Women have full equality with men before the Lord. By nature, the

James E. Faust, a voice of faith and reverence, once declared: “Women have full equality with men before the Lord. By nature, the roles of women differ from those of men. This knowledge has come to us with the Restoration of the gospel in the fullness of times, with an acknowledgment that women are endowed with the great responsibilities of motherhood and nurturing.” In this statement he wove together the eternal truth of divine equality with the recognition of sacred difference. He reminded us that before the eyes of heaven, all souls are equal, yet their paths of service are distinct, each bearing responsibilities that are neither lesser nor greater, but complementary.

The ancients, too, bore witness to this truth. In the myths of Greece, Hera and Zeus shared rule over Olympus, not in sameness, but in balance—one guiding with thunder, the other with the unseen threads of family and fidelity. In the scriptures, we read of Deborah, who judged Israel with wisdom and courage, and of Mary, whose quiet obedience ushered in salvation itself. These examples remind us that equality does not erase difference, and difference does not diminish worth. Rather, each soul is endowed with gifts that together form the harmony of creation.

Faust’s words draw their origin from the Restoration of the gospel, a teaching that emphasizes the eternal worth of every child of God. He speaks of the divine responsibility entrusted to women: motherhood and nurturing. These are not small tasks, but mighty callings, for through them nations are shaped and souls are raised toward light. The mother who guides her child in truth performs a work as grand as any king or prophet. The nurturer who heals, who comforts, who strengthens, stands as a pillar in the house of humanity. In honoring these responsibilities, Faust reminds us, we acknowledge the sacred design of God.

Consider the life of Florence Nightingale, who in the darkness of war brought light to the wounded. She was not armed with sword or shield, yet by the power of nurturing, she changed the destiny of countless lives and laid the foundation of modern nursing. Her work was not lesser than that of generals—it was a different kind of greatness, born of compassion and sacrifice. Here we see what Faust proclaimed: the divine responsibilities of women, though different in nature, are equal in weight and glory before the Lord.

Yet the message is not only for women. For men, too, are called to honor, uplift, and support the sacred gifts entrusted to their sisters, wives, daughters, and mothers. To recognize equality before the Lord is to stand as partners, not rivals; as co-builders of the kingdom, not as divided roles competing for dominance. When men and women honor their divine callings together, the work of God moves forward in strength, for balance and harmony create the foundation upon which all lasting things are built.

The lesson, then, is profound: do not measure greatness by sameness. Do not despise the roles of nurturing, teaching, and guiding as though they were lesser than leading, building, or fighting. Each role has its weight; each responsibility carries eternal worth. To live well is to discover the gifts God has given you, to honor them fully, and to respect the gifts given to others. In this recognition, families grow strong, societies endure, and the purposes of heaven are fulfilled on earth.

Practical actions flow from this wisdom. Honor the mothers and nurturers in your life—not only in word but in deed. Support them in their labors, recognize their sacrifices, and learn from their example of compassion and resilience. For women themselves, embrace the truth that your gifts, though different, are equal before God; live them with courage, and do not let the world diminish their worth. And for all, seek to build harmony, remembering always that equality is not sameness, but shared value before the divine.

Thus, children of the future, remember James E. Faust’s teaching: before the Lord, men and women are equal, though their callings may differ. In this balance lies strength, in this harmony lies peace, and in this partnership lies the path to holiness. Walk in honor of your gifts, respect the gifts of others, and together you will build a life and a world worthy of heaven itself.