Elder Ulisses Soares (Oct. '21): "The Savior's Abiding Compassion"

 I loved this talk for many reasons.  The first scripture story Elder Soares shares is my favorite story from the New Testament.  I find layers of meaning in it.  Also, I have always been impressed by the sheer number of times that compassion is used as a descriptor for Christ.  

The Activity:

1. Give everyone an index card and something to write with.  
2. Ask the class member to explain what they think it means when we say that Christ was/is compassionate.  Make a list of the responses on the board.
3. Read par. 6 ("The compassionate attitude . . . of our spirits").
4. Discuss this quote and talk about how we are to become like Christ in this aspect.  
5. Ask the class to silently consider those they know (family, friends, ministering families, co-workers, etc.) and to identify one or two people that need their compassion.
6. Ask them to write those names down along with how they can show compassion to these people.
7. Then, challenge the class members to go home and put that paper somewhere they can see it this week and follow up on what they wrote.
8. Read par. 11 ("My dear friends . . . 'hands . . . hang down'") or par. 18 ("My dear friends . . . a spring morning") and discuss the blessings of being more compassionate.

Using the Activity:

This activity includes two strategies that are gospel based.  First, the opportunity to ponder (step #5) is an eternal principle of revelation.  Then, this activity provides class members the opportunity to "liken" the talk to themselves (see I Ne. 19:23).  

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I pray that this idea will be useful to you in your efforts to teach with power and authority.