Recently I have been pondering about how many relationships that are developed in our life time. Here on earth our very first relationship begins as an infant with our parents and our siblings (our families). What a wonderful blessing we ALL have been given from our wise Heavenly Father to be placed together in the families we have. As our progression continues and we get older we form many different relationships through our school career and being members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and in our communities, we are able to learn more about developing relationships with our fellowmen.
Elder Douglas D. Holmes stated that relationships are the first principle of our gospel. They are a natural part of our church we sometimes forget the importance of relationships in our ongoing journey to Christ. We are not expected to find or walk the covenant path alone. We need love and support from parents, other family members, friends, and leaders who are also walking that same path. In these relationships we should take time to be together. Time to appreciate each other’s interests and challenges. Time to be open and honest with each other as we strive to be better together. They are the foundation for effective ministering.
Elder Dale G. Renlund gave us the key to developing these relationships when he said: “To effectively serve others we must see them … through Heavenly Father’s eyes. Only then can we begin to comprehend the true worth of a soul. One of my favorite relationships that I have been studying was the prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. These two brothers had a bond that was so rich in love for one another. The support that Hyrum gave to his little brother Joesph is truly remarkable.
President M. Russell Ballard spoke about the unity that the Smith family had and the strength that they all experienced in their relationships as a family unit. Because their family relationships were united, they survived challenges together faced the daunting task of starting over again on a hundred-acre tract of land in Manchester.
Joseph and Hyrum faced mobs and persecution together. It’s interesting to me that Hyrum was told by the Lord that he could escape if he so chose. I feel through the spirit the love that they had for one another. I think it is one of the most sacred and tender relationships that I know of. The tears that must have been in both their eyes when Joseph told Hyrum to leave and take his family to Cincinnati then Hyrum being the big brother that he was told Joseph that he could not leave him. This to me is a relationship that I hope that I can learn from and then put into action and develop and nurture relationships with my brothers and sisters in the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Stefanie Thomson