Relief Society, October 28, 2012
The Vision of Prophets regarding Relief Society: Faith, Family, Relief
by Julie B. Beck, recently released Relief Society General President
The Prophet Joseph Smith established Relief Society; he
directed its first president to preside in taking care of the poor,
administering to their wants, and attending to the various affairs of
the institution. He believed the organization should be a select
society, separate from all the evils of the world. As social beliefs
change we can be assured that the values of Relief Society will remain
unchanged.
President Joseph F.Smith said: "You are members of the
greatest women's organization in the world, an organization which is a
vital part of the kingdom of God on [the} earth and which is so designed
and operated that it helps its faithful members to gain eternal life in
our Father's kingdom."
Relief Society is not a program. It is an official part
of the Lord's church that is divinely ordained of God to teach,
strengthen, and inspire sisters in their purpose regarding faith, family
and relief. Relief Society teaches self sufficiency and efficiency,
strenthens faith, provides service and support to others, and helps
educate sisters.
In Daughters in My Kingdom, we read: "As sisters
articulate their beliefs by word and deed, they can strengthen each
other's faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They can help each
other prepare to receive all the blessings available in Heavenly
Father's plan of happiness.
Relief Society includes doing everything possible to
become spiritually and temporally self-reliant. Present Gordon B.
Hinckley said, "I am convinced there is no other organization anywhere
to match the Relief Society of this Church."
