Emma Smith: An Elect Lady
- Amber Irwin
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 4
DOCTRINE & COVENANTS
DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 25:1-10
You are an elect child of God and He has a special work for you to do.
Seeking divine guidance for her life, the Lord outlined Emma Smith's calling in Section 25 of the Doctrine & Covenants. She was counseled to be an aid and comforter to her husband, to write, learn, expound scriptures, and select hymns. Emma was an active participant in the restoration, enduring years of trials and persecution at the side of her husband. Yet, she persevered and fulfilled all that was asked of her.
Gordon B. Hinckley explained, "...under the plan of the Lord women carry tremendous responsibilities and they are accountable for the fulfillment of those responsibilities." He continued, "Each of you is an elect lady. You have come out of the world as partakers of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You have made your election, and if you are living worthy of it, the Lord will honor you in it and magnify you" (Gordon B. Hinckley, If Thou Art Faithful General Women's Meeting, November 1984). Consider what work the Lord has for you. Ponder on ways you can prepare yourself to answer His call.
See also A Work for Me to Do by Julie B. Beck and Decision Making—The Lord’s Way by Steven C. Wheelwright.
DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 25:11-12
"...the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me"
Emma was entrusted to compile a book of hymns, so that the people may worship with song. Some may dismiss this task as trivial and not see the magnitude of influence that resided in this sacred calling. Russell M. Nelson taught, "Remember, music has power to provide spiritual nourishment. It has healing power. It has power to facilitate worship; it allows us to contemplate the Atonement and the Restoration of the gospel with its saving principles and exalting ordinances. Music provides power for us to express prayerful thoughts and bear testimony of sacred truths" (Russell M. Nelson, Power and Protection Provided by Worthy Music BYU Speeches, May 2008). What blessings have you received from incorporating spiritual music into your life?
Learn more about Why Emma Smith didn't let the destruction of her first hymn book stop her by Jennifer Reeder, excerpted from First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith.
DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 25:13-16
As I cleave to my covenants, I will receive joy.
The Lord said to Emma "...lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made." Barbara Thompson said, "As we have faith in Christ and cleave unto our covenants, we will receive the joy spoken of in the holy scriptures and promised by our latter-day prophets" (Barbara Thompson, Cleave unto the Covenants General Conference, October 2011). What blessings can we receive if we keep our covenants?
See also The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping by Linda K. Burton.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
What can you tell about the kind of person Emma was from the things she was asked to do?
What hymn has played a significant part in building your testimony?
How has being a covenant keeper brought you joy?
OTHER STUDY RESOURCES
Valeen Tippetts Avery and Linda King Newell, The Elect Lady: Emma Hale Smith Ensign, September 1979.
Gracia N. Jones, My Great-Great-Grandmother, Emma Hale Smith Ensign, August 1992.
Jennifer Reeder, I was an Active Participant: Emma Hale Smith and the Scriptures Ensign, March 2021.
Jennifer Reeder, Emma Protected Scripture Ensign, March 2021.
Jennifer Reeder, Emma Smith—Giving All That Is Required All In: An LDS Living Podcast | Episode 123, March 2021.
Jennifer Reeder, Understanding Emma Smith Latter-day Saint Women Podcast, May 2021.
PERSONAL STUDY IDEAS
Learn more about the influence of music.
Music Will Continue to Have an Important Role in Primary Primary General Presidency and Board, 2018.
ACTIVITIES
Share your favorite hymn.
Share your feelings about a particular hymn and how it has made a difference in your life.