The Church of Christ became perfect
Once the women were organized
Their loving service would boost and affect
As their strength for good became utilized
They went about from house to house
Dedicated to give support
To assist the brethren, they did espouse
And gave aid to the needy and the poor
Let's devote ourselves to giving relief
And being a blessing to those around
May we encourage faith in those who've grief
And succor the weak where ever they're found
May we be prompted to action when comes
That child who's ill, or neighbor with needs
Or a family perhaps that's lost their income
May we assist them back onto their feet
Dear Sisters, each deed can be small
We can lift others in many ways
A smile, a kind note, perhaps a phone call,
Or to kneel and bow with them as one prays
In 1830, Joseph Smith gave this advise:
That the sisters "expound scriptures" and "exhort"
That in them the gospel truths might apprise
To nourish them and lend to them a gift that supports
May we renew those days of faith and hope
That our lessons might be a purifying stream
Which does refresh the heart to better cope
As it restores and edifies us to high esteem
Dear Sisters, may we now step up and be strong
To declare the truth with faith and boldness
May we with the angels rejoice unto song
As we live up to our privilege to witness
We have promise that is finest deep inside us
May we rescue God's daughters for His kingdom
That Relief Society might be a refuge, thus
As we feel blessed immeasurably with love and wisdom
[Verse 1]
The Church of Christ grew more complete
When women gathered, strong in care
Their loving service moved through streets
And put their gifts to work everywhere
[Verse 2]
From house to house they carried help
They stood beside the brethren there
They brought relief to those in need
And gave the poor a share of care
[Chorus]
Let us give relief with open hands
Be a blessing where we can
Build the faith of those in grief
Bring the weak a sure relief
[Verse 3]
When a child is ill, when neighbors call
When work is gone and hope feels small
May we answer, may we stay
And help each family find its way
[Verse 4]
Dear sisters, even small deeds count
A smile, a note, a call that says
I’ll kneel beside you, share your prayer
And help you through these heavy days
[Verse 5]
In eighteen thirty, counsel came:
The sisters teach and testify
Expound the scriptures, strengthen faith
And help the gospel truths take root inside
[Chorus]
Let us give relief with open hands
Be a blessing where we can
Build the faith of those in grief
Bring the weak a sure relief
[Verse 6]
Renew the faith and hope of old
Let every lesson cleanse and mend
Refresh the heart, restore the soul
And help us rise and try again
[Bridge]
Dear sisters, step with faith and strength
Declare the truth with courage clear
Join the angels’ song of praise
And live the witness we were given here
[Final Chorus]
Let us give relief with open hands
Be a refuge where we can
Rescue daughters, lift them home
Let no one face the road alone
[Outro]
Deep within, the promise lives
God gives love and wisdom still
May our service bless anew
May we answer to His will
Barbara Thompson
General Relief Society
Now Let Us Rejoice
September 2008, 114
Barbara Thompson
General Relief Society
Now Let Us Rejoice
September 2008, 114
