Lesson Summary July 14, 2013

 LESSON: #13     From the Life of Lorenzo Snow   Relief Society: True Charity and Pure Religion

 

No institution was ever founded with a nobler aim. Its basis is true charity, which is the pure love of Christ.

 

    The Relief Society was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, under the inspiration of the Lord. Today it is recognized as one of the most powerful forces for good in the Church.

    The mission of the Relief Society is to succor the distressed, to minister to the sick and feeble, to feed the poor, to clothe the naked, and to bless all the sons and daughters of God. No institution was ever founded with a nobler aim. Its basis is true charity, which is the pure love of Christ.

 

    The Apostle James said that pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. [James 1:27.] Accepting that as true, the members of the Relief Society have most surely exemplified in their lives pure and undefiled religion; for they have ministered to those in affliction, they have thrown their arms of love around the fatherless and the widows, and they have kept themselves unspotted from the world. I can testify that there are no purer and more God-fearing women in the world than are to be found within the ranks of the Relief Society.

 

    Relief Society sisters work with priesthood holders to advance the interests of the kingdom of God. You have ever been found at the side of the Priesthood, ready to strengthen their hands and to do your part in helping to advance the interests of the kingdom of God; and as you have shared in these labors, so you will most certainly share in the triumph of the work and in the exaltation and glory which the Lord will give to His faithful children.

 

    It would be a good thing to have the influence of of the Relief Society organization in every home. I ask you, my sisters, in your visits to the homes of the Latter-day Saints, to carry this influence wherever you go. Teach charity to those whom you visit, especially to the young ladies. You, my sisters, as members of the Relief Society and as mothers in Israel, should exercise all your influence in favor of pure motherhood and faithfulness to the marriage covenant.

 

    The Relief Society's splendid work is known throughout Zion, and in many parts of the world. Suffice it to say, it has been true to its mission, and its record is not surpassed, if equaled, by any other charitable organization.  From the beginning of their work the blessing of God has been bestowed upon [the women of the Church], and I have watched with a great deal of delight and pleasure and deep interest their progress. They have succeeded astonishingly, and it is marvelous how God has blessed them and poured out upon them His Spirit.

 

    The Relief Society sisters have become, I might almost say with propriety, as angels standing in the presence of the people of the world.  This is what we desire to instill into the hearts of all sisters to be useful in their sphere and not be discouraged because of difficulties in the way, but trust in God and look to Him, and His marvelous blessings, I promise you, will be poured out upon you. 

 

    When a person commences to travel over a path that the Lord has marked out, and by which to accomplish good in His interest, he is sure to succeed. If you will continue faithful to the work in which you are engaged, you will attain unto this glory, and rejoice evermore in the presence of God and the Lamb. 

Emiko, we are so glad to have you as one are new teachers!  You did a wonderful job presenting this lesson, and we could feel the spirit of the Lord as you taught.  Thank you.