Study Guide for "One in Christ"

In his talk "One in Christ", Elder D. Todd Christofferson discusses the central theme of unity in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He explores the concept of unity from various perspectives, including unity within oneself, unity within our homes and families, unity within the Church, and ultimately unity with God. He emphasizes the importance of love, harmony, and Christ's teachings in achieving this unity. Elder Christofferson also shares historical and personal examples to illustrate his points.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does unity mean in the context of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
How can we achieve unity within ourselves and with others?
What role does Jesus Christ play in achieving unity?
What examples does Elder Christofferson use to illustrate his points about unity?
How does Elder Christofferson relate unity to the events of Holy Week and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?

Topics

Understanding the Importance of Unity in the Gospel

Elder Christofferson explores the recurring theme of unity in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He refers to various scriptures that emphasize the importance of unity among God's children and within the Church.

Becoming one is a recurring theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ and in God’s dealings with His children.

In our own dispensation, the Lord admonished, "I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine."

What does it mean to be "one" in the context of the gospel?
Why is unity important in our relationship with God and within the Church?
How can you contribute to unity within your family and your ward or branch?
What actions can you take to promote unity in your personal relationships?

Achieving Unity through Christ

Elder Christofferson explains that true unity can only be achieved through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the role of Christ's teachings and His Atonement in helping us achieve unity within ourselves and with others.

Only in Jesus Christ can we truly become one.

If individually we each "put on Christ," then together we can hope to become one, as Paul said, "the body of Christ."

How does "putting on Christ" contribute to achieving unity?
What role does Christ's Atonement play in achieving unity?
How can you "put on Christ" in your daily life?
What steps can you take to utilize Christ's Atonement in resolving conflicts and promoting unity?

Promoting Unity in the Body of Christ

Elder Christofferson discusses the importance of promoting unity within the Church, which he refers to as the body of Christ. He emphasizes the role of love and mutual respect in achieving this unity.

Unity with our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ grows as we heed the second commandment—inextricably connected to the first—to love others as ourselves.

We are different members of the body of Christ, fulfilling different functions at different times—the ear, the eye, the head, the hand, the feet—yet all of one body.

How does love contribute to unity within the Church?
What does it mean to be different members of the body of Christ?
How can you show love to others in your ward or branch to promote unity?
What unique role can you play in contributing to the unity of the body of Christ?

Overcoming Disputes and Differences

Elder Christofferson shares a historical example of overcoming disputes and achieving unity within the Church. He emphasizes that unity does not require sameness, but it does require harmony and the ability to resolve or lay aside differences.

When we "put on Christ," it becomes possible either to resolve or to lay aside differences, disagreements, and disputes.

Unity does not require sameness, but it does require harmony.

How can we overcome disputes and disagreements to achieve unity?
What does it mean that unity requires harmony, not sameness?
What steps can you take to resolve or lay aside differences with others in your life?
How can you promote harmony in your relationships and within your ward or branch?

The Resurrection of Christ and Unity

Elder Christofferson concludes his talk by connecting the Resurrection of Jesus Christ to the theme of unity. He emphasizes that through Christ's Resurrection, we can overcome all things and become one.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ bears witness that, bound to Him by covenant, we too may overcome all things and become one.

His Resurrection bears witness that through Him, immortality and eternal life are realities.

How does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ relate to the theme of unity?
What does it mean to overcome all things and become one through Christ's Resurrection?
How does your understanding of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ influence your efforts to achieve unity?
What does it mean for you personally to be bound to Christ by covenant and to overcome all things?