Sacrifice is the surrender of some desirable thing for a higher purpose. The law of sacrifice is an important element of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior was the supreme example of sacrifice, giving His life for us. As a sign of obedience and gratitude, Latter-day Saints believe that it is their privilege to sacrifice and willingly give of their time, talents, and means for the building up of the kingdom of God and to bless the less fortunate.

"A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation" (Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, 58).

"We must lay on the altar and sacrifice whatever is required by the Lord. We begin by offering a 'broken heart and a contrite spirit.' We follow this by giving our best effort in our assigned fields of labor and callings. We learn our duty and execute it fully. Finally we consecrate our time, talents and means as called upon by our file leaders and as prompted by the whisperings of the Spirit" (Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, May 1978, 81).