Lesson Summary: December 1, 2013

Kim H. taught our lesson on Service using Daughters in My Kingdom as a main resource to look at the history of service in the Relief Society as well as the spiritual strengthening effect service can have in our lives.

"Throughout the journey, as they suffered trials of illness and death, they prayed in faith for each other and comforted each other. “The love of God flowed from heart to heart,” wrote Helen Mar Whitney" (Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, “Cleave unto the Covenants”: Exodus, Migration, and Settlement)

• Have you felt the sanctifying power of service in your community?

A prominent non–Latter-day Saint historian wrote: “That I do not accept the faith that possessed them does not mean I doubt their frequent devotion and heroism in its service. Especially their women. Their women were incredible.” (Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, “Cleave unto the Covenants”: Exodus, Migration, and Settlement)

'With a testimony that the Relief Society had been organized by revelation,  Emmeline Wells and her counselors, Clarissa S. Williams and Julina L. Smith, were committed to preserving the principles upon which the society had been founded. In October 1913 they said:

“We do declare it our purpose to keep intact the original name and initial spirit and purpose of this great organization, holding fast to the inspired teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith when he revealed the plan by which women were to be empowered through the calling of the priesthood to be grouped into suitable organizations for the purpose of ministering to the sick, assisting the needy, comforting the aged, warning the unwary, and succoring the orphans.”

A few months earlier, this sense of purpose had led Sister Wells and her counselors to establish a motto that would become a constant reminder of the organization’s founding principles and inspired origins. They chose a scriptural declaration: “Charity never faileth.” These three words embraced the charge that the Prophet Joseph Smith had given the Relief Society sisters: to “relieve the poor” and to “save souls.”
In the past, pioneer women had practiced charity for close neighbors. Now Relief Society sisters would organize themselves to extend charity, “the pure love of Christ,” to worldwide neighbors as well.' (Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, “Charity Never Faileth”)

...as we serve we grow. President George Albert Smith taught, “It is not what we receive that enriches our lives, it is what we give.”
Selfless service is a wonderful antidote to the ills that flow from the worldwide epidemic of self-indulgence. Some grow bitter or anxious when it seems that not enough attention is being paid to them, when their lives would be so enriched if only they paid more attention to the needs of others.
The answer lies in helping to solve the problems of those around us rather than worrying about our own, living to lift burdens even when we ourselves feel weighed down, putting our shoulder to the wheel instead of complaining that the wagons of life seem to be passing us by.
Stretching our souls in service helps us to rise above our cares, concerns, and challenges. As we focus our energies on lifting the burdens of others, something miraculous happens. Our own burdens diminish. We become happier. There is more substance to our lives. (2006 October General Conference, Faith, Service, Constancy, Sat. Morning Session - David S. Baxter)