How can you share what you have with widows, orphans, single mothers, and others in need?
"Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Independence, Missouri, April 30, 1832. This revelation was received as the Prophet sat in council with his brethren.
1–4, Women and children have claim upon their husbands and fathers for their support; 5–6, Widows and orphans have claim upon the Church for their support.
1 Verily, thus saith the Lord, in addition to the laws of the church concerning women and children, those who belong to the church, who have lost their husbands or fathers:
2 Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken; and if they are not found transgressors they shall have fellowship in the church.
3 And if they are not faithful they shall not have fellowship in the church; yet they may remain upon their inheritances according to the laws of the land.
4 All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age.
5 And after that, they have claim upon the church, or in other words upon the Lord’s storehouse, if their parents have not wherewith to give them inheritances.
6 And the storehouse shall be kept by the consecrations of the church; and widows and orphans shall be provided for, as also the poor. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants 83)
"9 Or, in other words, let my servant Newel K. Whitney and my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and my servant Sidney Rigdon sit in council with the saints which are in Zion;" (Doctrine and Covenants 78: 9)
"17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." (Isaiah 1: 17)
"27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1: 27)
And here's the commentary entitled: “Widows and orphans shall be provided for.” :
"In April 1832, as instructed by the Lord, Joseph Smith traveled nearly 800 miles to visit the Saints who had gathered in Missouri (see Doctrine and Covenants 78:9). While he was there, he visited a community where several widows were raising their children alone. Among them were Phebe Peck and Anna Rogers, whom the Prophet knew personally. In Missouri in the 1830s, state laws gave widows limited rights to their deceased husbands’ property. What do you learn from section 83 about how the Lord feels about widows and orphans? Do you know anyone in this situation who would benefit from your love or care? What are some ways you can share what you have with widows, orphans, single mothers, and others in need?
See also Isaiah 1:17; James 1:27."
From section 83, I learned that the Lord does care for the widows and orphans. He wants to provide what they need. They are not left out. Their rights are not limited. I was able to visit orphanages before. I would love to do it more often so many more children would benefit from my love and care. I know some single moms. Yes, I would love them to benefit from my love and care as well. My own presence is the best I can give to show my love and care. I'm doing what I can to be able to free up my time and energy and spend it more in service to those in need, and could benefit from my love and care.
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