Elder Ian S. Arden (Oct. '23): "Love Thy Neighbor

-

 It is impressive to consider the amazing work the Church carries out around the world to relieve suffering.  More impressive, to me though, can be the change that comes over us as we learn to love God and to love our fellow beings as He does.  

The Activity:

  1. Point out that when speaking of Christ's feelings when He witnesses suffering, Elder Arden uses the word compassion.  This word is among the most frequently used in the New Testament to describe how Christ felt towards others (see for example Matt. 9:36; Mark 1:41; Luke 7:13).
  2. Specifically, Elder Arden mentions two events from Christ's ministry that demonstrate His compassion (John 11:32-35 & III Ne. 17:5-9).
  3. Divide the class into small groups (4-5 people per group)
  4. Invite the groups to read aloud the two passages Elder Arden mentions and then to 1) identify other passages/stories where Christ shows compassion and 2) discuss how we can act compassionately in our own lives.
  5. Allow the groups time to talk
  6. When the discussions begin dwindling down, come back together as a class and share what was learned in the small groups.

Using the Activity:

I love that this activity asks us to consider the life of Christ for a very specific purpose and then to try and apply that in our own lives.  Having said that, depending on the class, it might be best to identify some other instances from the Savior's life yourself and share with the class members in place of asking them to identify stories on their own.  In either case, there is no burning need to require them to identify the specific scriptural verses. The important thing is to consider the example of our Savior and then try to consider how we could emulate His example in our own life.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope you find it helpful. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (Apr. '23): "Hosanna to the Most High God"

-
 Like Elder Stevenson's talk, a quick reading of this talk might appear as if the talk were really about a holiday (Palm Sunday in this case).  However, it is really about so much more.  This is a powerful talk on coming to Christ and being prepared for His coming. The Activity: Make sure that everyone has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Read par. 24-25 "We, like the . . . Father in Heaven." Discuss this passage briefly as a class. Point out that Elder Rasband mentions four ways to fill our lamps with oil. Divide the class into four groups and assign each group one of the doctrines that Elder Rasband discusses: Prophecy (par. 13-15:  "First, prophecy.  For . . . shall rise again.'") The Gift of the Holy Ghost (par. 16:  "Second, the companionship . . . of all things'") Discipleship (par. 17: "Third, discipleship.  True . . . cried, 'Crucify Him'") The Atonement (par. 18-19:  "Fourth, the Atone
Read more

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (Oct. '23): "More Than a Hero"

-
 This talk is custom made for today.  All around us we can see people who choose worldly heroes to focus on and follow with little, if any, thought given to Christ and Father.  The results are perilous to us and to society.  This talk in some aspects reminds me of some of Pres. Kimball's teachings ( here , for example).   The Activity: Draw a line down the middle of the board. Read par. 23 "For us on . . . Savior and Redeemer." Ask the class members to consider what would characterize too much trust placed in "the politician, the musician, the athlete, or the vlogger" or anyone. Invite them to share their ideas.  As they do, list them on one side of the board. Invite the class members to look over the list they have created and consider how they can either safeguard against these things or walk back from perilous positions. Allow a moment to think and then discuss. Point out that if this is too much attention placed on people, in what ways could we do the same t
Read more

Elder David A. Bednar (Apr. '23): "Abide in Me, and I in You; Therefore, Walk with Me"

-
 I have mentioned in other places in this blog that I am a newly called Elders Quorum president.  As such, this talk really struck home.  I feel woefully inadequate in fulfilling my calling.  This talk gave me comfort and confidence in moving forward.   The Activity: Explain Enoch's reaction to his calling and share your own experience with receiving a calling that overwhelmed you at first and/or invite some class members to share their experiences like this. Invite the class members to read paragraph 5 ("And the Lord . . . give thee utterance'") silently and ask them to identify 1) what God asks of Enoch and 2) what God promises Enoch.   Allow class members a moment to read the passage. Come back and discuss as a class what they found. Ask them to think about how these same commands and promises could apply to various callings (including those they currently have and/or those talked about at the beginning). Invite the class members to share experiences/testimonies
Read more