The Three Tenets of Relief Society

“We’re all at different places on the path. But we can work together to help each other “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, have a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.” —Carole M. Stephens, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

The Relief Society has been established by our Heavenly Father to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters and prepare them for the blessings of eternal life by helping them increase their faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and help those in need.

The Three Tenets of Relief Society are restated here:

• Increase faith and personal righteousness
• Strengthen families and homes
• Help those in need 

With this understanding of the ultimate purpose of Relief Society, can we strive to be more effective and Christ-like in our Visiting Teaching? As you visit with your sisters, ask yourself questions pertaining to the three tenets. Questions such as:

• "Am I helping this sister increase their faith in Jesus Christ and faith in the church?"
• "Are there concerning issues in this sister's home? How is her personal well being? How are her family relationships? Could she benefit from additional attention or TLC?"
• "Are their temporal needs that she and her family have? Do they have enough food? Are there any home repair items that the brethren should be made aware of?"  

Visiting teaching is an important spiritual responsibility to fulfill. It is not just a monthly visit; it is ministering. Let us watch over and strengthen sisters in their individual needs, both temporal and spiritual.