Elder Neil L. Andersen (Apr. '22): "Following Jesus: Being a Peacemaker"

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 Our world today seems to celebrate shouting and contention-- drama, it is called.  As Satan wields more influence in the world, contention, the fruit of following him, will become the norm.  We, as followers of Christ, must become the outliers, the light on the hill, by being peacemakers.

The Activity:

  1. Make sure everyone has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically.
  2. Divide the class members into 5 groups.
  3. Give each group one of the following quotes:
    1. Par. 9 "How does a . . . anger or malice."
    2. Par. 13 "As Jesus taught . . . be our enemies."
    3. Par. 14 "Peacemakers are not . . . the Savior's Way."
    4. Par. 34 "There are times . . . dignity, remain quiet."
    5. Par. 43 "Then, we read . . . Apostles about love."
  4. Ask the groups to read and discuss their quote.  They might address/consider the following ideas in their discussions:
    1. Times in Christ's life where he exemplified the practice described.
    2. Other times in scripture and/or Church history where His followers exemplified the practice described.
    3. Their own experiences of being peacemakers in the way described.
    4. How they might make the practice described a more integral part of their lives.
  5. After a few minutes, have the groups come back together and invite each group to share the things they talked about.

Using the Activity:

This is another case of increasing participation by decreasing the amount of people involved in any single discussion.  Also, this activity invites the Spirit as the class members seriously ponder on and share ideas about the words of an apostle.  

As always, thank you for visiting my blog.  May God bless you in your efforts to teach with power and authority.  

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