver develops a sense of
entitlement. This principle underlies the Church’s welfare system. When members
are not able to meet their own needs, they turn first to their families.
Thereafter, if necessary, they can also turn to their local Church leaders for
assistance with their temporal needs. Family members and local Church leaders
are closest to those in need, frequently have faced similar circumstances, and
understand best how to help. Because of their proximity to the givers,
recipients who receive help according to this pattern are grateful and less
likely to feel entitled.” - Elder Dale G. Renlund
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