Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — President Russell M. Nelson, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told women they are on his mind often and he feels indebted to them.
"So much of the good this church accomplishes, and so much of the good that happens in the world take place because of you. Thank you for your devotion to the Lord as well as your efforts," he said.
In a devotional watched in local congregations around the world Sunday before local testimony meetings, the Relief Society presidency, along with other church leaders, spoke to the women of the church. The event marks the 182nd anniversary of the founding of the women's organization, and shared the theme "Jesus Christ is relief."
President Nelson encouraged sisters of the church to not to try to do everything, but said their part in building the kingdom of God is important.
"Sisters, we need your voice — teach the doctrine of Christ. We need your ability as women to detect deception and to articulate truth. We need your inspired wisdom," he said.
The president of the church encouraged Relief Society members to turn to the scriptures and personal prayers and said they will be surprised at how God guides them to those who need them.
"I bless you to feel deeply that Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ, know you and love you. They sent you to work now because you are vital to the kingdom of God now. I bless you to realize, and your divine gifts as a daughter of God gave you the power not only to change lives but to change the world." President Nelson said.
Relief Society President Camille N. Johnson said Jesus Christ provides relief through other members of the Relief Society.
"Sisters, you are fulfilling your divine mandate as a member of the Relief Society whenever you do anything to bring relief to others — temporal or spiritual — because you are bringing them the love of Jesus Christ. I testify that as you do, you will be blessed to find your own relief in him," she said.
President Johnson spoke of the growth of the Relief Society, from 20 women in Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1840, to almost a million women now who are leading the church's humanitarian efforts to care for women and children.
She said women in the Relief Society are part of this effort when caring for friends, neighbors or their own children. Sister Johnson said women in the church all belong to the Relief Society which is "divinely instituted to bring the love and relief of Jesus Christ to others." She said women have a vital role in preparing the world for the Second Coming of Christ.
When the organization was formed, President Johnson said its members were preparing for the temple and ordinances there, and said that continues to be an objective of the organization. The presidency wants all Relief Society sisters to access the priesthood power available to those who make covenants in temples, she said.
Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, said women who have received an endowment in the temple "have the right to draw liberally on the Savior's power" to help themselves and their families.
She said it is a blessing to live in a time when there is a greater understanding of the power that comes with having a covenant relationship with God.
"Let us choose a deeply connected covenant relationship with our Heavenly Father in Jesus Christ, so that we can invite their power, their strength and their relief more fully into our lives," Sister Dennis said.
Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor in the Relief Society presidency, said a blessing of making covenants is the partnership of Jesus Christ. She said her relationship with God is a source of peace and joy.
She told members of the Relief Society they are never alone because of their relationship with Jesus Christ.
"You do not need to navigate the challenges the uncertainties and the weaknesses of life alone. He will be beside us. This is our covenant promise and blessing. He loves you and desires to be a part of your life and your concerns, your happiness, your decisions. Jesus Christ desires to give you his relief," she said.
Sister Yee encouraged women to not wait until Christ comes again to know him, but make him part of their lives now.
