Purpose
To help class members seek to be
filled with Christlike love for those they teach.
Note to the
Teacher
In the final hours of His mortal
ministry, Jesus taught and strengthened His Apostles (see John 13–17). As part
of these teachings, He commanded His disciples to love one another as He loved
them (see John 13:34; 15:12, 17). Their obedience to this commandment would
show that they truly were His disciples (see John 13:35). All they were to do, including their
commission to go forth and teach all nations, was to be done with love. In the
latter days, the Lord has taught us similarly: “No one can assist in this work
except he shall be humble and full of love” (D&C 12:8).
As you teach this lesson, help class
members understand how to be filled with Christlike love toward those they
teach. As class members follow the counsel in this lesson, they will teach more
effectively. They will also find more joy as teachers.
Preparation
1. 1.
Prayerfully
study the scripture passages in this lesson. Seek to apply them to the purpose
of the lesson. Become familiar enough with 3 Nephi 11–17 that you can briefly
relate the parts of the account that are outlined on page 195 of this book.
2. 2.
Study the section of this book titled “Love
Those You Teach”(pages 30–39).
3. 3.
If the
following materials are available, prepare to use them as part of the lesson:
1. a.
The pictures
Jesus Teaching in the Western Hemisphere (62380; Gospel Art Picture Kit 316);
Jesus Healing the Nephites (62541; Gospel Art Picture Kit 317); and Jesus
Blesses the Nephite Children (Gospel Art Picture Kit 322).
2. b.
“My Joy Is Full,” a four-minute segment of Book of Mormon Video
Presentations (53911).
4. 4.
Assign a class
member to prepare to talk briefly about how he or she has been influenced by
the love of a gospel teacher (such as a parent, a teacher in a Church classroom,
or a Church leader). Ask this class member to address the following questions
as part of the presentation:
How did you know that this person
loved you?
How did this person’s love affect
your feelings about learning the gospel?
5. 5.
A week or more in advance, arrange to have a soloist or a small
group of adults or children sing “Love
One Another” (Hymns, no.
308) at the end of class. If this is not possible, prepare to have class
members sing the hymn together.
Suggested Lesson
Development
Teachers with
Christlike love make a difference in the lives of those they teach.
Scripture
Account and Pictures
Display the picture of Jesus teaching
the Nephites. In your own words, briefly relate the account of the resurrected
Savior’s visit to the Nephites. Be sure to include the following:
The resurrected Savior appeared to
the Nephites in the land Bountiful. He invited them to come and feel His side
and the nail prints in His hands and feet. Then He taught them at length. After
teaching them, He urged them to go to their homes and ponder the things that He
had said. He was about to return to the Father when He saw them in tears,
desiring that He stay longer with them. (See 3 Nephi 11–16; 3 Nephi 17:1–5.)
Display the picture of Jesus healing
the Nephites. Then invite a class member to read 3 Nephi 17:6–10.
Chalkboard
After the class member has read the
passage, write on the chalkboard He did heal them every one.
Scripture
Account and Picture
In your own words, continue relating
the account. Be sure to say that after Jesus had healed the people, He asked
them to bring their little children to Him (see 3 Nephi 17:11–12).
Display the picture of Jesus blessing
the Nephite children. Then invite a class member to read 3 Nephi 17:21–25.
Chalkboard
After the class member has read the
passage, write on the chalkboard He took their little children, one by one, and blessed them.
Video
Presentation
If you are using the video
presentation “My Joy Is Full,” show it now.
Discussion
Ask class members to ponder the love
that the Savior showed toward the Nephites. Also invite them to think about
what the Nephites might have felt as Jesus ministered to them one by one.
·
•
In what ways
might a teacher’s Christlike love influence those who are being taught?
(Answers may include that a teacher’s Christlike love can invite the Spirit,
help people overcome fear, and lead people to be more receptive to the gospel.)
Quotation
Following a brief discussion of this
question, have a class member read the statement by the Prophet Joseph Smith on
page 30 of this book.
