Welfare

Each member of the Church has two basic welfare
responsibilities: to become self-reliant and to care for the
poor and the needy.
Parents have a sacred responsibility to look after the
physical and spiritual welfare of their children. As children
grow older, they become more responsible for their own
welfare. Parents should teach them basic principles of welfare,
helping them prepare to be self-reliant and provide for
their own families in the future. Parents can also give children
opportunities to help care for the poor and the needy.
If you are an adult member of the Church, all of the following
counsel applies directly to you. If you are a young
man or woman, much of this counsel applies to you as well,
even if you still depend largely on your parents.
Becoming Self-Reliant
The responsibility for your social, emotional, spiritual,
physical, and economic well-being rests first on yourself, second
on your family, and third on the Church. Under the
inspiration of the Lord and through your own labors, you
should supply yourself and your family with the spiritual
and temporal necessities of life.
You are better able to take care of yourself and your family
when you are self-reliant. You are prepared to endure times of
adversity without becoming dependent on others.
You can become self-reliant by (1) taking advantage of
educational opportunities; (2) practicing sound principles of
nutrition and hygiene; (3) preparing for and obtaining suitable
employment; (4) storing a supply of food and clothing to
the extent the law allows; (5) managing your resources wisely,
including paying tithes and offerings and avoiding debt;
and (6) developing spiritual, emotional, and social strength.
In order to become self-reliant, you must be willing to work.
The Lord has commanded us to work (see Genesis 3:19; D&C
42:42). Honorable work is a basic source of happiness, selfworth,
and prosperity.
If you are ever temporarily unable to meet your basic
needs through your own efforts or the support of family
members, the Church may be able to help you. In these situations,
the Church often provides life-sustaining resources to
help you and your family become self-reliant again.
Caring for the Poor and the Needy
The Lord has always commanded His people to care for
the poor and the needy. He said, “Ye must visit the poor and
the needy and administer to their relief” (D&C 44:6). He also
commanded, “Remember in all things the poor and the
needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these
things, the same is not my disciple” (D&C 52:40).
You can care for the poor and the needy in many ways.
One important way is through fasting and contributing fast
offerings, which the bishop or branch president uses to assist
ward or branch members who suffer from poverty, illness, or
other hardships. You can also give of your time and share
your talents. You can serve the homeless, the disabled, widows,
and others in your neighborhood and community.
In addition to giving local and individual care for those
in need, the Church reaches out worldwide to people, no
matter their faith, who suffer the effects of natural disasters,
poverty, disease, and other crises. The Church provides lifesustaining
resources to help families and individuals recover
and work toward self-reliance. Donations to the Church’s
Perpetual Education Fund provide the means for disadvantaged
Latter-day Saints to further their education. Churchservice
missionaries volunteer their time and resources to
improve literacy, promote health, and provide training.
Additional references: James 1:27; Jacob 2:17–19; D&C 42:31; 104:15–18
See also Fasting and Fast Offerings; Service