Building the Church through Friendship

Strengthening our relationships with others is a big part of living the gospel.

The third hour of my Sunday church block generally goes like this: I walk into Relief Society, grab my usual seat next to my roommates, and promptly leave as soon as the meeting ends. In other words, I’m in and out—no time for socializing. However, after the October 2017 general conference, I’m rethinking my actions.

In the talk “Turn On Your Light,” Sister Sharon Eubank shares a prophecy given by President Spencer W. Kimball in 1979: “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world . . . will be drawn to the Church in large numbers.” Sister Eubank then emphasizes that this growth will spring from the good relationships among women.

We can build up the Church by coming together—what a remarkable thought! But how can we unite and develop our friendships more? Sister Eubank summarizes President Kimball’s counsel:

1. Be righteous. We don’t have to be perfect, but we must strive to improve. According to Sister Eubank, “women who have repented change the course of history.”
2. Be articulate. We shouldn’t be afraid to share our feelings about Christ and the gospel.
3. Be different. We should be different in positive ways to help make the world a better place.
4. Be distinct. We must practice living the gospel, so that we may be “recognizably well defined.”
5. Be happy. We can seek happiness by following the gospel and lifting others’ burdens. As Sister Eubank says, “There is an energy that comes from happiness and optimism that doesn’t just bless us—it builds everyone around us.”

As we develop these characteristics, we will be able to help build each other and the Church. Sister Eubank quotes President Thomas S. Monson, who said, “My dear sisters, this is your day, this is your time.” It is our time—now—no matter who we are. Let’s spend it wisely and grow closer to others, both those who are members of the Church and those who aren’t.

 For more examples of how to help build the Church, read Sister Sharon Eubank’s full talk: “Turn On Your Light.” 

Source: LDS General Conference

—Bethany Patterson, Mormon Insights 

feature image by roberto nickson

Find more insights  

Learn more about the importance of unity by reading “Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” 

Watch a Bible video called “Unity of the Faith” to learn how faith brings us together.