Class Member
Presentation
Ask the assigned class member to talk
about how he or she has been influenced by the love of a teacher.
Teacher
Presentation
Explain that this lesson includes
teachings from the scriptures that can help us be filled with Christlike love
for those we teach. It also includes a discussion on how our Christlike love
influences our service as teachers.
We can be filled
with Christlike love for those we teach.
Scriptures and
Notebook Activity
Invite different class members to
read the scripture passages listed below. After each passage is read, ask class
members to identify principles in the passage that can help them be filled with
Christlike love. Encourage class members to write in their notebooks any
thoughts they have as they participate in this discussion. Explain that they
will be given an opportunity to share these thoughts toward the end of class.
John 15:10 (Keeping
the commandments)
Ephesians 4:32 (Forgiving others)
Mosiah 2:17 (Serving)
Mosiah 4:11–12 (Repenting,
being humble, and exercising faith)
Alma 38:12 (Bridling
passions)
3 Nephi 11:29–30 (Ceasing
contention)
Moroni 7:48 (Praying
to be filled with the pure love of Christ)
Our Christlike
love for those we teach should be reflected in our preparation, our teaching,
and our everyday lives.
Notebook
Activity and Discussion
Point out that when we are filled
with Christlike love for those we teach, our love is reflected in our
preparation, our teaching, and our everyday lives. Then write the following on
the chalkboard. Ask class members to copy it in their notebooks.
Have class members think of specific
people whom they teach (such as family members, class members, or quorum
members). Then ask them to consider the following question, writing their ideas
under the appropriate headings in their notebooks:
·
•
What are some things you can do to show Christlike love for
these people? (Note that some ideas are listed in the following chart. Other
ideas are included in “Love
Softens Hearts,” “Understanding Those You Teach,” and “Reaching
Out to the One,” pages
31–36 in this book.)
Preparation
|
|
|
Pray
for them.
|
Greet
them warmly at the beginning of class.
|
Pray
for them.
|
Be
aware of their needs and interests.
|
Express
your love for them.
|
Be
friendly when you see them.
|
Be
well prepared to teach them.
|
Listen
attentively.
|
Be
aware of their activities and accomplishments.
|
|
Respond
respectfully as they participate in class.
|
Attend
activities in which they are participating.
|
|
Encourage
them to live the principles you teach.
|
Compliment
them when appropriate.
|
|
Compliment
them when appropriate.
|
Show
concern and give encouragement when they experience trials.
|
Invite class members to discuss some of the ideas that
they have written in their notebooks. Write their ideas on the chalkboard.
Conclusion
Summary and
Quotation
Briefly summarize the lesson, using
the following statement by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin:
“The compassion of Christlike friends
deeply touches and changes our lives. … Love is the very essence of the gospel
of Christ. In this Church, prayers for help are often answered by the Lord
through the simple, daily service of caring brothers and sisters. In the
goodness of genuine friends, I have seen the reflected mercy of the Lord
Himself” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 42; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 32).
Testimony
As prompted by the Spirit, bear your
testimony and express your love for class members.
Music
Have the assigned soloist or small
group sing “Love
One Another” (Hymns, no.
308). If this is not possible, invite class members to sing the hymn together.
Assignments
Encourage class members to:
1. 1.
Select at
least one idea from the notebook activity on page 196. Use this idea in a
teaching opportunity during the coming week. Write in their notebooks about the
results of this action.
2. 2.
Continue last week’s assignment to seek the guidance of the Spirit
in connection with an upcoming family home evening lesson, Church assignment,
or other opportunity to teach. Remember the Lord’s words: “The Spirit shall be
given unto you by the prayer of faith” (D&C 42:14). Write in their notebooks about their
experiences with this assignment. (As part of lesson 3, some class members will
be asked to report on these experiences.)
3. 3.
Review the principles taught in this lesson by studying the
section of this book titled “Love
Those You Teach”(pages 30–39).
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