Compassionate service is one of the key roles that the Relief Society has in each ward. The Relief Society is there to step in as needed and to help those who are in need of help in times of trial and sickness. At times these acts may be small and at other times the Relief Society may be called upon to perform service for much longer periods of time.
As you work to meet the needs of each situation it is important to take the time to plan out a positive solution. You should keep in mind the scope of the project. If it is driving someone to doctor’s appointments on a regular basis, then you may want to provide a sign up sheet to help spread out the responsibility. Similarly if you need to provide someone to sit at home with an ill person than you should provide a sign up sheet so that it is rotated through those who are available to serve.
It is also important to keep the lines of communication open, so that you can adjust as needed for the family’s needs. At times you may need to take in meals or provide people to help clean as well. It truly depends on what is needed for each situation. As sisters in the Relief Society, we may be waiting for someone to call and ask for the service, but there are times when we should pray and respond to promptings as well. I, personally, have been blessed by the gift of unexpected meals during difficult times. I would not have asked for a meal, but was greatly blessed to receive more than one.
It is also important that certain circumstances and conditions may require you to be discreet in your service to others. There may be the opportunity to serve, but the recipient does not want everyone to know about his or her current situation. This may happen during a miscarriage or other situation. Remember that some news is not yours to share, and the best thing is to simply keep the matter to yourself, unless you feel prompted to speak to the Relief Society president.
Related Articles:
Relief Society: Compassionate Service
Serving in the Relief Society: Compassionate Service Leader
The Blessings of Relief Society